The Vikings head south to Raymond James Stadium in position to sweep this NFC Central rivalry for the first time since 1992.

Nine weeks ago at the Metrodome (Week 4), Vikings QB Randall Cunningham threw three touchdown passes in the first quarter (2 to WR Randy Moss) and it was all Dennis Green's team got and needed as the Purple Gang held on for a 21-14 victory.

While the Vikings have more than doubled Tampa's victory total in this series (29-14), the Bucs have amassed more than half of their wins (8) this decade as Minnesota owns an 11-8 edge in this rivalry in the 1990s.

As for Minnesota's last appearance in Tampa (Week 9 of '98), Buccaneers RBs Mike Alstott (19-128-1 TD) and Warrick Dunn (18-115-1 TD) both topped the century mark on the ground as Tampa rolled up 246 yards rushing in a 27-24 upset victory, handing the Vikings what would prove to be their only regular-season loss in '98.

Minnesota is just 4-5 in its last 9 visits to Tampa dating back to 1990.

Numbers: Vikings WR Cris Carter has scored at least one touchdown in six straight games and 32 of his last 48 regular-season contests dating back to '96. Carter has totaled 100 or more yards receiving in four straight games. QB Jeff George has thrown 2 or more touchdown passes in 6 straight games. Since 1996, the Vikings have 97 takeaways in 40 wins, 18 takeaways in 19 losses in 58 regular-season contests. The Vikings have allowed 11 sacks and committed just 10 turnovers in 7 wins, while committing 15 turnovers and allowing 17 sacks in 4 losses in '99. They have 17 takeaways in 7 wins, 2 takeaways in 4 losses in '99. They have forced two or more turnovers in five straight games. The Vikings have committed two or more turnovers in three straight games.

The Buccaneers have limited the opposition to 300 or fewer yards in 37 of their last 53 regular-season contests dating back to '96. They have forced 36 turnovers in 15 wins, 10 turnovers in 12 losses dating back to '98. The Buccaneers have been outscored a combined 69-24 in the first quarter in 11 games in '99. The Bucs have forced two or more turnovers in four straight games, totaling 14 takeaways in those four contests (4-0). They have limited the opposition to 16 or fewer points in four straight games. The Bucs have returned 1,417 kickoffs in their 24-year history (1976-99) and have never scored a touchdown on a kickoff return.. .

Things to look for: Just as was the case a year ago, the Vikings' backup signal-caller has the hot hand as QB Jeff George has added a much-needed spark to the Minnesota passing game. Still, Dennis Green can't be happy with his defensive unit, who has made 400-yard passers out of Jim Miller and Jim Harabugh the last few weeks and doesn't figure to suddenly get better against Buccaneers' rookie QB Shaun King.

Etc.: The Vikings are making their second of three Monday night appearances this season (1-0 in '99) and are 18-17 lifetime on Monday Night Football, including just 8-11 on the road. Vikings head coach Dennis Green is 6-4 lifetime on Monday Night Football dating back to 1992. The Buccaneers are 2-3 lifetime on Monday Night Football, including 2-1 at home. The Vikings have won five straight games. WR Cris Carter (113) needs three touchdowns to tie John Riggins (116) for 6th place on the NFL's all-time touchdowns scored list.

The Buccaneers have won four straight games, and four straight home games. Since 1996 (including playoffs), the Buccaneers are 32-29 under head coach Tony Dungy, including just 11-19 vs. NFC Central rivals. Since '97 (including playoffs), the Bucs are just 9-13 vs. NFC Central rivals.