NFL Saturday Week 15: Bengals Vs. Vikings Score, Highlights, News, Inactives And Live Updates

Ja'Marr Chase wants to keep the Bengals in the playoff hunt. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

A full football Saturday begins with two teams that didn't expect to be in this position. The Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings are in the playoff hunt, but neither team can rest along the way.

After a slow start and an injury to Joe Burrow, the Bengals are 7-6 and need help if the team wants to make the playoffs. Jake Browning has performed admirably in Burrow's absence, but faces a difficult task in Week 15 against a resurgent Vikings defense.

On the other hand, Minnesota also relies on a different signal provider. Nick Mullens will get a starting opportunity after Joshua Dobbs struggled in Week 14. Mullens came off the bench to replace Dobbs and led the Vikings to a 3-0 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Now that he's been pushed into a starting position, Mullens has a lot more to show 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 Week 15 games.

Live21 updates

Sat Dec 16, 2023 at 7:06pm GMT
Mike Hilton! The Bengals CB intercepted a pass intended for Vikings WR Justin Jefferson in the red zone and delivered it to the Cincinnati 17.
Sat Dec 16, 2023 at 7:01pm GMT
The Vikings attempted a trick play at Cincinnati's 25, but it didn't work.
Sat Dec 16, 2023 at 6:51pm GMT
Ah, yikes. Jake Browning targeted wideout Charlie Jones for a deep touchdown pass that went just out of reach. Jones seemed unaware that he would be open as he began running his route and only accelerated when he realized the ball was coming.
Sat Dec 16, 2023 at 6:47pm GMT
The Bengals replaced Cody Ford for Cappa, who went to the blue tent.
Sat Dec 16, 2023 at 6:46pm GMT
As far as injuries go, things are taking a terrible turn for the Bengals. At the start of the second quarter, OL Alex Kappa limped off the field.
Sat Dec 16, 2023 at 6:44pm GMT
Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson gets a half sack with Germaine Pratt. Hendrickson has had two seasons with 14 or more sacks in his three years in Cincinnati. The Bengals get the ball back.
Sat Dec 16, 2023 at 6:37pm GMT
Another concern on the sidelines for the Bengals. In the final minutes of the first quarter, cornerback DJ Ivey went down after a hard cut. Had to be transported away.
Sat Dec 16, 2023 at 6:36 pm GMT
Browning went 3-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.
Sat Dec 16, 2023 at 6:30pm GMT
Sat Dec 16, 2023 at 6:29 pm GMT
Both opening balls are completed, the Vikings lead 7-3.
Sat Dec 16, 2023 at 6:29 pm GMT
The Nick Mullens era in Minnesota has also started well! After the Vikings reached the Bengals' 1-yard line on a quasi-tush push, it was Ty Chandler for the touchdown.
Sat Dec 16, 2023 at 6:26 pm GMT
Reeder, a key part of the Bengals' run defense, is dealing with a knee injury. It looked like he was at the bottom of the pile.
Sat Dec 16, 2023 at 6:21 pm GMT
Bengals DE DJ Reeder suffered an injury and had to be carried off the field. Within minutes, the team declared him OUT for the remainder of the game.
Sat Dec 16, 2023 at 6:16pm GMT
A 65-yarder from Evan McPherson gave the Bengals a 3-0 lead on the first possession of the game.
Sat Dec 16, 2023 at 6:12pm GMT
Jake Browning leads the Bengals to a solid start. Chase Brown got a 13-yard reception to get the offense going. Browning followed with a dime to Ja'Marr Chase while taking a significant hit.
Sat Dec 16, 2023 at 5:36 pm GMT
NFL Playoffs Impact Today:
The Vikings (7-6) are currently in 6th place in the NFC. A win today would increase their lead over the five 6-7 teams directly below them.
On the other hand, the Bengals are one of six 7-6 AFC teams, and a third straight win today would make them serious playoff contenders.
Sat Dec 16, 2023 at 5:11 pm GMT
Justin Jefferson warms up in a Bayou Trio shirt with photos of 2019 LSU National Champions Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase and Joe Burrow. At least two of those three will play today.
— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) December 16, 2023
Sat Dec 16, 2023 at 5:10pm GMT
Sat Dec 16, 2023 at 5:07pm GMT
Sat Dec 16, 2023 at 4:41 pm GMT