Week 15 of the NFL regular season included the first Saturday (December 16) games of the season, which served up two blowouts and one close call.

The Minnesota Vikings saw their lead evaporate after being up by 14 points going into the final quarter. The defensive line allowed three touchdowns by the offense of the Cincinnati Bengals in the final stanza and the two teams were locked at 24 points at the end of regulation and required overtime to decide the winner.

After the Bengals had to punt, the game was in the Vikings’ hands to win with a touchdown. Unfortunately their possession would end with a turnover on downs and the Bengals got a chance to put points on the board to win the game. After 6 plays and and 47 yards, the field goal from 29 yards sealed the game for the Bengals.

The Bengals are now 8-6 and third place in the AFC North.

The next game featured the Indianapolis Colts hosting the Pittsburg Steelers for what would be a blowout for the home team.

After the Colts missed a field goal that was followed by a Steeler touchdown, the home team was behind in the early going. However, two touchdowns in the second quarter meant the home team went into the locker room with a narrow 1-point lead.

The defense of the Colts would have their way with the Steelers offense and Pittsburg did not score again for the remainder of the game. The Colts added 16 points to their total in the second half and won the game 13-30. Quarterback Gardner Minshew threw for 215 yard and three touchdowns to lead his team to a comprehensive victory.

The Colts are now second in the AFC South and are in a difficult battle for a playoff berth.

Primetime Saturday featured the surging Denver Broncos riding into Detroit to take on the Lions.

Denver, despite having impressive defensive play in this recent run of good form, could not stave off the Lions’ offense and gave up three touchdowns before halftime. Conversely the Denver offense could not make any meaningful drives.

Denver would get going offensively but they could not get a defensive stop and the Lions kept putting points on the board. The top-of-the-division Lions kept running the ball down the field and made trips into the end zone with ease. The home team would win 17-42 and extended their lead at the top of the NFC North.

This loss put a dent in the Broncos’ playoff hopes as they now fall to 7-7 behind defending champions Kansas City Chiefs, who face relatively easy competition this week in the New England Patriots, and should extend their lead over Denver in the division.