The Bengals were led by quarterback Boomer Esiason, who threw three touchdown passes and directed a 22-point first-quarter blitz--the most points ever given up by a Dallas defense in an opening period.

In other games Sunday, it was Kansas City 34, Atlanta 10; Washington 17, Philadelphia 12; New England 23, Detroit 6; Chicago 17, Indianapolis 10; Miami 34, Green Bay 24; St. Louis 28, New Orleans 16, and the New York Jets 27, Buffalo 7.

Patriots 23, Lions 6

Tony Eason threw for one touchdown and ran for another, and Craig James rushed for more than 100 yards.

With their fifth consecutive win at home, the Patriots improved their record to 10-4 and remained tied for the AFC East lead. James gained 115 yards in 26 carries, giving him 1,027 yards for the year.

Cardinals 28, Saints 16

Stump Mitchell scored on runs of 5 and 16 yards and caught Neil Lomax's 5-yard pass for another touchdown as St. Louis stopped New Orleans.

The 188-pound Mitchell gained 158 yards on 28 carries, while Lomax completed 14 of 20 passes as the Cards snapped a four-game losing streak.

Chiefs 38, Falcons 10

Todd Blackledge threw three touchdown passes, including a 70-yd. strike to Stephone Paige, to pace Kansas City over Atlanta. The Chiefs, 5-9, bolted to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and never let the Falcons, 2-12, back in the game