The Lions head south to Raymond James Stadium in position to sweep this divisional rivalry for the fourth time in 5 seasons.

Six weeks ago on a Sunday night (ESPN) at the Silverdome (Week 8), Lions RB Greg Hill rushed for 123 yards and LB Allen Aldridge returned a Buccanerers fumble 21 yards for a score as Bobby Ross' club posted a 20-3 victory.

While the Lions own a six-game edge in the overall standings (25-19, including playoffs), Buccaneers have totaled more wins over Detroit (19) than any other club they've faced in the NFL.

Including playoffs, the Lions have prevailed in nine of the last 11 overall meetings between these clubs dating back to the clubs' second encounter in 1994.

As for Detroit's last appearance in Tampa (Week 12 of '98), Lions QB Charlie Batch threw for 195 yards and a pair of first-quarter touchdowns as the Lions held on for a 28-25 win.

Including playoffs, the Lions are 1-4 in their last road tilts in this series, but have prevailed in their last four regular-season visits to Tampa dating back to 1995, by a combined score of 119-44 (37-10, 27-0, 27-9, 28-25).

Numbers: Including playoffs, the Lions have allowed 317 points in 22 victories (17 or fewer points in 16 of those wins) and 618 points in 23 losses dating back to '97. Including playoffs, they have forced 51 turnovers in 22 wins, 21 takeaways in 23 losses dating back to '97. The Lions have allowed three or more sacks in 9-of-12 contests in '99.

The Buccaneers have forced two or more turnovers in five straight games, totaling 18 takeaways in those five contests (5-0), this after forcing just six turnovers in their first seven contests (3-4) in '99. The Bucs have limited the opposition to 17 or fewer points in five straight games. They have forced 40 turnovers in 16 wins, 10 turnovers in 12 losses dating back to '98. They have been outscored a combined 69-31 in the first quarter in 12 games in '99. The Buccaneers have returned 1,421 kickoffs in their 24-year history (1976-99) and have never scored a touchdown on a kickoff return.

Things to look for: The feisty Lions continue to do more despite all kinds of adversity and are getting contributions from the most unlikely of sources, even those not with the team for very long (KR Desond Howard). But Bobby Ross' squad will have its hands full with a confident Buccaneers' team that may be ready to take over the NFC Central thanks to a defensive unit that's regained its opportunistic touch.

Etc.: The Buccaneers have won five straight games, and with a victory can not only match the team's longest winning streak ever (Bucs won their final game in 1996 and their first 5 games in 1997), but can win six straight games in the same season for the first time in the franchise's 24-year history.

Since 1997 (including playoffs), the Lions are 22-23 under head coach Bobby Ross, including 14-8 vs. NFC Central rivals.

Including playoffs, the Buccaneers are 19-25 lifetime vs. Detroit (including 1-0 in playoffs) and 109-220-1 vs. the rest of the NFL (including 1-4 in playoffs). The Buccaneers have won five straight home games