EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Rex Ryan's top-ranked defense shut down the Cincinnati Bengals, and rookie Mark Sanchez efficiently led a clock-eating offense as the New York Jets clinched their first playoff berth in three seasons with a 37-0 victory on Sunday night.

Needing a win to keep their season alive, the Jets (9-7) set up a rematch against the Bengals (10-6) in the first round of the playoffs Saturday at Cincinnati.

It was the Jets' first shutout at home since beating Pittsburgh 6-0 on Dec. 14, 2003.

Sanchez was 8 of 16 for 63 yards with no turnovers before being replaced by Kellen Clemens late in the fourth quarter. Thomas Jones ran for 78 yards and two touchdowns, and Brad Smith had 92 yards rushing and a TD as the Jets set a record for rushing yards in a season.

The Bengals opened with most of their starters — running back Cedric Benson was the only healthy one to not play — but pulled Carson Palmer early in the third quarter. Palmer was 1 for 11 for no yards before J.T. O'Sullivan replaced him.

Texans 34, Patriots 27

Arian Foster scored two touchdowns, Bernard Pollard recovered a fumble for another score and the Texans kept their playoff hopes alive before the Jets snatched it away.

Cowboys 24, Eagles 0

Tony Romo threw a pair of early touchdown passes and the defense took over from there, sending Dallas to the NFC East title and setting up a rematch against the Eagles at their new palace Saturday.

Ravens 21, Raiders 13

Willis McGahee ran for a career-high 167 yards and three touchdowns as the Ravens clinched an AFC wild-card berth and will play at New England on Sunday.

Titans 17, Seahawks 13

Chris Johnson became the sixth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season, then scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 1-yard run with 4:33 remaining.

Chiefs 44, Broncos 24

Josh McDaniels' first season as Denver coach ended the same way Mike Shanahan's last one did: with a late-season flop and an embarrassing blowout that wasted a strong start and kept the Broncos out of the playoffs.

Jamaal Charles ran for a Chiefs-record 259 yards.

Vikings 44, Giants 7

Brett Favre passed for 316 yards and four touchdowns without a turnover in less than three quarters against the Giants.

Bills 30, Colts 7

Despite near whiteout conditions, Ryan Fitzpatrick threw three touchdown passes for Buffalo (6-10), including a 41-yarder to Terrell Owens.

Packers 33, Cardinals 7

Aaron Rodgers, playing mostly against the Arizona reserves, shredded the Cardinals in three quarters, completing 21 of 26 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown in a preview of next Sunday's first-round playoff matchup.

Panthers 23, Saints 10

Saints backups gave an ugly performance that sends the No. 1 seed in the NFC into the postseason on a three-game losing streak.

Chargers 23, Redskins 20

Billy Volek threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to fullback Mike Tolbert with 35 seconds left to rally the playoff-bound Chargers to their 11th straight victory in Jim Zorn's last game as Redskins coach.

Browns 23, Jaguars 17

Jerome Harrison rushed for 127 yards and a touchdown, and Josh Cribbs ran for a TD to give Cleveland its first four-game winning streak since 1994.

Falcons 20, Buccaneers 10

Matt Ryan threw for 223 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Falcons finish with consecutive winning records for the first time in franchise history.

49ers 28, Rams 6

Vernon Davis tied the NFL record for touchdown receptions for a tight end with his 13th of the season, helping the 49ers send the Rams to the No. 1 overall draft pick.

Frank Gore added 107 yards rushing on 23 carries.