The Lions head west to Arizona for the first time since 1993 as these once-frequent combatants meet for just the fifth time in the 1990s.

While the Lions own a 27-18-5 advantage in a series that dates back to 1930, Big Red posted a 17-15 victory a year ago (Week 9) in Pontiac in the most recent meeting between the clubs.

The Lions' only previous visit to Tempe resulted in a 21-14 victory in 1993.

Worth noting is that the road team has prevailed in three straight and four of the last five meetings between these club dating back to 1989.

Numbers: Including playoffs, the Lions have forced 46 turnovers in 20 wins, 20 takeaways in 21 losses dating back to '97. They have forced two or more turnovers in five straight games. The Lions have limited the opposition to fewer than 100 yards rushing in five straight games and they have totaled 4 or more sacks in 4 straight games.

The Cardinals have been outscored a combined 69-3 in the first quarter in eight games in '99. Including playoffs, they have forced 37 turnovers in 12 wins, but have just 21 takeaways in 14 losses dating back to '98. The Cardinals have been limited to fewer than 300 yards of total offense and 16 or fewer points in seven straight games, and have been limited to fewer than 100 yards rushing in five straight games. The Cardinals have allowed 140 or more yards rushing in three straight games.

Things to look for: The Lions' Cinderella season continues as their rousing win over the Rams was further evidence that Bobby Ross' team is far from a one-man show as new starts emerge on a weekly basis. The only stars in Tempe these days are in the sky at night as the Cardinals have fallen hard and are showing few signs of life. Detroit's defense should have its way with Arizona's mediocre offensive unit.

Etc.: The Lions are 6-2 for the first time since 1993, when they opened 7-2, finished 10-6 and captured their last NFC Central title under since-departed head coach Wayne Fontes. The Lions have won four straight games. Since 1997 (including playoffs), the Lions are 20-21 under head coach Bobby Ross, 13-7 vs. NFC Central rivals and just 7-14 vs. the rest of the NFL.

The Cardinals have lost three straight games. WR Rob Moore (602) needs eight catches to tie both Herman Moore and Keith Byars (610) for 19th place on the NFL's all-time receiving list.