The Rams make their way to Ericsson Stadium in position to sweep this NFC West series for the first time since 1995.

Three weeks ago at the TWA Dome (Week 10), Rams QB Kurt Warner threw for 283 yards and two touchdowns (1 INT) and the St. Louis defense added a pair of scores (57-yard interception return by CB Todd Lyght, 37-yard fumble return by LB Mike Jones) as Dick Vermeil's team rolled to a resounding 35-10 win.

Despite the victory, the Panthers still own a one-game edge in the series standings (5-4).

As for the Rams' last appearance at Ericsson Stadium (Week 16 of '98), Panthers QB Steve Beuerlein threw for 193 yards and two more touchdowns and the Carolina defense forced four turnovers in a 20-13 triumph.

The Rams are 2-2 in four previous road tilts in this series dating back to 1995, but are just 1-2 lifetime at Ericsson Stadium dating back to '96.

Numbers: The Rams have scored 47 touchdowns (40 offensive, 7 returns) in 11 games in '99, the most in any one season in the 1990s. In his last 27 games dating back to last season (16 with Colts in '98, 11 with Rams in '99), Rams RB Marshall Faulk has gained 3,720 yards from scrimmage and scored 17 touchdowns, rushing for 2,227 yards and 11 touchdowns, plus catching 141 passes for 1,493 yards and six touchdowns. In 11 games in '99, Faulk has rushed for 908 yards and 5 touchdowns, plus caught 55 passes for 585 yards and 2 touchdowns; worth noting is that the only player in NFL history to total 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season was San Francisco 49ers' RB Roger Craig in 1985. QB Kurt Warner has thrown 29 touchdown passes and seven interceptions in 11 games in '99 (9-2). In '98, since-departed Rams QBs Tony Banks and Steve Bono combined to throw just 12 touchdown passes and 18 interceptions in 16 games in '98 (4-12). Warner has thrown 2 or more touchdown passes in 9-of-11 contests in '99.

In their first 11 games in '99 (9-2), the Rams have outscored the opposition a combined 92-40 (plus-52) in the first quarter. In 16 games in '98 (4-12), Rams were outscored a combined 116-37 (minus-79) in the first quarter. The Rams have scored 434 points in 13 wins, 217 points in 14 losses dating back to '98. They have limited the opposition to 12 or fewer points in three straight games. They have forced teo or more turnovers in three straight games. WR Isaac Bruce has scored at least one touchdown in 8-of-11 contests in '99. The Rams have allowed 15 sacks in nine wins, 10 sacks in teo losses in '99. They have forced 23 turnovers in nine wins, 0 takeaways in two losses in '99.

The Panthers have allowed 468 points and 53 offensive touchdowns in 21 home games since 1997 (7-14) after giving up just 97 points and nine offensive TDs in nine games (9-0) at Ericsson Stadium (including playoffs) in '96. The Panthers have committed 97 turnovers in their last 43 games (16-27) dating back to '97, totaling 23 turnovers in 16 wins and 74 turnovers in 27 losses. They have amassed 38 takeaways in 16 wins, 34 takeaways in 27 losses dating back to '97. The Panthers have allowed 215 points in 16 wins, 761 points in 27 losses dating back to '97. In 42 regular-season games with Carolina (1996, 1998-99), OLB Kevin Greene has totaled 37.5 sacks (14.5 in '96, 15.0 in '98, 8.0 in '99). The Panthers have scored 31 or more points in two straight games and five of their last eight contests. The Panthers have scored 156 points in five wins, 105 points in six losses in '99. They have limited the opposition to fewer than 100 yards rushing in three straight games. TE Wesley Walls has scored at least one touchdown in three straight games.

Things to look for: On the verge of a division title, Dick Vermeil's team can make it official with a road victory over the improving Panthers, whose offense has awoken in recent weeks. The NFC West leaders had an easy time with George Seifert's club three weeks ago, but that was within the cozy confines of the RCA Dome as the Rams have looked like a different team on the road against quality competition..

Etc.: The Rams are 9-2 for the first time since 1978, when the then-L.A. Rams opened 10-2, finished 12-4 and won the NFC West title under since-departed head coach Ray Malavasi, eventually losing the NFC Championship Game to Dallas (28-0). The Rams have won three straight games. They are just 21-47 vs. divisional competition since 1990, but 6-0 vs. NFC West rivals in 1999.

Including playoffs, the Panthers are 36-41 in their 77-game history (1995-99), including 19-18 vs. the NFC West. Including playoffs, they are 16-14 lifetime at Ericsson Stadium dating back to '97.