The Bears make their way to Minnesota as these longtime NFC Central combatants renew acquaintances once again.

Minnesota owns a 41-33-1 overall advantage in this bitter rivalry (one of those losses a 35-18 setback at the Metrodome in the 1994 NFC First Round Playoffs) and has dominated as of late, prevailing in 11 of the last 15 overall battles dating back to head coach Dennis Green's arrival in the Twin Cities in 1992.

Last year, Minnesota posted its second straight sweep and fifth sweep in the last seven seasons. In Week 4 at Soldier Field, Chicago jumped out to a 21-10 halftime lead thanks to three touchdown passes from since-departed QB Erik Kramer, however Vikings QB Randall Cunningham would finish the afternoon with 275 yards and four scores--three of those TD passes following intermission--as Dennis Green's club rallied for a 31-28 triumph.

Three months later at Minneapolis (Week 14), Cunningham threw for 349 yards and touchdowns (1 INT) and Minnesota rolled up 458 total yards in a 48-22 thrashing of Chicago.

Including playoffs, the Bears are 8-10 lifetime at the Metrodome dating back to 1982, but are 3-2 in their last five visits to Minnesota dating back to the '94 First Round Playoffs.

Numbers: The Vikings are 11-4 vs. Chicago under head coach Dennis Green (including playoffs), recording 34 sacks and forcing 31 turnovers (20 interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries)--returning eight of those takeaways (6 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries) for touchdowns.

Including playoffs (86 games), the Bears have allowed 498 points in 36 wins (13.8 PPG), 1,390 points in 50 losses (27.8 PPG) the last 6 seasons (1994-99). The Bears have totaled four or more sacks in three straight games.

IF HE PLAYS: In 21 games vs. Chicago (including playoffs), Vikings WR Cris Carter has caught 116 passes for 1,242 yards and just 6 touchdowns. The Vikings have allowed 0 sacks in two wins, eight sacks in two losses in '99. Since 1996, the Vikings have 85 takeaways in 35 wins, 17 takeaways in 17 losses in 51 regular-season contests. After scoring at least 24 points in each of their 18 games (including playoffs) in 1998, the Vikings have been limited to 21 or fewer points in each of their 4 contests in '99. They have been limited to fewer than 100 yards rushing in three straight games.

Things To Look For: The scrappy Bears hibernated for 58 minutes last week, then awoke in time to pull out a victory over the frustrated Saints. Meanwhile, the Vikings' offense took the final 3 quarters off against the Buccaneers, but their impressive 21-point outburst in the first 15 minutes was enough to ensure a victory. It would be interesting to see if either club can put together a complete effort.

Etc.: The Bears have lost five straight road games dating back to '98. The Vikings are 37-23 vs. NFC Central rivals (including playoffs) since '92 (under head coach Dennis Green), but are just 20-18 (including playoffs) in its last 38 contests vs. NFC Central rivals dating back to 1994. IF HE PLAYS: Vikings WR Cris Carter (103) needs two touchdowns to tie Don Hutson (105) for 9th place on the NFL's all-time touchdowns scored list. Carter (10,713) needs 3 yards to tie Stanley Morgan (10,716) for 12th place on the NFL's all-time receiving yardage list. Vikings QB Randall Cunningham (197) needs 3 touchdown passes to become the 24th player in NFL history with 200 career touchdown passes.