The Dolphins head west to Oakland for the fourth consecutive year as these storied franchises battle for the seventh time in the 1990s.

While the Raiders own a 17-8-1 edge in the overall standings (including 2-1 in postseason), the Dolphins posted a 27-17 win a year ago (Week 14)--Miami's second consecutive road victory in this rivalry following 8 straight losses at Oakland (including playoffs) from 1966-80.

Despite that latest victory, the Dolphins are still just 3-10 on the road in this series, including 2-8 at Oakland (0-2 in playoffs), 0-1 at Berkley (a 12-7 loss in 1973 which ended the Dolphins' overall 18-game winning streak from 1972-73) and 1-1 at the L.A. Coliseum.

Numbers: Since 1996 (including playoffs), under head coach Jimmy Johnson, the Dolphins are 33-5 when they run the ball 25 or more times, 0-19 when they fail to run the ball at least 25 times. Dolphins PK Olindo Mare has kicked 17 consecutive field goals and has kicked 22 field goals in 6 games in '99, including 3 or more field goals in five straight games; the NFL record for field goals in a season is 37, set by Carolina's John Kasay in 1996. In his last three games, Dolphins' WR Tony Martin has totaled 21 receptions for 310 yards and two touchdowns. Including playoffs, the Dolphins have allowed 230 points in 16 wins, 224 points in eight losses dating back to '98. Since 1996 (including playoffs), under head coach Jimmy Johnson, the Dolphins have totaled 100 sacks and 84 takeaways in 33 wins but just 33 QB traps and 32 takeaways in 24 losses. They have forced two or more turnovers in three straight games, and have limited the opposition to fewer than 100 yards rushing in five straight games.

In their first seven games in '98, the Raiders have totaled 19 sacks and forced 18 turnovers, but have allowed 2,207 total yards (315.3 YPG) and 137 points. After committing just 14 turnovers in their first eight games (6-2) in 1998, the Raiders have committed 43 turnovers in their last 15 contests (6-9). After allowing just 175 points in their first 10 games in 1998 (7-3), the Raiders have allowed 318 points in their last 13 games (5-8). They have forced two or more turnovers in three straight games.

Things to look for: The Dolphins' defense continues to make timely plays, even more crucial these days while QB Dan Marino is on the mend. Jon Gruden's club is coming off a rousing win over the Jets but may be without QB Rich Gannon, who has brought stability to the Raiders' offense. Oakland's defense had its problems with Curtis Martin last week and may be in trouble against Miami's ground attack.

Etc.:Since Dan Marino took over as the Dolphins' starter in Week 6 vs. the Bills in 1983, Miami backups are 9-10 starting for Marino, including 2-9 in their last 11 games (1-0 in '99). Since 1996 (including playoffs), under head coach Jimmy Johnson, the Dolphins are 26-17 vs. AFC teams. They have won three straight road games.

The Raiders own a 104-43-3 record (114-45-3, including playoffs) at the Oakland Coliseum, this compared to a 64-36 mark (69-38, including playoffs) at the L.A. Coliseum from 1982-94. WR Tim Brown (10,225) needs 41 yards to tie Lance Alworth (10,266) for 15th place on the NFL's all-time receiving yardage list.