NFL: Cincinnati 30, Cleveland 0

CLEVELAND, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Carson Palmer threw three touchdown passes Sunday afternoon as Cincinnati blanked the Cleveland Browns, 30-0.

Chad Johnson made seven catches for 123 yards, giving him 573 receiving yards in the last three games for Cincinnati. T.J. Houshmandzadeh had seven receptions for 79 yards and one touchdown, Chris Henry caught two touchdown passes, and Rudi Johnson ran for 64 yards and a score on 25 carries for the Bengals (6-5) -- who recorded their first shutout since 1989.

Cincinnati's playoff hopes will be on the line when AFC North leader Baltimore comes to town Thursday night.

Charlie Frye went 18-for-29 for 186 yards and four interceptions for Cleveland. Dennis Northcutt made three receptions for 61 yards, while Kellen Winslow Jr. added six receptions for 52 yards for the Browns (3-8), who have dropped three of their last four games.

The contest was never in doubt after the Bengals built a 17-0 halftime lead.