Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 or Nikon 24-85 f/3.5-4.5 VR ?

Yes in the sense of getting a shot of a static subject, no in that f2.8 is going to give you bokeh (and thus subject isolation) that, everything else being equal, f3.5 to f4.5 can't match.

Look, I'm not going to beat around the bush here; you get what you pay for. The Nikon 24-70 f2.8 is Nikon's best midrange zoom lens. Others have talked about color, sharpness, bokeh, but also add build quality, CA control, and lightning fast focusing.

You'll have that lens for years and if you decide to sell you'll get at least 80% of what you paid; pro glass holds its value much better than consumer lens and camera bodies.