Here's this week's football fun facts. Ways to impress your friends at the tailgating party.
OFFENSIVE INVESTMENT
The Ravens have selected offensive players in the first round in four of the past five NFL drafts. Those four first rounders are tackle Michael Oher in 2009, quarterback Joe Flacco in 2008, guard Ben Grubbs in 2007 and wide receiver Mark Clayton in 2005. All four are starters
DEFENSIVE STABILITY
Through most of the past decade, the Ravens invested more salary cap into the defense than any other team. The defense ranked in the NFL's top six for six straight years.
THE BOMB IS BACK
There have been 81 touchdowns of at least 50 yards scored this season in the NFL. That's the most through the first eight weeks of the season since 1970.
LONG TERM-SHORT TERM
The Ravens lead the series with the Bengals 15-12. But the Bengals have won four of the last six games, and lead
7-5 when the games are played in Cincinnati.
VULNERABILITY
The Ravens defense against the run is fourth in the NFL. But it's 19th against the pass.
VULNERABILITY PART 2
The Bengals defense is fifth in the NFL against the run. But it's 30th against the pass.
ODD BUT GOOD YEARS
The Bengals swept the two-game series from the Ravens in 2005 and 2007. Sunday, they'll try to do it again in 2009.
DON'T GIVE HIM ANY FLACCO
Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco has thrown a touchdown pass in seven straight games. He needs two touchdown passes to match his rookie season total of 14.
RUNNING THE BALL
When a Cincinnati ball carrier gets the ball 25 or more times, The Bengals under Marvin Lewis are 25-1.
A HEAP OF CATCHES
Keep an eye on Ravens tight end Todd Heap. He has 59 catches for 674 yards against the Bengals. That's the most he has against any NFL team.
