Andy Dalton on Sunday threw three touchdown passes as the unbeaten Cincinnati Bengals won their sixth straight to match the team’s best start to a season with a 34-21 victory over the Buffalo Bills.
With star receiver A.J. Green covered much of the game, Dalton completed touchdown passes to Marvin Jones, Tyler Eifert and Jeremy Hill. Dalton finished 22 of 33 for 243 yards for Cincinnati, who were also 6-0 to start the 1975 and 1988 seasons.
The Bengals broke the game open by scoring 17 points on their first three second-half possessions to build a 34-14 lead.
Photo: AFP
The Bills (3-3) were undone by injuries and several penalties, which allowed the Bengals to enjoy an average drive start of midfield in the first half.
BRONCOS 26, BROWNS 23, OT
In Cleveland, Ohio, Peyton Manning shook off three interceptions and drove Denver in range for Brandon McManus’ 34-yard field goal with 4 minutes, 56 seconds left in overtime.
Photo: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY
Manning took the Broncos from their own 12 to Cleveland’s 16 before McManus kicked his game-winner to make Denver 6-0 for the seventh time in franchise history. The Broncos only rallied thanks to their top-ranked defense, which came up big in overtime.
After Manning’s third pick, Denver recorded two sacks to push the Browns (2-4) out of field-goal range.
PACKERS 27, CHARGERS 20
In Green Bay, Wisconsin, the Packers stopped San Diego on fourth-and-goal from the 3-yard line with 15 seconds left and overcame a career day by Philip Rivers to hold off the Chargers.
Rivers set career highs with 43 completions, 65 attempts and 503 yards passing. He threw for two touchdowns for the Chargers (2-4), but he needed one more completion.
Rookie cornerback Damarious Randall lunged to poke away Rivers’ short pass to Danny Woodhead near the front right pylon in the final seconds.
The fans inside Lambeau Field erupted with a collective sigh of relief. Green Bay (6-0) survived its biggest scare of the year to stay unbeaten.
The Packers started strong and finished barely in front. Running back James Starks had touchdowns on a 65-yard run and a 5-yard pass in the first quarter.
STEELERS 25, CARDINALS 13
In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Landry Jones threw two touchdown passes to Martavis Bryant in relief of Michael Vick as Pittsburgh rallied for the win.
Vick left in the third quarter with a hamstring injury and Pittsburgh’s offense took off when Jones took over. Jones hit Bryant for an 8-yard score to give the Steelers (4-2) the lead. Jones later hooked up with Bryant for an 88-yard strike.
Jones completed eight of 12 passes for 168 yards and the two scores. Bryant caught six passes for 137 yards in his first action of the season.
Carson Palmer threw for 421 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. John Brown caught 10 balls for 196 yards for the Cardinals (4-2).
LIONS 37, BEARS 34, OT
In Detroit, Michigan, Matt Prater kicked a 27-yard field goal with 2 minutes, 29 seconds left in overtime as Detroit won for the first time this season.
Matthew Stafford heaved a 57-yard pass to Calvin Johnson to set up the kick for the Lions (1-5). Johnson finished with six receptions for 166 yards.
The Bears (2-4) had chances for a third straight comeback win.
Chicago’s Robbie Gould kicked a 29-yard field goal as time expired in regulation. The tying score was set up by Darius Slay getting called for interference after Jay Cutler’s 25 and 24-yard passes to Alshon Jeffery.
PANTHERS 27, SEAHAWKS 23
In Seattle, Cam Newton threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Greg Olsen with 32 seconds left as Carolina remained unbeaten, rallying for a stunning win over Seattle.
Newton led the Panthers (5-0) to touchdowns on their final two possessions after trailing 23-14, the sec ond straight week the Seahawks collapsed in the fourth quarter. Newton found Olsen wide open down the seam as All-Pros Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman looked at each other in confusion.
Newton was 12 of 15 for 169 yards in the fourth quarter and threw for 269 yards overall. He led the Panthers on a pair of 80-yard touchdown drives in the final period as the Panthers improved to 5-0 for the second time in franchise history.
It was the second straight week the Seahawks (2-4) suffered a late defensive meltdown.
JETS 34, REDSKINS 20
In East Rutherford, New Jersey, Ryan Fitzpatrick threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score as the New York Jets overcame a sloppy first half.
Chris Ivory ran for 146 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries for the Jets, who improved to 4-1 for the first time since 2010.
Brandon Marshall had seven catches for 111 yards, and Eric Decker also caught a touchdown pass. The Redskins are 2-4.
In other results, it was:
‧ Vikings 16, Chiefs 10
‧ 49ers 25, Ravens 20
‧ Dolphins 38, Titans 10
‧ Texans 31, Jaguars 20
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