A full Saturday of football begins with two teams that didn't expect to be in this position. The Cincinnati Bengals and the Minnesota Vikings are in the playoff hunt, but neither team can rest down the stretch.
After a slow start, and an injury to Joe Burrow, the Bengals find themselves 7-6, and in need of help if the team wants to make the playoffs. Jake Browning has performed admirably in Burrow's absence, but faces a tough task against a resurgent Vikings defense in Week 15.
On the other side, Minnesota is also relying on a different signal caller. Nick Mullens will get a shot to start after Joshua Dobbs struggled in Week 14. Mullens came on in relief of Dobbs and led the Vikings to a 3-0 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Now that he's been pushed into a starting position, Mullens will need to show a lot more if the Vikings hope to retain a playoff spot in the NFC.
Follow along as Yahoo Sports provides the latest news, scores and injuries during Saturday's games in Week 15.
Scratch that, catch was ruled incomplete. Bengals don't get a chance to answer as time runs out in the half.
The wild pick is followed by an even wilder catch. Browning throws a 40-yarder to Tee Higgins, who was covered. He won the battle over CB Mekhi Blackmon for the 50/50 ball.
But not Vikings ball for long! Bengals DE BJ Hill notched an interception on a short pass up the middle, his second in two games.
Back-to-back games with an INT for @BJHill5!#ProBowlVote x BJ Hill pic.twitter.com/bPQDPsCsec
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 16, 2023
Browning was sacked by Danielle Hunter for the second time today. Two plays later, it's Vikings ball again.
Look out!!!@DHunt94_TX #ProBowlVote
📺: @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/gDEb41hR4j— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 16, 2023
Mike Hilton! The Bengals CB intercepted a pass intended for Vikings WR Justin Jefferson in the red zone, bringing it to Cincinnati's 17.
What we like to see 👏#ProBowlVote x Mike Hilton pic.twitter.com/SDXITDQNHf
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 16, 2023
Vikings tried a trick play at Cincinnati's 25 but it didn't pan out.
Ah, yikes. Jake Browning targeted wideout Charlie Jones for a deep touchdown pass that went just barely out of his reach. Jones didn't seem aware that he was going to be open when he started running his route, only speeding up when he realized the ball was coming.
Bengals sub Cody Ford for Cappa, who went to the blue tent.
Things are taking a terrible turn for the Bengals injury-wise. At the top of the second quarter, OL Alex Kappa limped off the field.
Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson gets a half sack with Germaine Pratt. Hendrickson has two seasons with 14 or more sacks in his three years in Cincinnati. Bengals get the ball back.
SACKED by Pratt & Hendrickson‼️ pic.twitter.com/JmZSWlBhl0
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 16, 2023
Concern on the sidelines for the Bengals again. In the final minutes of the first quarter, cornerback DJ Ivey went down after a hard cut. Had to be carted off.
Browning goes 3 and out on his second possession of the day. One of those attempts included a short pass up the middle intended for Higgins that was almost intercepted.
Spins and in!@Channdler_35 puts the #Vikings on the board early.
📺: @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/jxEg0xSYbD— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 16, 2023
Both opening possessions complete, the Vikings lead 7-3.
The Nick Mullens era in Minnesota is also off to good start! After the Vikings got inside the Bengals' 1-yard line via a quasi-tush push, it was Ty Chandler for the touchdown.
Reeder, a key part of the Bengals' run defense, has a knee injury. Looked like he was at the bottom of the pile.
Bengals DE DJ Reeder sustained an injury and had to be carted off the field. Within minutes, the team declared him as OUT for the remainder of the game.
With a 65-yarder from Evan McPherson, the Bengals take a 3-0 lead after the first possession of the game.
Jake Browning is leading the Bengals to a solid start. Chase Brown got a 13-yard reception to get things going on offense. Browning followed up with a dime to Ja'Marr Chase while taking a substantial hit.
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