The Browns make their first appearance at the Superdome since 1990 as they face the Saints for the first time since 1993.

The Browns have prevailed in nine of the previous 12 meetings between these clubs, including a 17-13 victory in 1993 at Cleveland in the most recent battle between the teams.

Cleveland is 5-2 lifetime at New Orleans dating back to 1967 but 1-2 at the Superdome dating back to 1978, their last visit to New Orleans resulting in a 25-20 loss in 1990.

Numbers: The Browns have been limited to fewer than 300 total yards in each of their first 7 games in '99. They have been limited to 17 or fewer points in each of their first seven games in '99.

The Saints have been outscored a combined 51-8 in the fourth quarter in 6 games in '99. They have totaled three or more sacks in 27 of their last 38 contests dating back to '97. New Orleans has allowed 63 points in seven wins (17 or fewer points in each contest), 423 points in 15 losses (30 or more points in 9 of those contests) dating back to '98. Their defense has forced two or more turnovers in four straight games. The Saints have committed two or more turnovers in three straight games.

Things to look for: It's already been a long year for the Browns and Saints, although the latter certainly had higher aspirations entering the season. Chris Palmer's club is making very definite strides on offense, but their defensive unit has been overwhelmed in nearly every outing. Mike Ditka finally got a big effort from rookie RB Ricky Williams, who should run wild against the Browns' overmatched defenders.

Etc.: Entering 1999, the Browns faced the easiest schedule in NFL (on paper), their '99 opponents' records in '98 were a combined 101-155 (.395). In their first seven games this season, the Browns' opponents own a combined 28-17 record (.622), and their final nine opponents own a combined 28-28 mark (.500). The Saints have lost five straight games. They are 31-18 vs. AFC competition since '87 (0-1 in '99) after going just 12-42-2 vs. AFC teams from 1970-86. The Saints are just 18-30 in their last 48 contests at the Superdome dating back to 1993.