The Saints (off last week) head north to the Chicago for the second time in three years looking to extend their recent winning ways in this rare matchup.

The Bears own a 10-8 overall edge in this series (including a 16-6 win in the 1990 First Round Playoffs at Soldier Field) but Cajuns have prevailed in the last two meetings, including a 20-17 Sunday night victory at Chicago in 1997 in Saints head coach Mike Ditka's return to Soldier Field.

Including playoffs, the Saints are 4-6 lifetime at Chicago dating back to 1971.

Numbers:In their last 98 regular-season games (1993-99), the Saints have given up 27 returns for touchdowns (16 interceptions, 6 fumble recoveries, 5 punt returns). The Saints have forced 61 turnovers in 23 wins, but have just 53 takeaways in 43 losses since 1995. They have totaled three or more sacks in 24 of their last 34 contests dating back to '97. The Saints have allowed 63 points in 7 wins (17 or fewer points in each contest), 334 points in 11 losses (30 or more points in 8 of those contests) dating back to '98.

Including playoffs (85 games), the Bears have allowed 488 points in 35 wins (13.9 PPG), 1,390 points in 50 losses (27.8 PPG) the last 6 seasons (1994-99). They have committed two or more turnovers in 25 of their last 35 contests dating back to '97--committing 54 turnovers in their last 22 games dating back to '97.

Things To Look For: Mike Ditka makes his second return to the Second City, and is hoping his rookie workhorse runner (Ricky Williams) is up to the task. And he should find some running room against a defensive unit that looks quicker but can still be pushed around by the Saints' offensive front. Elsewhere, New Orleans' pass rush should present Bears QB Shane Matthews with some big problems.

Etc.: Including playoffs, Saints' head coach Mike Ditka owns a 67-26 record at Soldier Field (66-26 with Bears from 1982-92, 1-0 with Saints in 1997). The Saints have lost seven straight road games dating back to '98.