The Rams head south to the Superdome in position to sweep this always-interesting NFC West series for the third time in four years.

Two weeks ago at the TWA Dome (Week 12), Rams QB Kurt Warner threw for 213 yards and two touchdowns (both to rookie WR Torry Holt) and RB Marshall Faulk added 102 yards rushing and a pair of scores as Dick Vermeil's club scored 28 unanswered points in the second half for a resounding 43-12 win.

The Rams still own the edge in the overall standings (33-26) between these clubs and have now prevailed in six of the last nine encounters between these teams dating back to 1995 and the franchise's relocation to St. Louis.

As for the Rams' last appearance in New Orleans (Week 11 of '98), the Saints' defense scored a pair of touchdowns, forced three turnovers and sacked since-departed Rams QB Tony Banks seven times as Mike Ditka's team posted an easy 24-3 win.

The Rams are 3-3 in their last six appearances at the Superdome dating back to 1993.

Numbers: The Rams have scored 51 touchdowns (43 offensive, 8 returns) in 12 games in '99, the most in any one season in the 1990s. In his last 28 games dating back to last season (16 with Colts in '98, 12 with Rams in '99), Rams RB Marshall Faulk has gained 3,917 yards from scrimmage and scored 17 touchdowns, rushing for 2,345 yards and 11 touchdowns, plus catching 147 passes for 1,572 yards and 6 touchdowns. In 12 games in '99, Faulk has rushed for 1,026 yards and five touchdowns, plus caught 61 passes for 664 yards and two touchdowns. It is worth noting 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. Faulk has rushed for 100 or more yards in three straight games.

Rams QB Kurt Warner has thrown 32 touchdown passes and nine interceptions in 12 games in '99 (10-2). 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 three or more touchdown passes in 8-of-12 contests in '99 and two or more touchdown passes in 10-of-12 contests in '99. In their first 12 games in '99 (10-2), the Rams have outscored the opposition a combined 106-40 (plus-66) in the first quarter. In 16 games in '98 (4-12), the Rams were outscored a combined 116-37 (minus-79) in the first quarter. The Rams have scored 468 points in 14 wins, 217 points in 14 losses dating back to '98...Rams have forced 2 or more turnovers in 4 straight games. They have intercepted two or more passes in three straight games. They have allowed 17 sacks in 10 wins, 10 sacks in two losses in '99. The Rams have forced 26 turnovers in 10 wins, 0 takeaways in 2 losses in '99.

In their last 108 regular-season games (1993-99), the Saints have given up 30 returns for touchdowns (18 interceptions, 6 fumble recoveries, 6 punt returns). They have allowed 69 points in eight wins (17 or fewer points in each contest), 594 points in 19 losses (30 or more points in 13 of those contests) dating back to '98. The Saints have allowed 35 or more points in three straight games.

Things to look for: With a division championship under the belts, Dick Vermeil and his relentless Rams take aim at homefield advantage for the upcoming playoffs. And you can bet there will be no letdown for a St. Louis squad that continues to listen to its critics and answers them with convincing victories. It's hard to believe the deflated Saints will put up much of a fight here.

Etc.: The Rams are NFC West champions for the first time since 1985 and have won at least 10 games for the first time since 1989. They are 10-2 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 four straight games. They are just 22-47 vs. divisional competition since 1990, but 7-0 vs. NFC West rivals in 1999.

The Saints have lost three straight games. They are just 9-29 vs. divisional competition since 1995 (2-4 in '99), this after compiling a 29-19 record (including playoffs) vs. NFC West rivals from 1987-94. The Saints are just 19-32 in their last 51 contests at the Superdome dating back to 1993.