CINCINNATI - Three seasons in the NFL, three times in the playoffs. Andy Dalton has done something special during his just-getting-started career. Now he gets another chance to win one when it matters most. Dalton threw four touchdown passes on Sunday, and linebacker Vincent Rey returned an interception 25 yards for a score and the Bengals had another big day at home, beating the Minnesota Vikings 42-14 on Sunday. A few minutes after their game ended, the Bengals (10-5) clinched a playoff berth when Miami lost at Buffalo 19-0. They later clinched the AFC North title when Baltimore lost at home to New England 41-7. Its Cincinnatis first division title since 2009 and the Bengals eighth overall in their 46 seasons. And it makes it 3 for 3 for Dalton, who will be in the spotlight more than anyone else at playoff time. Its the first time in their history that the Bengals have reached the playoffs in three straight seasons. "To be in the playoffs every year since Ive been here is huge," said Dalton, only the fifth quarterback in NFL history to make the playoffs in each of his first three seasons. "It gives you a chance to accomplish the ultimate goal." Something about Paul Brown Stadium brings out the best in Dalton and the Bengals, who are 7-0 at home. Theyve topped 40 points in each of their past four home games, a franchise first. Dalton has thrown for five, three, three and four TDs in those games. "He was really grooving out there today," said A.J. Green, who caught two of the touchdowns. "We got everybody involved today." The Vikings (4-10-1) had knocked off playoff contenders Chicago and Philadelphia in the past three weeks. Even with Adrian Peterson back from a foot injury, they couldnt keep up. The Vikings had allowed the second-most points in the league heading into the game. They gave up 40 for the third time this season. Two of Cincinnatis touchdowns came off their defence. "Turnovers definitely decided the game," said Peterson, who sat out the second half with the Vikings far behind. "We put them in a position to play the game the way they wanted to play. "Its tough getting behind the 8-ball like we did." Dalton has thrown 31 touchdown passes this season, one shy of Carson Palmers club record from 2005. Dalton replaced Palmer in the 2011 season and has led the Bengals surge. His biggest shortcoming: 0-2 with two poor showings in the playoffs. The Bengals havent won a playoff game since the 1990 season, tied for the seventh-longest stretch of futility in NFL history. Dalton had good conditions for throwing the ball — breezy with temperatures in the 50s. And the defence helped out, too. Dalton threw touchdown passes of 29 yards to Green and 16 yards to Jermaine Gresham as the Bengals pulled ahead 28-7 before halftime, the most points that Minnesota had allowed in an opening half. Two of Cincinnatis first three touchdowns came courtesy of the defence. Reys interception and touchdown return made it 21-7. Giovani Bernard pulled off the games flashiest play, turning a short pass into a 41-yard play in the third quarter by doing a complete spin to avoid a tackler, stiff-arming another and reaching the 7-yard line. Dalton passed to Mohamed Sanu for his third touchdown. Green made a one-hand grab of a 2-yard pass for another TD. Peterson returned after missing a game with a sprained right foot. He got the ball on Minnesotas first two plays and gained only 4 yards. On third down, Cassel was sacked on a blitz and fumbled. End Carlos Dunlap picked up the ball and returned it to the 4-yard line. Two plays and 12 seconds later, BenJarvus Green-Ellis ran it in for a 7-0 lead. Peterson was limited to 45 yards on 11 carries. Cassel was 13 of 27 for 114 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. The Vikings took advantage of Dre Kirkpatrick for their first touchdown — the cornerback played off Jarius Wright, went for a fake and stumbled, allowing the receiver to run past him for a 36-yard score. Notes: Pat Haden of the Rams, Dan Marino of the Dolphins, Bernie Kosar of the Browns and Joe Flacco of the Ravens are the other four QBs to lead their teams to the playoffs in each of their first three seasons. ... The Vikings were 0 for 9 on third down and 0 for 2 on fourth down. ... Minnesota managed only 209 total yards, its second-lowest total of the season. ... Bengals TE Tyler Eifert sat out the second half with a pinched nerve in his neck. Richard Hamilton Jersey .J. -- After getting permission from his 7-year-old daughter, New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl has retired after an 11-year career that included two Super Bowl championships. Tayshaun Prince Jersey . Mission accomplished. Now the Royals will take the field on Saturday with a World Series lead for the first time in team history when they play Game 4 of the Fall Classic against the Giants at AT&T Park. https://www.cheappistonsonline.com/616y-...ey-pistons.html. -- Caris LeVert had 14 points and a career-high 11 rebounds for his first career double-double, and No. Kent Benson Jersey . -- Arizona coach Sean Miller rose from his seat every time Roberto Nelson touched the ball and yelled "Shooter!" He could have been talking about his own team, too. Cliff Robinson Jersey . There, I saw a teenaged boy with tears in his eyes, being consoled by strength and conditioning coach Randy Lee.ALAMEDA, Calif. - The Oakland Raiders have promoted running back George Atkinson III from the practice squad and placed cornerback Carlos Rogers on season-ending injured reserve.Atkinson is the son of former hard-hitting Oakland defensive back George Atkinson Jr. He was added to the roster Saturday and will be eligible to play Sunday in St. Louis against thhe Rams as a returner and backup running back with Latavius Murray out with a concussion.ddddddddddddRogers has missed the past four weeks with a knee injury. He signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract in the off-season and will be eligible to be a free agent again next year.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL ' ' '