# 1986 Pittsburgh Steelers season

The 1986 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise’s 54th season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League. The Steelers failed to improve upon their 7–9 record from 1985: they instead finished 6–10 and failed to reach the playoffs for a second consecutive season.

## Offseason
### NFL draft

1986 Pittsburgh Steelers draft :
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
| 1 | 9 | John Rienstra | Guard | Temple |
| 2 | 36 | Gerald Williams | Guard | Auburn |
| 3 | 67 | Bubby Brister | Quarterback | Northeast Louisiana |
| 4 | 94 | Bill Callahan | Safety | Pittsburgh |
| 5 | 122 | Erroll Tucker | Cornerback | Utah |
| 5 | 135 | Brent Jones * | Tight end | Santa Clara |
| 6 | 148 | Domingo Bryant | Safety | Texas A&M |
| 7 | 175 | Rodney Carter | Running back | Purdue |
| 8 | 207 | Cap Boso | Tight end | Illinois |
| 9 | 234 | Anthony Henton | Linebacker | Troy State |
| 10 | 260 | Warren Seitz | Wide receiver | Missouri |
| 11 | 287 | Larry Station | Linebacker | Iowa |
| 12 | 314 | Mike Williams | Linebacker | Tulsa |
| Made roster * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career ||||||

### Undrafted free agents

1986 Undrafted Free Agents of note :
| Player | Position | College |
| Andrew Baker | Wide receiver | Rutgers |
| Gary Barber | Linebacker | Youngstown State |
| Brian Blankenship | Guard | Nebraska |
| Eric Wycoff | Running back | Illinois |

## Preseason
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Game site | Kickoff (ET) | TV | Result | Record |
| 1 | Saturday, August 9 | Chicago Bears | Three Rivers Stadium | 7:00 p.m. | WTAE | L 23–13 | 0–1 |
| 2 | Friday, August 15 | at Washington Redskins | RFK Stadium | 8:00 p.m. | WTAE | L 27–24 (OT) | 0–2 |
| 3 | Friday, August 22 | at Dallas Cowboys | Texas Stadium | 9:00 p.m. | WTAE | W 41–28 | 1–2 |
| 4 | Saturday, August 30 | at New York Giants | Giants Stadium | 8:00 p.m. | WTAE | L 17–3 | 1–3 |

## Regular season
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Game site | Kickoff (ET) | TV | Result | Record |
| 1 | Sunday, September 7 | at Seattle Seahawks | Kingdome | 4:00 p.m. | NBC | L 30–0 | 0–1 |
| 2 | Monday, September 15 | Denver Broncos | Three Rivers Stadium | 9:00 p.m. | ABC | L 21–10 | 0–2 |
| 3 | Sunday, September 21 | at Minnesota Vikings | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 1:00 p.m. | NBC | L 31–7 | 0–3 |
| 4 | Sunday, September 28 | at Houston Oilers | Astrodome | 1:00 p.m. | NBC | W 22–16 (OT) | 1–3 |
| 5 | Sunday, October 5 | Cleveland Browns | Three Rivers Stadium | 1:00 p.m. | NBC | L 27–24 | 1–4 |
| 6 | Monday, October 13 | at Cincinnati Bengals | Riverfront Stadium | 9:00 p.m. | ABC | L 24–22 | 1–5 |
| 7 | Sunday, October 19 | New England Patriots | Three Rivers Stadium | 1:00 p.m. | NBC | L 34–0 | 1–6 |
| 8 | Sunday, October 26 | Cincinnati Bengals | Three Rivers Stadium | 1:00 p.m. | NBC | W 30–9 | 2–6 |
| 9 | Sunday, November 2 | Green Bay Packers | Three Rivers Stadium | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | W 27–3 | 3–6 |
| 10 | Sunday, November 9 | at Buffalo Bills | Rich Stadium | 1:00 p.m. | NBC | L 16–12 | 3–7 |
| 11 | Sunday, November 16 | Houston Oilers | Three Rivers Stadium | 1:00 p.m. | NBC | W 21–10 | 4–7 |
| 12 | Sunday, November 23 | at Cleveland Browns | Cleveland Municipal Stadium | 1:00 p.m. | NBC | L 37–31 (OT) | 4–8 |
| 13 | Sunday, November 30 | at Chicago Bears | Soldier Field | 1:00 p.m. | NBC | L 13–10 (OT) | 4–9 |
| 14 | Sunday, December 7 | Detroit Lions | Three Rivers Stadium | 1:00 p.m. | CBS | W 27–17 | 5–9 |
| 15 | Saturday, December 13 | at New York Jets | Giants Stadium | 12:30 p.m. | NBC | W 45–24 | 6–9 |
| 16 | Sunday, December 21 | Kansas City Chiefs | Three Rivers Stadium | 1:00 p.m. | NBC | L 24–19 | 6–10 |

### Week 1: at Seattle Seahawks

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Steelers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seahawks | 0 | 6 | 10 | 14 | 30 |
at Kingdome, Seattle, Washington
* Date: September 7, 1986
* Game time: 4:00 PM EDT
* Game weather: Dome
* Game attendance: 61,461
* Referee: Jerry Seeman
* TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond (play by play), Dave Rowe (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Steelers | Seahawks |
| 2 | | | | | Seahawks | Daryl Turner 4-yard touchdown reception from Dave Krieg, Norm Johnson kick no good | 0 | 6 |
| 3 | | | | | Seahawks | Interception returned 18 yards for touchdown by Dave Brown, Norm Johnson kick good | 0 | 13 |
| 3 | | | | | Seahawks | 24-yard field goal by Norm Johnson | 0 | 16 |
| 4 | | | | | Seahawks | Steve Largent 10-yard touchdown reception from Dave Krieg, Norm Johnson kick good | 0 | 23 |
| 4 | | | | | Seahawks | Randall Morris 49-yard touchdown run, Norm Johnson kick good | 0 | 30 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 0 | 30 |

### Week 2 vs. Denver Broncos

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Broncos | 0 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 21 |
| Steelers | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 10 |
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Date: September 15, 1986
* Game time: 9:00 PM EDT
* Game weather: 64 °F (17.8 °C), wind 7 miles per hour (11 km/h; 6.1 kn)
* Game attendance: 57,305
* Referee: Bob McElwee
* TV announcers (ABC): Al Michaels (play by play), Frank Gifford (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Broncos | Steelers |
| 2 | | | | | Broncos | Steve Watson 21-yard touchdown reception from John Elway, Rich Karlis kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | 42-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 7 | 3 |
| 3 | | | | | Broncos | Steve Sewell 34-yard touchdown reception from John Elway, Rich Karlis kick good | 14 | 3 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | Rich Erenberg 7-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 14 | 10 |
| 4 | | | | | Broncos | Sammy Winder 13-yard touchdown reception from John Elway, Rich Karlis kick good | 21 | 10 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 21 | 10 |

### Week 3: at Minnesota Vikings

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Steelers | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Vikings | 14 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 31 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: September 21, 1986
* Game time: 1:00 PM EDT
* Game weather: Dome
* Game attendance: 56,795
* Referee: Ben Dreith
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play by play), Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Steelers | Vikings |
| 1 | | | | | Vikings | Hassan Jones 55-yard touchdown reception from Tommy Kramer, Chuck Nelson kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | | | | | Steelers | Walter Abercrombie 18-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 1 | | | | | Vikings | Hassan Jones 16-yard touchdown reception from Tommy Kramer, Chuck Nelson kick good | 7 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | Vikings | 48-yard field goal by Chuck Nelson | 7 | 17 |
| 3 | | | | | Vikings | Allen Rice 12-yard touchdown run, Chuck Nelson kick good | 7 | 24 |
| 4 | | | | | Vikings | Jim Gustafson 9-yard touchdown reception from Tommy Kramer, Chuck Nelson kick good | 7 | 31 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 7 | 31 |

### Week 4: at Houston Oilers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Steelers | 0 | 3 | 10 | 3 | 6 | 22 |
| Oilers | 3 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 16 |
at Astrodome, Houston, Texas
* Date: September 28, 1986
* Game time: 1:00 PM EDT
* Game weather: Dome
* Game attendance: 42,001
* Referee: Gordon McCarter
* TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond (play by play), Sam Rutigliano (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Steelers | Oilers |
| 1 | | | | | Oilers | 45-yard field goal by Tony Zendejas | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | 42-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 3 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Oilers | Ernest Givins 35-yard touchdown reception from Warren Moon, Tony Zendejas kick good | 3 | 10 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | Calvin Sweeney 19-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 10 | 10 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | 45-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 13 | 10 |
| 4 | | | | | Oilers | 29-yard field goal by Tony Zendejas | 13 | 13 |
| 4 | | | | | Oilers | 28-yard field goal by Tony Zendejas | 13 | 16 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | 23-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 16 | 16 |
| 5 | | | | | Steelers | Walter Abercrombie 3-yard touchdown run, 2-point {{{2pt type}}} {{{2pt result}}} | 16 | 22 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 22 | 16 |

### Week 5: vs. Cleveland Browns

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Browns | 10 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 27 |
| Steelers | 0 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 24 |
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Date: October 5, 1986
* Game time: 1:00 PM EDT
* Game weather: 61 °F (16.1 °C), wind 17 miles per hour (27 km/h; 15 kn)
* Game attendance: 57,327
* Referee: Dick Jorgensen
* TV announcers: Charlie Jones (play by play), Jimmy Cefalo (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Browns | Steelers |
| 1 | | | | | Browns | Webster Slaughter 15-yard touchdown reception from Bernie Kosar, Matt Bahr kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 1 | | | | | Browns | 22-yard field goal by Matt Bahr | 10 | 0 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Mark Malone 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 10 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Rich Erenberg 5-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 10 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | Browns | Gerald McNeil 100-yard kickoff return for touchdown | 17 | 14 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | Louis Lipps 6-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 17 | 20 |
| 3 | | | | | Browns | 39-yard field goal by Matt Bahr | 20 | 20 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | 45-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 20 | 23 |
| 4 | | | | | Browns | Earnest Byner 4-yard touchdown run, Matt Bahr kick good | 27 | 23 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 27 | 23 |
This was Cleveland’s first win in Pittsburgh since 1969.

### Week 6: at Cincinnati Bengals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Steelers | 7 | 2 | 10 | 3 | 22 |
| Bengals | 7 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 24 |
at Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
* Date: October 13, 1986
* Game time: 9:00 PM EDT
* Game weather: 59 °F (15 °C), wind 10 miles per hour (16 km/h; 8.7 kn)
* Game attendance: 54,283
* Referee: Bob Frederic
* TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford (play by play), Lynn Swann (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Steelers | Bengals |
| 1 | | | | | Bengals | Rodney Holman 32-yard touchdown reception from Boomer Esiason, Jim Breech kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | | | | | Steelers | Bubby Brister 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Bengals | Tim McGee 7-yard touchdown reception from Boomer Esiason, Jim Breech kick good | 7 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Jeff Hayes forced out of end zone | 9 | 14 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | Earnest Jackson 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 16 | 14 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | 24-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 19 | 14 |
| 4 | | | | | Bengals | Jeff Hayes 61-yard run for touchdown off fake punt | 19 | 21 |
| 4 | | | | | Bengals | 40-yard field goal by Jim Breech | 19 | 24 |
| 4 | | | | | Bengals | 44-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 22 | 24 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 22 | 24 |

### Week 7: vs. New England Patriots

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Patriots | 10 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 34 |
| Steelers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Date: October 19, 1986
* Game time: 1:00 PM EDT
* Game weather: 43 °F (6.1 °C), wind 4 miles per hour (6.4 km/h; 3.5 kn)
* Game attendance: 54,743
* Referee: Pat Haggerty
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play by play), Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Patriots | Steelers |
| 1 | | | | | Patriots | 31-yard field goal by Tony Franklin | 3 | 0 |
| 1 | | | | | Patriots | Stephen Starring 43-yard touchdown reception from Steve Grogan, Tony Franklin kick good | 10 | 0 |
| 2 | | | | | Patriots | Interception returned 37 yards for touchdown by Fred Marion, Tony Franklin kick good | 17 | 0 |
| 2 | | | | | Patriots | Tony Collins 10-yard touchdown reception from Steve Grogan, Tony Franklin kick good | 24 | 0 |
| 3 | | | | | Patriots | Willie Scott 2-yard touchdown reception from Steve Grogan, Tony Franklin kick good | 31 | 0 |
| 4 | | | | | Patriots | 36-yard field goal by Tony Franklin | 34 | 0 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 34 | 0 |

### Week 8: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bengals | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 9 |
| Steelers | 3 | 14 | 6 | 7 | 30 |
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Date: October 26, 1986
* Game time: 1:00 PM EST
* Game weather: 55 °F (12.8 °C), wind 8 miles per hour (13 km/h; 7.0 kn)
* Game attendance: 50,815
* Referee: Jim Tunney
* TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond (play by play), Reggie Rucker (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Bengals | Steelers |
| 1 | | | | | Steelers | 31-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Rich Erenberg 10-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 0 | 10 |
| 2 | | | | | Bengals | 19-yard field goal by Jim Breech | 3 | 10 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Weegie Thompson 9-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 3 | 17 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | 43-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 3 | 20 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | 41-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 3 | 23 |
| 3 | | | | | Bengals | 40-yard field goal by Jim Breech | 6 | 23 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | Earnest Jackson 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 6 | 30 |
| 4 | | | | | Bengals | 31-yard field goal by Jim Breech | 9 | 30 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 9 | 30 |

### Week 9: vs. Green Bay Packers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Packers | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Steelers | 10 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 27 |
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Date: November 2, 1986
* Game time: 1:00 PM EST
* Game weather: 52 °F (11.1 °C), wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
* Game attendance: 52,831
* Referee: Chuck Heberling
* TV announcers (CBS): Jim Hill (play by play), Johnny Morris (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Packers | Steelers |
| 1 | | | | | Steelers | 25-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 0 | 3 |
| 1 | | | | | Steelers | Weegie Thompson 18-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 0 | 10 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | 40-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 0 | 13 |
| 2 | | | | | Packers | 34-yard field goal by Al Del Greco | 3 | 13 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | Weegie Thompson 9-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 3 | 20 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | Weegie Thompson 6-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 3 | 27 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 3 | 27 |

### Week 10: at Buffalo Bills

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Steelers | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 12 |
| Bills | 6 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 16 |
at Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
* Date: November 9, 1986
* Game time: 1:00 PM EST
* Game weather: 55 °F (12.8 °C), wind 27 miles per hour (43 km/h; 23 kn)
* Game attendance: 72,000
* Referee: Gordon McCarter
* TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph (play by play), Reggie Rucker (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Steelers | Bills |
| 1 | | | | | Bills | Andre Reed 3-yard touchdown reception from Jim Kelly, Scott Norwood kick no good | 0 | 6 |
| 2 | | | | | Bills | Rob Riddick 5-yard touchdown run, Scott Norwood kick good | 0 | 13 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | Earnest Jackson 5-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick no good | 6 | 13 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | Weegie Thompson 11-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick no good | 12 | 13 |
| 4 | | | | | Bills | 29-yard field goal by Scott Norwood | 12 | 16 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 12 | 16 |

### Week 11: vs. Houston Oilers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Oilers | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Steelers | 14 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Date: November 16, 1986
* Game time: 1:00 PM EST
* Game weather: 39 °F (3.9 °C), wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
* Game attendance: 49,724
* Referee: Red Cashion
* TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond (play by play), Reggie Rucker (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Oilers | Steelers |
| 1 | | | | | Steelers | Walter Abercrombie 8-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | | | | | Oilers | Ernest Givins 33-yard touchdown reception from Warren Moon, Tony Zendejas kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 1 | | | | | Steelers | Earnest Jackson 3-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 7 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Rich Erenberg 17-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 7 | 21 |
| 2 | | | | | Oilers | 44-yard field goal by Tony Zendejas | 10 | 21 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 10 | 21 |

### Week 12: at Cleveland Browns

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Steelers | 7 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 31 |
| Browns | 0 | 21 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 37 |
at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
* Date: November 23, 1986
* Game time: 1:00 PM EST
* Game weather: 40 °F (4.4 °C), wind 13 miles per hour (21 km/h; 11 kn)
* Game attendance: 76,452
* Referee: Pat Haggerty
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play by play), Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Steelers | Browns |
| 1 | | | | | Steelers | Walter Abercrombie 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 2 | | | | | Browns | Curtis Dickey 2-yard touchdown run, Matt Bahr kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 2 | | | | | Browns | Kevin Mack 1-yard touchdown run, Matt Bahr kick good | 7 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Walter Abercrombie 38-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 14 | 14 |
| 2 | | | | | Browns | Ozzie Newsome 20-yard touchdown reception from Bernie Kosar, Matt Bahr kick good | 14 | 21 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | Mark Malone 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 21 | 21 |
| 3 | | | | | Browns | Curtis Dickey 4-yard touchdown run, Matt Bahr kick good | 21 | 28 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | Mark Malone 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 28 | 28 |
| 4 | | | | | Browns | 25-yard field goal by Matt Bahr | 28 | 31 |
| 4 | | | | | Browns | 40-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 31 | 31 |
| OT | | | | | Browns | Webster Slaughter 36-yard touchdown reception from Bernie Kosar, kick good | 31 | 37 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 31 | 37 |

### Week 13: at Chicago Bears

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Steelers | 0 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Bears | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 13 |
at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
* Date: November 30, 1986
* Game time: 1:00 PM EST
* Game weather: 40 °F (4.4 °C), wind 19 miles per hour (31 km/h; 17 kn)
* Game attendance: 61,425
* Referee: Jerry Seeman
* TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play by play), Jimmy Cefalo (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Steelers | Bears |
| 1 | | | | | Bears | 39-yard field goal by Kevin Butler | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | 30-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 3 | 3 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | Preston Gothard 12-yard touchdown reception from Harry Newsome, Gary Anderson kick good | 10 | 3 |
| 4 | | | | | Bears | Walter Payton 3-yard touchdown run, Kevin Butler kick good | 10 | 10 |
| OT | | | | | Bears | 42-yard field goal by Kevin Butler | 10 | 13 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 10 | 13 |

### Week 14: vs. Detroit Lions

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Lions | 0 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
| Steelers | 3 | 7 | 14 | 3 | 27 |
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania''
* Date: December 7, 1986
* Game time: 1:00 PM EST
* Game weather: 40 °F (4.4 °C), wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
* Game attendance: 45,042
* Referee: Bob Frederic
* TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist (play by play), Dick Vermeil (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Lions | Steelers |
| 1 | | | | | Steelers | 26-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | Louis Lipps 12-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 0 | 10 |
| 2 | | | | | Lions | Garry James 60-yard touchdown run, Eddie Murray kick good | 7 | 10 |
| 2 | | | | | Lions | 30-yard field goal by Eddie Murray | 10 | 10 |
| 3 | | | | | Lions | Jeff Chadwick 1-yard touchdown reception from Joe Ferguson, Eddie Murray kick good | 17 | 10 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | Earnest Jackson 1-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 17 | 17 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | Louis Lipps 39-yard touchdown reception from Mark Malone, Gary Anderson kick good | 17 | 24 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | 28-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 17 | 27 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 17 | 27 |

### Week 15 at Jets

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Steelers | 0 | 17 | 0 | 28 | 45 |
| Jets | 0 | 14 | 3 | 7 | 24 |
at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: December 13, 1986
* Game time: 12:30 PM EST
* Game weather: Clear, 32 °F (0 °C)
* Game attendance: 58,044
* Referee: Dick Hantak
* TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg & Merlin Olsen
* Pro-Football-Reference.com, The Football Database
Game information :
First quarter
no scoring
Second quarter
PIT – Walter Abercrombie 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 12:10. Steelers 7–0. Drive:
NYJ – Jo-Jo Townsell 93-yard kickoff return (Pat Leahy kick), 11:54. Tie 7–7.
PIT – Gary Anderson 36-yard field goal, 9:07. Steelers 10–7. Drive:
PIT – Walter Abercrombie 7-yard pass from Mark Malone (Gary Anderson kick), 1:54. Steelers 17—7. Drive:
NYJ – Kurt Sohn 24-yard pass from Ken O'Brien (Pat Leahy kick), 0:14. Steelers 17–14. Drive:
Third quarter
NYJ – Pat Leahy 18-yard field goal, 9:04. Tie 17–17. Drive:
Fourth quarter
PIT – Mark Malone 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 11:11. Steelers 24–17. Drive:
PIT – John Stallworth 40-yard pass from Mark Malone (Gary Anderson kick), 7:48. Steelers 31–17. Drive:
PIT – Lupe Sanchez 67-yard interception return (Gary Anderson kick), 6:00. Steelers 38–17.
NYJ – Mickey Shuler 5-yard pass from Pat Ryan (Pat Leahy kick), 2:47. Steelers 38–24. Drive:
PIT – Walter Abercrombie 1-yard run (Gary Anderson kick), 0:37. Steelers 45–24. Drive:
Top passers
PIT – Mark Malone – 16/27, 189 yards, 2 TD, INT
NYJ – Ken O'Brien – 20/30, 197 yards, TD, 3 INT
Top rushers
PIT – Earnest Jackson – 23 rushes, 101 yards
NYJ – Freeman McNeil – 23 rushes, 137 yards
Top receivers
PIT – John Stallworth – 5 receptions, 94 yards, TD
NYJ – Mickey Shuler – 8 receptions, 69 yards, TD :

### Week 16: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chiefs | 7 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
| Steelers | 0 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 19 |
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania''
* Date: December 21, 1986
* Game time: 1:00 PM EST
* Game weather: 32 °F (0 °C), wind 7 miles per hour (11 km/h; 6.1 kn), wind chill 25 °F or −3.9 °C
* Game attendance: 47,150
* Referee: Gene Barth
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play by play), Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | Chiefs | Steelers |
| 1 | | | | | Chiefs | Deron Cherry recovered blocked punt in end zone for touchdown | 7 | 0 |
| 2 | | | | | Chiefs | 47-yard field goal by Nick Lowery | 10 | 0 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | 31-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 10 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Chiefs | Boyce Green 97 kickoff return for touchdown | 17 | 3 |
| 2 | | | | | Steelers | 31-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 17 | 6 |
| 2 | | | | | Chiefs | Lloyd Burruss 78 blocked field goal return for touchdown | 24 | 6 |
| 3 | | | | | Steelers | Mark Malone 9-yard touchdown run, Gary Anderson kick good | 24 | 13 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | 31-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 24 | 16 |
| 4 | | | | | Steelers | 26-yard field goal by Gary Anderson | 24 | 19 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 24 | 19 |

### Standings

AFC Central :
| viewtalkedit | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK |
| Cleveland Browns$^{(1)}$ | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 5–1 | 10–2 | 391 | 310 | W5 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 3–3 | 7–5 | 409 | 394 | W1 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 3–3 | 4–8 | 307 | 336 | L1 |
| Houston Oilers | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 1–5 | 3–9 | 274 | 329 | W2 |