The Broncos make their first appearance at the Sliverdome since 1990 as these interconference foes battle for the just the eighth time and only the second time this decade.

While Denver owns a one-game lead (4-3) in the standings, Lions posted a 40-27 triumph on Thanksgiving Day of 1990 in the most recent encounter between the clubs.

The Broncos are 2-2 lifetime at Detroit dating back to 1974, but just 1-2 lifetime at the Silverdome dating back to 1978.

Numbers: Including playoffs (1997-99), the Broncos are 37-4 when they total more rushing attempts than their opponent, 1-11 when Denver's opponent totals more rushing attempts. Including playoffs, the Broncos have scored 30 or more points in 39-of-86 games under head coach Mike Shanahan (1995-99). The Broncos have forced 14 turnovers in five wins, eight turnovers in nine losses in '99.

After allowing 115 points (28.8 PPG) and 831 yards rushing (207.8 YPG) in their last four games (0-4) in 1998, the Lions have allowed just 282 points (20.1 PPG) and only 1,190 yards rushing (85.0 YPG) in 14 games in '99. Including playoffs, the Lions have allowed 317 points in 22 victories (17 or fewer points in 16 of those wins) and 669 points in 25 losses dating back to '97. Including playoffs, they have forced 51 turnovers in 22 wins, 25 takeaways in 25 losses dating back to '97. The Lions have allowed three or more sacks in three straight games and 11-of-14 contests in '99. The Lions have forced two or more turnovers in three straight games.

Things to look for: Mike Shanahan's team may be out of the playoffs but are still displaying the heart of a champion as they continue to make life difficult for teams still in the postseason hunt. And that obviously includes the Lions, who have gone from playing for first place in the NFC Central to an ugly two-game slide. Bobby Ross' defense needs to make a statement here if his team is to rebound.

Etc.: The Broncos are 6-11 in their last 17 regular-season contests dating back to '98. Including Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII, the Broncos are 14-7 vs. NFC teams under head coach Mike Shanahan dating back to 1995 (1-2 in '99). The Lions are 18-15 vs. AFC teams since '91 (1-2 in '99), this after going 9-32 in interconference games from 1979-90. The Lions have won five straight home games. Since 1997 (including playoffs), the Lions are 22-25 under head coach Bobby Ross, 14-10 vs. NFC Central rivals and just 8-15 vs. the rest of the NFL.