The Colts make their first appearance in Cleveland since 1988 as these one-time noted rivals renew acquaintances once again.

Including playoffs, the Browns own a 15-9 advantage in this series and posted a 21-14 victory in 1994 at the RCA Dome in the latest encounter between the clubs.

Including playoffs, the Browns are 5-7 lifetime at Cleveland dating back to 1956, their last road tilt in this series resulting in a 23-17 Monday night loss in 1988.

Numbers: After throwing just three touchdown passes and 11 interceptions in his first four games, Colts QB Peyton Manning has thrown 49 TD passes and 32 interceptions in his last 26 contests dating back to 98, throwing two or more touchdown passes in 16 of his last 25 games. However, Manning has thrown two or more interceptions in 10 of his last 23 contests. Manning has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 27 straight games dating back to 98. After allowing an AFC-high 62 sacks in 16 games in 1997, the Colts have allowed just 36 sacks in their last 30 games dating back to 98. After allowing 11 sacks in their first four games in 1998, the Colts have allowed just 25 sacks in their last 26 contests, giving up zero sacks in 12 of those 26 contests. The Colts have allowed 209 points in 12 wins, 65 points in two losses in 99.

RB Edgerrin James has rushed for 100 or more yards in 9-of-14 contests in 99. WR Marvin Harrison has totaled 100 or more yards receiving in 3 straight games.

The Browns have allowed 200 or more yards rushing in 6-of-15 contests in 99. They have forced seven turnovers in two wins but have totaled just 13 takeaways in 13 losses in 99. The Browns have been limited to fewer than 100 yards rushing in nine straight games. They have been limited to 17 or fewer points in 12-of-15 contests in 99. Their offense has scored 24 touchdowns in 15 games in 99, eight by rookie WR Kevin Johnson. The Browns have scored 189 points in 15 games in 99, 48 by Johnson. The Browns have allowed three or more sacks in four straight games and 12-of-15 contests in 99. They have allowed 140 or more yards rushing in four straight games. WR Darrin Chiaverini has scored at least one touchdown in three straight games.

Things to look for: While this may be the season finale for the expansion Browns, its just the beginning for Jim Moras Colts, who can still grab homefield advantage in the AFC with some help. In any case, Peyton Manning and company wont let down here as rookie RB Edgerrin James should exploit Clevelands deteriorating run defense. Simply put, Chris Palmers Browns are out of gas.

Etc.: The Colts are AFC East champions for the first time since 1987 and are 12-2, their most victories in a season since 1968, when the then-Baltimore Colts finished 13-1 and advanced to Super Bowl III (a historical 16-7 loss to the N.Y. Jets at Miamis Orange Bowl) under since-departed head coach Don Shula. The Colts have won 10 straight games in the same season for the first time since 1964, when the then-Baltimore Colts won 11 straight games enroute to a 12-2 season under Shula, eventually losing the NFL Championship Game at Cleveland (27-0). They are 12-2 in 1999, this after finishing a combined 6-26 in 1997-98. They have won five straight road games.

The Browns have lost five straight games, and have lost seven straight home games.