The Saints invade the Meadowlands for the second time in three seasons as these teams square off for the sixth time in the last seven seasons.

The Giants own an 11-8 edge in the series standings, posting a 14-9 victory in 1997 at East Rutherford in the last encounter between these clubs.

The Saints own a 3-8 road record in this rivalry dating back to 1967 and are 4-5 lifetime at the Meadowlands (2-4 vs. Giants, 2-1 vs. Jets) dating back to 1981.

Numbers: In their last 100 regular-season games (1993-99), the Saints have given up 28 returns for touchdowns (17 interceptions, 6 fumble recoveries, 5 punt returns). They committed just four turnovers in their first five games of '93 but have committed 222 turnovers in their last 96 regular-season games, committing two or more turnovers in 31 of their last 46 contests. The Saints have totaled three or more sacks in 26 of their last 37 contests dating back to '97. They have allowed 63 points in seven wins (17 or fewer points in each contest), 392 points in 14 losses (30 or more points in 8 of those contests) dating back to '98. New Orleans has been outscored a combined 51-8 in the fourth quarter in five games in '99. They have forced two or more turnovers in three straight games.

The Giants are 2-1 when they fail to score an offensive touchdown, 1-2 when their offense scores a touchdowns in six games in '99. Their offense has not scored a touchdown in 11 consecutive quarters. Since 1996 (including playoffs), the Giants have committed just 27 turnovers in 27 wins, 63 turnovers in 27 losses and a tie. They have scored 256 points and committed just 12 turnovers in 11 wins, while scoring just 115 points and committing 23 turnovers in 11 losses dating back to '98. The Giants have forced 29 turnovers and totaled 45 sacks in 11 wins, while totaling just five takeaways and 24 sacks in 11 losses dating back to '98. Their offense has been limited to 16 or fewer points in four straight games. Their defense has limited the opposition to 16 or fewer points in four straight games, and to fewer than 100 yards rushing in four straight games. The Giants have totaled three or more sacks in three straight games.

Things To Look For: It's already been a long year for Saints' head coach Mike Ditka, who has watched his team squander fourth-quarter leads in each of his team's last four games, all losses. On the other hand, Jim Fassel is still looking for his offense while the defense and special teams bailed the Giants out for the second time this season. And that may have to happen again if the Big Blue is to eek out another win.

Etc.: The Saints have lost four straight games. They have lost eight straight road games dating back to '98. Including playoffs, the Giants are 14-5-1 vs. NFC East opponents and just 7-12 (0-1 in playoffs) vs. the rest of the NFL under head coach Jim Fassel (1997-99).