Andy Dalton delighted with playoff berth

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton has expressed his delight at leading his side to the NFL playoffs for a third consecutive season.

Dalton threw four touchdown passes as the Bengals thrashed the Minnesota Vikings 42-14 yesterday, a result that ultimately clinched the AFC North title as the Baltimore Ravens fell to a heavy defeat at the hands of the New England Patriots later in the day.

The feat means that Dalton is just the fifth quarterback in NFL history to reach the playoffs in each of his first three seasons, and the 26-year-old was pleased with the achievement.

"To be in the playoffs every year since I've been here is huge. It gives you a chance to accomplish the ultimate goal," Dalton told The AP.

The Bengals have not won a playoff match since the 1990 season.