The Buccaneers make their way to Soldier Field in position to sweep this NFC Central rivalry for the second straight year.

Three months ago at Raymond James Stadium (Week 7), Buccaneers rookie PK Martin Gramatica booted a pair of first-half field goals and the Tampa defense did the rest as Tony Dungy's team eeked out an ugly 6-3 win.

The Bears still own an impressive 30-13 edge in the series standings and have prevailed in 12 of the teams' 19 meetings in the 1990s despite this year's loss.

As for the Bucs' last appearance in the Windy City (Week 13 of '98), Buccaneers QB Trent Dilfer threw for just 153 yards but for 3 touchdowns and the Tampa defense limited Chicago to just 224 total yards as the Buccaneers completed the sweep, 31-17.

Despite last year's win, Bucs are just 1-8 in nine appearances at Soldier Field in the 1990s.

Numbers: Including playoffs, the Buccaneers are 0-17 lifetime when the game time temperature is below 40 degrees. The Buccaneers have forced 45 turnovers in 18 wins, 10 turnovers in 13 losses dating back to '98. They have been outscored a combined 89-34 in the first quarter in 15 games in '99. The Buccaneers have totaled 23 takeaways in their last 8 games (7-1), this after forcing just 6 turnovers in their first 7 contests (3-4) in '99. The Buccaneers have returned 1,436 kickoffs in their 24-year history (1976-99) and have never scored a touchdown on a kickoff return. They have limited the opposition to 300 or fewer yards in 39 of their last 57 regular-season contests dating back to 96.

In his last 11 games, Bears WR Marcus Robinson has totaled 67 receptions for 1,203 yards (18.0 avg.) and nine touchdowns, totaling 100 or more yards receiving in five of those contests. Bears WR Bobby Engram has caught 23 passes for 237 yards and three touchdowns in his last two games. The Bears have forced 33 turnovers in 15 games in '99, this after totaling just 28 takeaways in 16 games in '98. They have totaled 36 sacks in 15 games in '99, this after finishing tied for last in the NFL in sacks (28) in 16 games in '98. The Bears have forced two or more turnovers in three straight games. The Bears have committed two or more turnovers in three straight games. Including playoffs (97 games), the Bears have allowed 563 points in 40 wins (14.1 PPG), 1,581 points in 57 losses (27.7 PPG) the last 6 seasons (1994-99).

Things to look for: The Buccaneers' history in frosty temperatures is well-documented, as is their inconsistent play away from home, and Tony Dungy is very aware that these improved Bears are more than capable of pulling off the upset. Tampa's defense must get some heat on QB Cade McNown, whose underrated receivers and never-say-die attitude will give the Bucs' secondary all it can handle.

Etc.: With a victory, the Buccaneers can clinch their first NFC Central title since 1981. The Buccaneers are 10-5, tying the franchise record for most regular-season victories, set in 1979 (under since-departed head coach John McKay) and 1997 (under current head coach Tony Dungy). With a victory, Buccaneers can win 11 games during the regular season for the first time ever. The Buccaneers are just 21-58 on the road in the 1990s (3-4 in 99)