The Chargers make their way to the Silverdome to face the Lions (off last week) for the first time since 1978 as these interconference foes clash for just the seventh time...

While the Lions and Chargers have split their previous six meetings, the Chargers have prevailed in each of the last three encounters, including a 27-21 Monday night victory at San Diego in 1996 in the last clash between the clubs.

The Chargers are 0-3 lifetime at Detroit, including 0-2 at the Silverdome, their last appearance in Pontiac resulting in a 31-14 setback in 1978.

Worth noting is that the home team owns a perfect 6-0 mark in this rare setting.

Numbers: The Chargers won five games in '98 by a combined total of 13 points, two games in 1999 by 34 points. After committing 24 turnovers in their last 4 contests in '98, the Chargers have committed just three turnovers in their first three games in '99. They have totaled 19 takeaways and 24 sacks in seven wins, 18 takeaways and 19 sacks in 12 losses dating back to '98. The Chargers have been limited to fewer than 100 yards rushing in three straight games. They have allowed 154 points in 11 wins, 661 points in 24 losses dating back to '97. They have committed 21 turnovers in 19 wins, 100 turnovers in 32 losses since '96.

Including playoffs, the Lions have allowed 221 points in 16 victories (17 or fewer points in 12 of those wins) and 549 points in 20 losses dating back to '97. Including playoffs, the Lions have forced 35 turnovers in 16 wins, 18 takeaways in 20 losses dating back to '97. The Lions have allowed four or more sacks in three straight games.

Things To Look For: Last season, the Chargers and Lions split 10 victories apiece, but barring a tie one of these surprising clubs will jump out to a 3-1 start. San Diego's defense continues to make timely plays, while Lions' QB Charlie Batch has made the most of his throws. Detroit's defensive front will give the Chargers QBs (Jim Harbaugh and/or Erik Kramer) something to think about and it won't be pleasant.

Etc.: Lions' head coach Bobby Ross faces the Chargers for the first time since leaving San Diego following the 1996 season; including postseason, Ross managed a 50-36 record with the Chargers from 1992-96.

The Chargers are 3-9 vs. NFC teams dating back to 1996 (1-3 in '98). The Lions are 18-14 vs. AFC teams since '91 (1-1 in '99), this after going 9-32 in interconference games from 1979-90. Since 1997 (including playoffs), the Lions are 16-20 under head coach Bobby Ross, 11-7 vs. NFC Central rivals and just 5-13 vs. the rest of the NFL.