The Lions arrive at the Kingdome for the first time since 1990 as this interconference setting is renewed for just the eighth time.

Although Seahawks own a 4-3 edge in this short-lived series, Lions have prevailed in the last 2 meetings, including a 17-16 triumph in 1996 at the Silverdome in the clubs' most recent encounter. Lions are 1-3 lifetime at the Kingdome and have dropped 3 straight in Seattle, their last visit to the Great Northwest resulting in a 30-10 setback in 1990.

Numbers: The Lions allowed 115 points and 831 yards rushing in their last four games (0-4) in '98. Including playoffs, the Lions have allowed 186 points in 14 victories (17 or fewer points in 11 of those wins) and 518 points in 19 losses dating back to '97. Detroit has forced 30 turnovers in 14 wins, 18 takeaways in 19 losses dating back to '97, including playoffs.

In 16 games in '98, the Seahawks' defense allowed 31 touchdowns, while their defense/special teams scored an NFL-record 13 touchdowns. After scoring 95 points and committing just two turnovers during their 3-0 start, Seahawks scored 277 points and committed 32 turnovers in their last 13 games (5-8) in '98. The Seahawks committed 10 turnovers in eight wins, 24 turnovers in eight losses in '98.

Things To Look For: Talk about a pair of franchises that could be headed in opposite directions. Big things are expected from the Seahawks, who have a wealth of talent and may finally put it together under the guidance of new head coach Mike Holmgren. On the other hand, Bobby Ross' Lions must deal with the fact that Barry Sanders is gone and not coming back. It could be a long day (and year) for Detroit.

Etc.: The Lions have lost four straight games dating back to '98. Since 1997 (including playoffs), the Lions are 14-19 under head coach Bobby Ross, 10-7 vs. NFC Central rivals and just 4-12 vs. the rest of the NFL. Detroit is 17-13 vs. AFC teams since '91 (1-3 in '98), this after going 9-32 in interconference games from 1979-90. Lions' WR Herman Moore has caught at least one pass in 107 straight games.

Including playoffs, Seahawks' head coach Mike Holmgren owns a 40-19 record vs. NFC Central rivals (37-19 in regular season, 3-0 in playoffs), including an 11-5 record (2-0 in playoffs) vs. the Lions (all with the Packers). Holmgren is 20-8 in interconference games (all with the Packers) and 21-9 vs. AFC teams if you include Super Bowls XXXI and XXXII. The Seahawks are 12-7 vs. NFC teams dating back to 1994 (3-1 in '98).