Welcome to the pre-game quick hit stats-apalooza. Enjoy.
FANTASY ALERT: Though he has struggled in the yardage department this season - averaging only 44.2 yards per game - Tony Gonzalez has averaged seven receptions for 76 yards and one touchdown in five career games against the Bengals. After two touchdowns last week, he should remain in your lineup.
Falcons Vs. Bengals
This is the first game between the Falcons and Bengals in four seasons. Only eight Falcons (by my unofficial count) were on the team when these two teams met in Oct. 2006.
Their Week 7 meeting will be 11th meeting between the Falcons and Bengals. The Falcons trail the series 4-7 but have won the last two and three of five since 1990. This is the sixth time in seven games the Falcons are playing a team that leads the season series against them.
The Falcons record against the Bengals (by decade):
- 2000s ...2-0
- 1990s ...1-2
- 1980s ...0-3
- 1970s ...1-2
- 1960s ...0-0
Average Score in all 11 meetings:
- Falcons 20.6
- Bengals 23.1
Average Yards:
- Falcons 315.7
- Bengals 331.5
Most Points Scored:
Falcons 38, Oct. 29, 1990
Highlight: Steve Broussard and Mike Rozier led the way as the Falcons rolled up 175 yards rushing in a 38-17 win.
Bengals 41, Nov. 24, 1996
Fewest Points Scored:
Falcons 7, Dec. 3, 1978
Bengals 3, Sept. 22, 2002
Longest Streak:
- Falcons won 2 in a row between 2002 and 2006.
- Bengals won 5 in a row between 1975 and 1987.
Coaches:
The Bengals' Marvin Lewis is 58-60-1 as a head coach. He is 5-2 in Week 7 games lifetime.
Mike Smith is 24-15 as Falcons head coach and is 0-1 in Week 7 games.
Best Individual Performances Against the Bengals:
- Passing: Bobby Hebert, 304 yards, 1996
- Rushing: Erric Pegram, 180 yards, 1993
- Receiving: Eric Metcalf, 122 yards, 1996
- Sacks: 12 players tied, 1, Most recent was 2006