The Colts emerged victorious in the battle between the league's best offense and its best defense with a fourth quarter comeback, winning by a score of 31–16.
[1] Tragedy struck on October 11 as commissioner Bert Bell suffered a fatal heart attack at Philadelphia's Franklin Field while watching the Eagles host the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He died at age 65 at the nearby university hospital;[2] league treasurer Austin Gunsel was named interim commissioner for the rest of the season.
[6] The best completion percentage in the league (58.64%) was posted by Milt Plum of the Browns, who narrowly edged out Bill Wade of the Los Angeles Rams (58.62%).
Three players tied with 7 interceptions during the 12-game season — Dean Derby of the Steelers and a pair of Colts, defensive halfback (cornerback) Milt Davis and linebacker Don Shinnick.
In the Western Division, the San Francisco 49ers, who had come close (1952, 1953, 1954, and 1957) 4 times since joining the NFL, were 6–1 and had a two-game lead over their closest rival, the 4–3 Colts.