Minnesota heads to the Meadowlands as these teams collide for the sixth time in the 1990s.

Including playoffs, the Vikings own a two-game advantage (8-6) in the series standings and posted a memorable 23-22 victory over the Giants in the 1997 NFC Wild Card Playoffs in their last appearance in East Rutherford.

The Vikings' last regular-season road tilt in this series resulted in a 15-10 loss to the Big Blue in 1996.

Including playoffs, the Vikings are 2-5 lifetime at Giants Stadium (2-4 vs. Giants, 0-1 vs. Jets) dating back to 1989.

Numbers: The Vikings have allowed 12 sacks and committed just 11 turnovers in eight wins, while committing 23 turnovers and allowing 24 sacks in six losses in '99. Since 1996, the Vikings have 100 takeaways in 41 wins, 23 takeaways in 21 losses in 61 regular-season contests. They have 20 takeaways in eight wins, seven takeaways in six losses in '99. WR Cris Carter has scored at least one touchdown in 33 of his last 51 regular-season contests dating back to '96. QB Jeff George has thrown two or more touchdown passes in eight of his last nine games. The Vikings have forced two or more turnovers in eight straight games. The Vikings have committed two or more turnovers in six straight games.

In 29 starts dating back to 1997 (17 with Panthers, 7 with Saints, 5 with Giants), Giants QB Kerry Collins has thrown 14 touchdown passes and just 5 interceptions in 10 wins, 15 TD passes and 38 interceptions in 19 losses. Since 1996 (including playoffs), Giants have committed just 32 turnovers in 31 wins, 78 turnovers in 31 losses and a tie. The Giants have scored 360 points and committed just 17 turnovers in 15 wins, while scoring just 181 points and committing 38 turnovers in 15 losses dating back to 1998. They have forced 37 turnovers and totaled 55 sacks in 15 wins, while totaling just 10 takeaways and 30 sacks in 15 losses dating back to '98.

Things to look for: Thanks to the combo of QB Jeff George and WR Randy Moss, the Vikings survived their Monday night showdown with the Packers and remain in prime position for a playoff spot. On the other hand, the resurgent Giants were humbled in St. Louis, which is nothing to be ashamed of these days, but it will be interesting if Jim Fassel's club can take advantage of Minnesota's shaky defense.

Etc.: Vikings WR Cris Carter (114) needs 2 touchdowns to tie John Riggins (116) for 6th place on the NFL's all-time touchdowns scored list. Including playoffs, the Giants are 15-7-1 vs. NFC East opponents and just 10-14 (0-1 in playoffs) vs. the rest of the NFL under head coach Jim Fassel (1997-99).