The Buccaneers head north to Detroit looking to reverse their fortunes in this always-interesting NFC Central rivalry.

While Lions own a five-game edge in the overall standings (24-19, including playoffs), Buccaneers have totaled more wins over Detroit (19) than any other club they've faced in the NFL.

Including playoffs, the Lions have prevailed in eight of the last 10 overall meetings between these clubs dating back to the clubs' second encounter in '94 and a year ago, swept this divisional series for the third time in 4 years. In Week 4 on a Monday night at the Silverdome, since-departed Lions RB Barry Sanders rushed for 131 yards and the Detroit defense (34-yard interception return by CB Bryant Westbrook) and special teams (105-yard kickoff return by DB Terry Fair) found the end zone as Bobby Ross' team rolled to a 27-6 triumph.

Eight weeks later at Raymond James Stadium (Week 12), Lions QB Charlie Batch threw for 195 yards and a pair of first-quarter touchdowns as the Lions held on for a 28-25 win...Buccaneers are 1-5 in their last six visits to the Silverdome dating back to 1993.

Numbers: The Buccaneers have limited the opposition to 300 or fewer yards in 33 of their last 48 regular-season contests dating back to '96. They have forced 22 turnovers in 11 wins, nine turnovers in 11 losses dating back to '98. The Buccaneers have limited the opposition to fewer than 100 yards rushing in nine straight games dating back to '98. Tampa Bay has been outscored a combined 50-17 in the first quarter in six games in '99. The Buccaneers have returned 1,401 kickoffs in their 24-year history (1976-99) and have never scored a touchdown on a kickoff return.

Including playoffs, the Lions have allowed 253 points in 18 victories (17 or fewer points in 13 of those wins) and 569 points in 21 losses dating back to '97. Including playoffs, the Lions have forced 42 turnovers in 18 wins, 20 takeaways in 21 losses dating back to '97. The Lions have forced two or more turnovers in three straight games. They have limited the opposition to fewer than 100 yards rushing in three straight games.

Things to look for: The Eric Zeier Era begins in Tampa as Tony Dungy makes the first quarterback change of his head coaching career. And while all eyes will be on the former Georgia Bulldog, the Bucs will still rely on their powerful ground attack to wear down a injury-marred Lions' defensive unit. Bobby Ross' club continues to prove that this is a solid team despite some big names missing on the offensive side of the ball.

Etc.: Including playoffs, the Buccaneers are 19-24 lifetime vs. Detroit (including 1-0 in playoffs) and 42-86-1 vs. the rest of the NFC Central (0-1 in playoffs). Including playoffs, they are 19-24 lifetime vs. Detroit (including 1-0 in playoffs) and 104-220-1 vs. the rest of the NFL (including 1-4 in playoffs). Since 1996 (including playoffs), the Buccaneers are 28-28 under head coach Tony Dungy, including just 11-18 vs. NFC Central rivals. They are 19-56 on the road in the 1990s (1-2 in '99).

Since 1997 (including playoffs), the Lions are 18-21 under head coach Bobby Ross, including 12-7 vs. NFC Central rivals.