The season didn't go the way the 1985 Chicago Bears expected, but one Chicago player did stand above all others.

Walter Payton rushed for 180 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Bears to a 21-13 win over the '78 Pittsburgh Steelers in the season finale for both teams. The loss eliminated the Steelers, who fell to 8-7. The Bears won their final three games to finish 8-7 as well.

The star on this day was once again Payton, who was named the Super League's most valuable player after the game. Payton rushed for 2,125 yards and 14 touchdowns as he topped 150 yards eight times. He also had 581 yards receiving and two more scores.

As dominant at Payton was, however, the Bears' passing game struggled much of the season, especially during a season-killing three-game losing streak in the middle of the season. The Bears also lost three games by one point.

Willie Gault added a kickoff return touchdown for the Bears.