The Saints make their way to Jacksonville for the first time as these clubs collide for only the second time.

The Saints managed a 17-13 victory in 1996 at the Superdome in the lone previous battle between the teams.

Numbers: The Saints have allowed 69 points in eight wins (17 or fewer points in each contest), 475 points in 17 losses (30 or more points in 10 of those contests) dating back to '98. They committed just four turnovers in their first five games of '93 but have committed 233 turnovers in their last 100 regular-season games (1993-99), committing two or more turnovers in 34 of their last 50 contests. In their last 105 regular-season games (1993-99), the Saints have given up 28 returns for touchdowns (17 interceptions, 6 fumble recoveries, 5 punt returns).

In their first four seasons in the NFL (1995-98), the Jaguars held an opponent without an offensive touchdown just three times in 64 games (3-of-70, including playoffs). In '99, the Jaguars have not allowed an offensive touchdown in 4-of-9 contests. They have totaled 39 sacks in nine games in '99, this after totaling just 30 sacks in 16 games in '98. The Jaguars have allowed 59 points in eight wins, 20 points in one loss in '99. They have limited the opposition to 10 or fewer points in six straight games and 7-of-9 contests in '99. The Jaguars have limited the opposition to fewer than 100 yards rushing in three straight games, and have totaled four or more sacks in six straight games and 8-of-9 contests in '99. They have not committed a turnover in four straight games, and their quarterbacks have not thrown an interception in five straight games. The Jaguars have committed three turnovers in eight wins, four turnovers in one loss in '99.

Things to look for: Very quietly, Saints' rookie RB Ricky Williams is getting his carries and yards, and will present a very tough test for a Jacksonville defense that has been stout against the run all season, but may have to work overtime as QB Mark Brunell and his offensive counterparts have been inconsistent at best and may be without RB Fred Taylor. Dom Capers' unit may have to come up with a few scores.

Etc.: The Jaguars are 8-1 for the first time in the team's 5-year history (1995-99). They have won six straight games in the same season for the first time in the team's 5-year history (1995-99). The Saints are 31-19 vs. AFC competition since '87 (0-2 in '99) after going just 12-42-2 vs. AFC teams from 1970-86. They have lost nine straight road games dating back to '98. Including playoffs, the Jaguars are 24-3 in their last 27 home games dating back to 1996. They are 10-9 lifetime vs. NFC teams (3-0 in '99) dating back to 1995.