The Buccaneers head to New Orleans for the second straight year as these clubs square off for the 16th time in 19 years.

The Saints own a 13-5 edge in the series standings and have prevailed in 11 of the last 13 meetings dating back to 1983, including a 9-3 victory a year ago (Week 8) at the Superdome in the most recent regular-season meeting between the clubs.

The Bucs are 3-9 lifetime at the Superdome dating back to 1977, having dropped nine straight at New Orleans dating back to 1984 after prevailing in their first three visits to New Orleans.

Worth noting that 12 of the previous 18 encounters between these clubs have been played at the Superdome, including Tampa Bay's stunning 33-14 triumph on December 11, 1977 -- the Buccaneers' first-ever victory following an NFL-record 26 consecutive losses.

Numbers: The Buccaneers have not scored a touchdown in two straight games and a total of eight consecutive quarters. They have been outscored a combined 50-17 in the first quarter in seven games in '99. The Bucs have limited the opposition to 300 or fewer yards in 34 of their last 49 regular-season contests dating back to '96. They have forced 22 turnovers in 11 wins, 10 turnovers in 12 losses dating back to '98. The Buccaneers have returned 1,404 kickoffs in their 24-year history (1976-99) and have never scored a touchdown on a kickoff return.

The Saints have allowed 63 points in seven wins (17 or fewer points in each contest), 444 points in 16 losses (30 or more points in 9 of those contests) dating back to '98. They have been outscored a combined 58-11 in the fourth quarter in 7 games in '99. The Saints have committed two or more turnovers in four straight games.

Things to look for: Maybe the Buccaneers' biggest problem wasn't at quarterback as their lackadaisical offensive unit continues to struggle no matter who's pulling the trigger. Mike Ditka's snake-bitten Saints may be ready to ask the league to shorten games to three quarters as they continue to make the final 15 minutes of every contest an adventure. Don't be surprised if either of these clubs pitches a shutout.

Etc.: The Saints are 1-6 for the first time since 1995, when they finished 7-9 under since-departed head coach Jim Mora. After losing their first five games in '96 and opening 1-8 under head coach Tony Dungy, the Buccaneers are 27-21 in their last 48 contests dating back to '96 (including 1-1 in playoffs). However, after opening 5-0 in 1997, the Bucs are just 17-19 (including playoffs) in their last 36 games. The Bucs are 19-57 on the road in the 1990s (1-3 in '99).

The Saints have lost six straight games. They are just 18-31 in their last 49 contests at the Superdome dating back to 1993.