The Bears head to the Gateway City for the second time in three seasons as these longtime franchises battle for the seventh consecutive year.

While the Monsters of the Midway own a 48-32-3 overall advantage in the series standings, the Rams managed a 20-12 victory last season at Soldier Field (Week 10) in the most recent battle between the clubs.

The Bears' only previous appearance at the TWA Dome resulted in a 13-10 Sunday night triumph (ESPN) in 1997.

Numbers: In his last 10 games, Bears WR Marcus Robinson has totaled 61 receptions for 1,110 yards (18.2 avg.) and nine touchdowns, totaling 100 or more yards receiving in five of those contests. The Bears have forced 31 turnovers in 14 games in '99, this after totaling just 28 takeaways in 16 games in '98. They have totaled 36 sacks in 14 games in '99, this after finishing tied for last in the NFL in sacks (28) in 16 games in '98. Including playoffs (96 games), the Bears have allowed 563 points in 40 wins (14.1 PPG), 1,547 points in 56 losses (27.6 PPG) the last 6 seasons (1994-99).

In his last 30 games dating back to last season (16 with Colts in '98, 14 with Rams in '99), Rams RB Marshall Faulk has gained 4,292 yards from scrimmage and scored 19 touchdowns, rushing for 2,567 yards and 12 touchdowns, plus catching 158 passes for 1,725 yards and 7 touchdowns. In 14 games in '99, Faulk has rushed for 1,248 yards and six touchdowns, plus caught 72 passes for 817 yards and three 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.

Rams QB Kurt Warner has thrown 36 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions in 14 games in '99 (12-2). 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 two or more touchdown passes in four straight games and 12-of-14 contests in '99. The Rams have scored 58 touchdowns (48 offensive, 10 returns) in 14 games in '99, the most in any one season in the 1990s...In their first 14 games in '99 (12-2), Rams have outscored the opposition a combined 116-46 (plus-70) in the first quarter. In 16 games in '98 (4-12), Rams were outscored a combined 116-37 (minus-79) in the first quarter. They have scored 30 or more points in four straight games. The Rams have scored 529 points in 16 wins, 217 points in 14 losses dating back to '98. They have forced two or more turnovers in six straight games, intercepting 2 or more passes in each of those contests. The Rams have allowed 19 sacks in 12 wins, 10 sacks in two losses in '99. They have forced 31 turnovers in 12 wins, 0 takeaways in 2 losses in '99. They have limited the opposition to fewer than 100 yards rushing in 3 straight games.

Things to look for: Those scrappy Bears played their best game of the season in last week's demolition of the Lions, and will need a repeat performance if they are to stun Dick Vermeil's NFC West champions, who may not have anything to play for except personal glory but look to remain sharp as they appear to be a big favorite to reach Super Bowl XXXIV. Here comes a big dose of Rams RB Marshall Faulk.

Etc.: The Rams are NFC West champions for the first time since 1985 and have won at least 12 games for the first time since the then-L.A. Rams finished 12-2 in 1975 and won the NFC West title under since-departed head coach Chuck Knox, eventually losing the NFC Championship Game to Dallas (37-7). The Rams are 12-2 in 1999 and are an NFL-best plus-269 in point differential (461-192). From 1990-98, Rams were 45-99 and were an NFL-worst minus-886 (2,595-3,481) in point differential...Rams have won 6 straight games. They have won eight straight home games dating back to '98.