On Saturday, December 16, 2023, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Minnesota Vikings, two teams that initially did not expect to be in contention, kicked off a full day of football at 1 p.m. ET. The game took place at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was broadcasted on the NFL Network, with additional follow-ups on the CBS Sports App. For those who prefer streaming, the game was available on fuboTV.

In the course of the match, the Bengals’ defensive capabilities were drastically affected due to injuries. Defensive tackle DJ Reader and rookie defensive back DJ Ivey, both key players, sustained knee injuries in the first half. DJ Ivey’s injury, notably, occurred during the second defensive play of the game, which started with a second-and-1 run by the Vikings running back Ty Chandler.

Despite the injuries, the Bengals put up a brave fight. There was a near-miss interception when Dax Hill, a Bengal player, cut in front of Vikings’ Justin Jefferson. Unfortunately, Hill could not hold onto the intercept, providing a lost opportunity for the Bengals.

The stakes for this game were high given both teams are making a late push for the playoffs. This game was pivotal in determining whose playoff path would be disrupted. With the outcomes influencing future best bets and props, the match was highly anticipated throughout the nation. Tune into NFL Network for full coverage. This clash was just one of three NFL games scheduled for that notable Saturday.