The Lions make their way south to Ericsson Stadium to face the Panthers for the first time ever in the regular season.

Numbers: Including playoffs, the Lions have allowed 244 points in 17 victories (17 or fewer points in 12 of those wins) and 569 points in 21 losses dating back to '97. They have forced 40 turnovers in 17 wins, 20 takeaways in 21 losses dating back to '97, including playoffs. The Lions have allowed four or more sacks in five straight games. In his last nine games dating back to '98, Panthers RB Tshimanga Biakabutuka has carried 141 times for 826 yards (5.9 avg.) and eight touchdowns, rushing for 100 or more yards in four of those contests, his TD runs covering 10, 2, 5, 62, 67, 60, 1 and 45 yards. In his last three games, Biakabutuka has carried just 40 times but for 357 yards (8.9 avg.) and five touchdowns.

The Panthers have committed 85 turnovers in their last 37 games (13-24) dating back to '97, totaling 21 turnovers in 13 wins and 64 turnovers in 24 losses. They have amassed 30 takeaways in 13 wins, 30 takeaways in 24 losses dating back to '97. The Panthers have allowed 163 points in 13 wins, 675 points in 24 losses dating back to '97. Their defense has allowed 409 points and 45 offensive touchdowns in 18 home games since 1997 (5-13) after giving up just 97 points and nine offensive TDs in nine games (9-0) at Ericsson Stadium (including playoffs) in '96. In 36 regular-season games with Carolina (1996, 1998-99), Panthers OLB Kevin Greene has totaled 32.0 sacks (14.5 in '96, 15.0 in '98, 2.5 in '99). TE Wesley Walls has scored at least one touchdown in five straight games.

Things To Look For: Thanks to an opportunistic defense and the accurate leg of PK Jason Hanson, the Lions once again find themselves atop the unpredictable NFC Central. Meanwhile, the Panthers come off their biggest win in three years, and George Seifert's team will look to continue the momentum which started with last week's upset of the 49ers. Special teams will prove to be a major factor in this contest.

Etc.: Since 1997 (including playoffs), the Lions are 17-21 under head coach Bobby Ross, 12-7 vs. NFC Central rivals and just 5-14 vs. the rest of the NFL. Including playoffs, the Panthers are 33-38 in their 71-game history (1995-99), 18-16 vs. the NFC West and 15-22 against the rest of the NFL. The Panthers are 14-13 lifetime at Ericsson Stadium dating back to '97, including.