The 1987 2. divisjon was a Norwegian second-tier football league season.
The bottom three teams inn both groups were relegated to the 3. divisjon.
The second-placed teams, Djerv 1919 and Lyn met HamKam in the promotion play-offs.
For the first time in Norwegian football, three rather than two points were given for wins.
This rule, suggested by Tom A. Schanke and appointed by the Norwegian Football Association in February 1987, was highly controversial and liquidated after the 1987 season.