The Bears head to Detroit as this storied rivalry is renewed once again.

The Lions and Bears have met at least once a year from 1930-98 (69 consecutive seasons, the longest continuous rivalry in the NFL), with Chicago owning the edge (77-56-5) in the series standings, however, Detroit has been the better team as of late, prevailing in eight of the last 11 battles dating back to the clubs' second encounter in '93.

Last season, these teams split their season series for the second time in three years. In Week 5 at Soldier Field, Lions QB Charlie Batch threw for 268 yards and a pair of touchdowns as his team built a 27-10 third-quarter lead, however since-departed Bears' QB Erik Kramer spearheaded a frantic fourth quarter rally which saw Chicago score 21 unanswered points, capped by Kramer's 1-yard TD run with 1:50 to play as Chicago came all the way back for a 31-27 win.

Six weeks later on a Sunday evening at the Silverdome (Week 11), since-departed Lions RB Barry Sanders rushed for 114 yards and since-departed FB Tommy Vardell scored three touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 receiving) as Detroit rolled to a 26-3 triumph.

The Bears have dropped five straight at Pontiac (by a combined score of 164-62) dating back to 1994 and are just 1-8 in their last 9 appearances at the Silverdome dating back to 1990.

Numbers: In his last seven games, Bears WR Marcus Robinson has totaled 43 receptions for 844 yards (19.6 avg.) and six touchdowns, totaling 100 or more yards receiving in four of those contests. In his last two games, QB Jim Miller has completed 59-of-86 passes for 779 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. The Bears have forced 23 turnovers in 11 games in '99, this after totaling just 28 takeaways in 16 games in '98. They have totaled 29 sacks in 11 games in '99, this after finishing tied for last in the NFL in sacks (28) in 16 games in '98. Including playoffs (93 games), the Bears have allowed 553 points in 39 wins (14.2 PPG), 1,491 points in 54 losses (27.6 PPG) the last 6 seasons (1994-99).

Including playoffs, the Lions have allowed 283 points in 20 victories (17 or fewer points in 14 of those wins) and 618 points in 23 losses dating back to '97. Including playoffs, they have forced 46 turnovers in 20 wins, 21 takeaways in 23 losses dating back to '97. The Lions have allowed three or more sacks in 8-of-10 contests in '99. WR Germane Crowell has scored at least one touchdown in three straight games

Things to look for: Dick Jauron's resilient club continues to open eyes thanks to an offensive attack that is making definitive strides, regardless of who's pulling the trigger. And even though the weary Bears are at a big disadvantage thanks to short week off their west coast battle with the Chargers (that went into overtime to boot), the Lions' suddenly-depleted secondary may be the tired unit by afternoon's end.

Etc.: The Bears are 15-13-2 lifetime on Thanksgiving, including 8-6 vs. the Lions -- their last appearance on Turkey Day a 55-20 loss at the Silverdome in 1997. The Lions have won two straight and are 30-27-2 lifetime on Thanksgiving Day, including 7-3 since 1989 -- their last appearance on Turkey Day a 19-16 overtime victory over the Steelers at Pontiac last season (Week 13). The Lions have won three straight home games. Since 1997 (including playoffs), the Lions are 20-23 under head coach Bobby Ross, including 13-8 vs. NFC Central rivals.