Cincinnati Bengals Rout Minnesota Vikings To Clinch AFC North Title 42-14.

The Cincinnati Bengals defense rise up big time inside Paul Brown Stadium yesterday afternoon, as Andy Dalton threw for four touchdowns as Cincinnati not only clinch their third straight trip to the playoffs, but second AFC North title in five years with a dominant 42-14 over the Vikings, as the Bengals remain undefeated at PBS (7-0) with one more game to go.

The team scored 40 points for the fourth straight home game, as the Bengals found later last night that the Patriots romp the Ravens in Baltimore, helping Cincinnati clinch the division. A Bengals victory over the Ravens in the season finale at home, and a Patriots lost to the Bills, clinches a first round bye and the number two seed in the AFC playoffs.

Dalton was very “Good Andy” yesterday, connecting on 27 of 38 passes for 366 yards and a career high passer rating of 136.5. He became the fourth quarterback in NFL history to reach the playoffs in each of his first three seasons.

The defense had a field day against Matt Cassel and company, intercepting him three times, forced fumble, pick six. They also held running back Adrian Peterson to 46 yards rushing.

Right tackle Andre Smith left the game in the third quarter, after spraining his ankle. He did mention on twitter that he is fine and will be good to go for the Ravens game this Sunday. Linebacker Vontaze Burfict also departed from the game in the second half, after he took a hit to the head. Tight end Tyler Eifert did not return from the game, after suffering a “stinger” in the first half.

Plays:

1st quarter:

(CIN): B. Green Eills 1yd TD run ( 7-0)

(MIN): J. Wright 36 yd TD catch (7-7)

(CIN): A. Green 29 yd TD catch (14-7)

2nd quarter:

(CIN) V. Rey 25 yd interception return for TD (21-7)

(CIN) J. Gresham 16 yd TD catch (28-7)

3rd quarter:

(CIN) M. Sanu TD catch (35-7)

(CIN) A. Green TD catch (42-7)

(MIN) C. Patterson TD run (14-42)

Notes: Linebacker James Harrison was ruled out of the game yesterday afternoon with a concussion, giving Michael Boley his first start as a Bengal.