Minneapolis ? Minnesota’s six-game winning streak was built on a steady dose of losing teams.

Then Pittsburgh came to town.

The Steelers forced three turnovers and a safety in an 18-3 victory over the Vikings on a sluggish Sunday afternoon, with the only touchdown coming on Ben Roethlisberger’s three-yard run in the second quarter.

Willie Parker rushed 14 times for 81 yards for Pittsburgh (9-5), which won its second consecutive game and stayed in step with San Diego (9-5) for the last AFC wild-card spot.

“We did what we had to do,” receiver Hines Ward said. “We’ll take it.”

The Vikings (8-6) sealed their own demise at the end of an embarrassing week. Four players, including the injured Daunte Culpepper, were charged Thursday with three misdemeanors apiece for lewd behavior in the infamous bye-week boat party.

“Our focus was great all week. I don’t think that had anything to do with it,” said Brad Johnson, who threw two costly interceptions – one in the end zone late in the first half.

Pittsburgh linebackers Larry Foote (50) and Joey Porter (55) celebrate after tackling Minnesota running back Michael Bennett in the end zone for a safety. The Steelers won, 18-3, Sunday in Minneapolis.

“They beat our butts.”

The Vikings griped, too, about beating themselves.

“We are all human beings,” coach Mike Tice said. “I’d be a fool to say they’re not frustrated.”

The Vikings, who saw their wild-card hopes diminish, play next week at Baltimore and finish with a home game against division-leading Chicago. Five of their six victories during the winning streak came against teams with a combined record of 20-35 coming into the weekend.

Hundreds of Steelers fans were scattered throughout the Metrodome, waving their Terrible Towels. There was just as much yellow on the field, with referee Ed Hochuli’s crew calling 25 penalties for 224 yards.

Jeff Reed made all three of his field-goal attempts, and Joey Porter and Larry Foote teamed up on a fourth-quarter tackle of Michael Bennett in the end zone for an extra two points.

Seahawks 28, Titans 24

Nashville, Tenn. – Matt Hasselbeck threw three touchdown passes, including a two-yarder to Darrell Jackson in the fourth quarter, and the Seahawks rallied to clinch a first-round bye. Seattle (12-2) won its 10th straight for the first time in team history and also matched the 1984 squad for most victories in a season.

Jaguars 10, 49ers 9

Jacksonville, Fla. – David Garrard ran for a touchdown, Josh Scobee kicked the winning field goal, and the Jaguars moved closer to a playoff berth. Jacksonville (10-4) won for the sixth time in seven games – all of the victories coming against teams with losing records – and now can return to the postseason for the first time since 1999 with a victory against Houston or Tennessee to end the season.

Dolphins 24, Jets 20

Miami – Replacing an injured Gus Frerotte to start the second half, Sage Rosenfels threw a 50-yard completion for the go-ahead touchdown, and the Dolphins earned their fourth victory in a row. Despite the victory, Miami (7-7) was eliminated from the AFC playoff race when Pittsburgh and San Diego won. The Jets (3-11) finished 0-8 on the road for the first time.

Eagles 17, Rams 16

St. Louis – Mike McMahon tossed the winning touchdown pass to long snapper Mike Bartrum on the first play of the fourth quarter, and the Eagles (6-8) won for the second time in eight games. The Rams (5-9) lost for the fifth time in six games. Bartrum made the decisive play when he caught a three-yard pass after McMahon rolled out.

Panthers 27, Saints 10

Baton Rouge, La. – Jake Delhomme led Carolina back into first place in the NFC South, throwing for a touchdown and running for another.

Texans 30, Cardinals 19

Houston – The Texans finally figured out how to hold a lead, breaking a six-game losing streak. But the Texans may have jeopardized their chances of landing Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush in the draft if he leaves USC.

Redskins 35, Cowboys 7

Landover, Md. – The Redskins kept their playoff hopes firmly intact and severely dented the cause of their despised foes, winning their third straight and sweeping the Cowboys for the first time in 10 years. Phillip Daniels had four sacks and a fumble recovery.

Bengals 41, Lions 17

Detroit – Cincinnati clinched its first division title since 1990, as Carson Palmer threw three touchdown passes. Cincinnati (11-3) won its fourth straight game, adding to a sensational season after 14 straight years without a winning record.

Browns 9, Raiders 7

Oakland, Calif. – Phil Dawson kicked a 37-yard field goal two plays after Reuben Droughns’ apparent fumble was overturned by replay, giving rookie QB Charlie Frye his first NFL victory.

Bears 16, Falcons 3

Chicago – Rex Grossman, relieving the struggling Kyle Orton in the third quarter, completed nine of 16 passes for 93 yards with an interception. It was plenty, though, with Chicago’s staunch defense shutting down Michael Vick and the Falcons as the Bears rebounded from last week’s 21-9 loss at Pittsburgh. The NFL’s No. 1 defense limited the Falcons to 231 yards.