The 1987 1. divisjon was the 43rd completed season of top division football in Norway.

For the first time in the Norwegian top flight, 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.

Moss FK, coached by Nils Arne Eggen, won the league for the first and, as of the 2024 season, last time.

The victory was not settled until the final round of the league, with Moss beating runners-up Molde FK (who would have grabbed the gold if they defeated Moss) 2-0 at away grounds.