| Dates: 7 September 2023 – 7 January 2024 |
| BBC protection: Take heed to stay commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports activities Further and the BBC Sport web site each Sunday. |
The Detroit Lions edged nearer to a primary NFL play-off place since 2016 with a 42-17 win over the Denver Broncos on Saturday.
Detroit quarterback Jared Goff threw for 5 touchdowns – three to rookie Sam LaPorta – to match his profession excessive.
They will safe a post-season spot if the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Seattle Seahawks on Monday.
The victory was a welcome return to kind for Goff and the Lions, who had misplaced two of their previous three video games.
They transfer to 10-4 for the season and have a transparent lead on the prime of the NFC North, whereas the Broncos fall to 7-7.
Goff, who accomplished 24 of 34 passes for 278 yards, related with LaPorta, rookie working again Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St Brown for touchdowns within the second quarter to place the Lions 21-0 forward at half-time.
Elsewhere, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts each got here from behind for wins which enhance their play-off hopes.
Evan McPherson kicked a 29-yard discipline purpose in extra time to present the Bengals a 27-24 conquer the Minnesota Vikings.
Cincinnati’s Jake Browning accomplished 29 of 42 passes for 324 yards, together with two landing passes to Tee Higgins, because the Bengals rallied from 17-3 down coming into the fourth quarter.
Minnesota’s defence had not allowed a landing in additional than 166 minutes, the longest span within the NFL this season, till Browning related with Higgins on a 13-yard landing cross on the primary play of the fourth quarter.
The consequence leaves the Bengals, who are actually 8-6, sixth within the chase for the seven AFC play-off locations whereas the Vikings (7-7) are ranked sixth within the NFC.
Gardner Minshew threw three landing passes to information the 8-6 Colts to a 30-13 success over the Pittsburgh Steelers and put them within the last AFC play-off spot. The Steelers, on 7-7, drop to tenth within the AFC standings.
