Bengals Clinch Division

The Cincinnati Bengals have shed their laughingstock image, winning their first division title since 1990 against a team that fits their former reputation.

Carson Palmer threw three touchdown passes in the first half and Deltha O’Neal had one of three interceptions to lead the Bengals to a 41-17 victory Sunday over the Detroit Lions.

“It’s a great accomplishment, and it’s one of the many goals we set out to do,” said Palmer, who has thrown 30 touchdown passes this season, breaking Ken Anderson’s team record set in 1981. “We still have two tough games left, and a chance to get a bye.”

Cincinnati (11-3) won its fourth straight game to claim the AFC North, adding to a sensational season after 14 straight years without a winning record.

“Even a garbage can gets a steak now and again,” said offensive tackle Willie Anderson, a Bengal since 1996.

The Bengals have a chance for their best record ever, having gone 12-4 in 1981 and 1988. They made the Super Bowl both years.

If they make it to the title game again, they’ll return to Detroit’s Ford Field.

“I’m happy and elated, but our biggest goal is to get back here,” Anderson said.

The reeling Lions (4-10) lost their fifth in a row, and seventh of eight since sharing the division lead.

“We are suffering,” said Detroit’s interim Coach Dick Jauron, who fell to 0-3.

The tone was set on the opening kickoff when Detroit’s R.W. McQuarters fumbled. By the end of the first quarter, the Bengals led, 17-0, after Palmer threw two touchdowns and they forced two turnovers.

“That’s what you fear against a team like that,” Jauron said.