The 49ers make their way to Minnesota for the first time since 1994 looking to end their losing ways in this always-entertaining series.

Including playoffs, the Niners own a 21-17-1 overall edge in the series standings (including 4-1 in playoffs) and have prevailed in the last three meetings, including a 38-22 victory in the 1997 NFC Divisional Playoffs at 3Com Park in the last encounter between these clubs.

The 49ers also managed a 28-17 win in '97 at 3Com Park in the last regular-season meeting between these teams.

Including playoffs, the Niners are 9-9 lifetime at Minnesota dating back to 1961, including 3-3 lifetime at the Metrodome dating back to 1983, their last visit to the Twin Cities resulting in a 21-14 Monday night setback in 1994.

Numbers: Dating back to 1997 (including playoffs), the 49ers' offense has totaled 101 touchdowns and 50 field goals in 30 wins, 15 touchdowns and 19 field goals in 12 losses. Including playoffs, the 49ers have allowed 57 sacks in their last 19 games dating back to '98. IF HE PLAYS: Including playoffs, 49ers WR Terrell Owens has scored at least one touchdown in 14 of his last 19 contests dating back to '98. The 49ers have committed two turnovers in three wins, 11 turnovers in 3 losses in '99. They have been outscored a combined 52-3 in the third quarter in 6 games in '99.

Vikings WR Cris Carter has scored at least one touchdown in 27 of his last 43 regular-season contests dating back to '96. Since 1996, the Vikings have 85 takeaways in 35 wins, 17 takeaways in 19 losses in 54 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 23 or fewer points in each of their six contests in '99. They have allowed 0 sacks and committed just one turnover in two wins, while committing 15 turnovers and allowing 17 sacks in four losses in '99.

Things To Look For: What would have been a clash between two of the most elusive quarterbacks in league history has turned into a battle of survival for both the Niners and Vikings, who must rely on QBs Jeff Garcia and Jeff George, respectively, to end their slides. The less-than-scintillating San Francisco and Minnesota secondaries figure to be busy, unless one of these clubs manages to mount a ground attack.

Etc.: The 49ers are 3-3, their worst start since 1993, and have lost two games in a row for the first time since 1995. The last time San Francisco lost three straight games during a season was 1980, when they dropped eight straight games (49ers lost their last 2 games in 1980 and first game in 1981).

The Vikings are 2-4 for the first time since 1991, when they finished 8-8 under since-departed head coach Jerry Burns (his final season with the team).

The 49ers have not been shutout in an NFL-record 344 consecutive games. WR Jerry Rice has caught at least one pass in an NFL-record 199 straight games.

Vikings WR Cris Carter (104) needs one touchdown to tie Don Hutson (105) for 9th place on the NFL's all-time touchdowns scored list. Carter (10,820) needs 36 yards to tie Gary Clark (10,856) for 11th place on the NFL's all-time receiving yardage list. IF HE PLAYS: Vikings QB Randall Cunningham (198) needs two touchdown passes to become the 24th player in NFL history with 200 career touchdown passes.