Andy Dalton in 'good rhythm' in Cincinnati Bengals' win over Cleveland Browns

CLEVELAND -- Andy Dalton and the Cincinnati Bengals offense are locked and loaded again. With 12 games remaining in the regular season, don't count them out of the AFC North just yet.

Dalton threw four touchdown passes on Sunday to lead a 31-7 rout of the host Cleveland Browns in FirstEnergy Stadium.

The Bengals (1-3) failed to score a touchdown in either of their first two games and then lost 27-24 to the Packers in overtime on Sept. 24. Dalton threw two touchdown passes in that game.

Against the Browns, he was in control from the start until he gave way to AJ McCarron late in the game.

"I was seeing things well," Dalton said. "I was able to get the ball to different guys and felt like I was in a good rhythm today. Getting some quick completions and letting our guys have the ball in space is what we're good at. We've got guys that can make guys miss and get positive gains, so that's definitely a part of it."

Dalton threw one touchdown pass to A.J. Green, two to tight end Tyler Kroft and one to running back Giovani Bernard. He posted a 146.0 passer rating.

Last week, Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett had a 120.0 passer rating against the Browns, and prior to that Joe Flacco of the Ravens had a 97.3 passer rating against the Browns.

Whether Dalton's success is a product of Dalton getting into a rhythm or because the Browns have poor pass defense will be determined as the rest of the season unfolds.

Questions remain about the Bengals offensive line after it lost guard Kevin Zeitler to the Browns and tackle Andrew Whitworth to the Rams in free agency.

Dalton was sacked three times for 22 yards, but there is no doubt "The Red Rifle" has his teammates behind him.

"The last two weeks he's had high completions and good yardage," said Bengals receiver Brandon LaFell, who caught two passes for 17 yards Sunday. "Last week, he had seven incompletions, and this week, he had only five. When he's out there going, our offense is flowing."

Dalton competed 25 of 30 passes for 286 yards against the Browns. He has completed 82 of 123 passes (66.7 percent) for 892 yards with six touchdown passes and four interceptions.

"We have to execute and I have to put the ball in the right spot," Dalton said. "Our guys have to make plays and we've been able to do that pretty efficiently the last couple weeks. We just have to keep it going."

The Bengals play at Buffalo next Sunday.