BEARS:  Have won 12 of past 13 games decided by seven points or less……Head coach DICK JAURON spent ’85 season as Buffalo DBs coach, his first NFL coaching job……QB JIM MILLER is 15-6 (.714) as Bears’ starter.  QB CHRIS CHANDLER completed 28 of 40 attempts for career-high 431 yards, 2 TDs & 2 INTs for 101.1 passer rating vs. Bills (with Falcons, 12/23/01)……RB ANTHONY THOMAS has TD in 5 of past 8 games.  Rushed for 111 yards vs. Saints.  Has lost 1 fumble in 382 career touches (350 rush, 32 rec).  RB-PR-KR LEON JOHNSON needs 1 pass attempt for 2nd consecutive season with at least 1 pass, rush, reception, PR & KR.  Would be first Bear to accomplish feat in consecutive seasons since GALE SAYERS (1965-67)……WR DAVID TERRELL has 37 career catches and 6 TDs, average of 1 TD per 6.2 receptions.  WR MARTY BOOKER averaging 6.3 receptions in past 3 vs. AFC opponents.  Averaging 114.3 receiving yards per game in 2002……BILLS:  Club is 3-1 (.750) all-time at home vs. Bears……In 3 career games vs. Chicago, QB DREW BLEDSOE has completed 72 of 121 passes (59.5 pct.) for 803 yards & 5 TDs vs. 2 INTs for 86.2 passer rating.  On pace to reach 3rd career 4,000+ passing yard season & has thrown 100+ consecutive passes with 0 INTs for 10th time in career  (113)……RB TRAVIS HENRY has rushed for 401 yards & 5 TDs in past 4 home games.  RB LARRY CENTERS has reception in 139 games in row.  Ranks 9th in all-time NFL receptions (773) & is 41 behind former WR HENRY ELLARD for 8th place.  Centers leads RBs in career catches……WRs ERIC MOULDS & PEERLESS PRICE tied for 2nd in NFL with 25 catches each & form NFL’s best WR duo in receptions (50) and receiving yards (646).  Moulds leads NFL in 3rd Down receptions (10).  Price leads NFL in receiving 1st downs (17)……Offense tied for 2nd in NFL in 1st Downs (69) & ranks 3^rd in AFC in red zone TD pct. (8 of 11, 72.7 pct.).

SAINTS:  Club starts 3-0 for first time since 1998.  Overcame 20-0 deficit vs. Bears for second-biggest come-from behind win in team history (21, vs. Cin, W 31-24, 12/20/87).  Saints are 18-1 under head coach JIM HASLETT when leading after 3 quarters……QB AARON BROOKS tied career high with 3 TD passes vs. Bears.  Also added 28 yards rushing, including 7-yard TD run.  Brooks leads NFC with 101.4 fourth-quarter passer rating……RB DEUCE MC ALLISTER had career-long 30-yard reception, which set up Saints’ first TD……WR DONTE’ STALLWORTH had game-winning 29-yard TD catch vs. Bears.  Leads all NFC rookies with 3 TDs & 12 receptions (165 yards).  Has TD in each of first 3 career games……TE DAVID SLOAN totaled 180 receptions for 2,024 yards & 15 TDs with Lions from 1995-2001…..S SAMMY KNIGHT had 37-yard INT-TD in last meeting.  Had INT on Bears’ final drive last week to preserve win……LIONS:  First-round draft pick (No. 3 overall) QB JOEY HARRINGTON made first career-start vs. Packers and threw first career TD pass……RB JAMES STEWART rushed for 88 yards, averaging 6.3 per carry, & added 2 receptions for 56 yards, including career-long 52 yard TD catch.  RB LAMONT WARREN also added career-best 39-yard TD catch.  Marked first time 2 RBs had TD catches of at least 35 yards in same game since 9/25/94 (Clev, LEROY HOARD, 65, ERIC METCALF, 57)……Defense totaled 5 sacks in last meeting……DE ROBERT PORCHER has sacks in 2 of past 3 vs. Saints……PR-KR DESMOND HOWARD has 8 career PR-TDs & needs 2 to tie ERIC METCALF for most all-time.  Had 95-yard PR TD in last meeting, longest in club history.  WR AZ-ZAHIR HAKIM had first TD with Lions on 72-yard punt return vs. GB.

PANTHERS:  Club starts 3-0 for first time since 1996……Club’s 3 game winning streak is longest following losing streak of at least 10 games since 1986 (Ind)……QB RODNEY PEETE had career-long TD run (26 yards) vs. GB (12/22/90).  Ranks second in NFC with 99.0 fourth-quarter passer rating……RB LAMAR SMITH rushed for 154 yards (5.1 average, 2 TDs) vs. Vikings, second-highest total in club history & his first 100-yard rushing day with Panthers……WR MUHSIN MUHAMMAD tied career high with 11 receptions (131 yards, 2 TDs) vs. GB on 11/27/00……  WR STEVE SMITH had career highs with 5 receptions & 81 yards receiving vs. Vikings.  Also had first-career TD catch (14 yards)……TE WESLEY WALLS had six receptions for 96 yards in last meeting at Lambeau.  Scored on 3-yard TD catch in 2001 meeting……Defense is ranked No. 1 in NFC overall & No. 1 vs. rush & pass.  Club leads NFC with 13 sacks……DE MIKE RUCKER tied club record with 3.0 sacks last week……S DEON GRANT set club record with 3 INTs vs. Minn.   Had INT vs. Packers in last meeting……PACKERS:  QB BRETT FAVRE passed for 308 yards & 3 TDs in last meeting.  Has 294 career TD passes & needs 6 to become third player in NFL history with 300 TDs & 7 to pass JOHN ELWAY (300) for third all-time.  Has 3,396 career completions & needs 14 to pass JOE MONTANA (3,409) for fifth all-time.  Has 5,569 career pass attempts and needs 36 to pass DAN FOUTS (5,604) in sixth place all-time.  Plays in 163rd consecutive game, moving into sole possession of third-place on club’s all-time list……RB AHMAN GREEN has 11 100-yard rushing games with GB and club is 11-0 in those games.  Rookie fourth-round draft pick RB NAJEH DAVENPORT had 22 carries for 84 yards & four receptions for 31 yards vs. Lions……DE KABEER GBAJA-BIAMILA had 2.0 sacks in last meeting……Third-round draft pick S MARQUES ANDERSON had 78-yard INT-TD vs. Lions. 

NOTES

PLAYOFF HISTORY:  Jets defeated Jax. 34-24 in 1998 AFC Divisional Playoff in Meadowlands……JETS:  Have won 8 of past 10 road games……In 6 career regular season games vs. Jags, QB VINNY TESTAVERDE has passed for 1,666 yards (277.7 yards per game) & 9 TDs……RB CURTIS MARTIN had 182 scrimmage yards (124 rushing, 58 receiving) & 2 TDs in Div. Playoff…… In only career game at Jax. (10/13/96), WR WAYNE CHREBET had career-best 12 receptions & 162 yards with 1 TD……WR LAVERANUES COLES & LB SAM COWART were both born & raised in Jacksonville & still reside there. Coles attended Ribault High & Cowart went to Mandarin High……CB AARON BEASLEY was member of Jags from 1996-2001. Is club’s all-time leader in INTs (15), takeaways (18) & defensive TDs (4)……JAGUARS:  Never lost to Testaverde-quarterbacked team in regular season (6-0)……QB MARK BRUNELL is 2-1 (.667) & has completed 50 of 91 passes (54.9 pct.) for 601 yards & 3 TDs vs. 1 INT for 81.8 passer rating in 3 career games vs. NYJ. Had career postseason-high 3 TDs in 1998 Divisional Playoff vs. Jets.  In 2002, has 100.9 passer rating, 5th in AFC……RB FRED TAYLOR owns NFL’s longest run of 2002 (63 yards, TD) and is averaging 4.5 yards per carry (44 for 197).  In past 12 games with at least 15 carries, Taylor has rushed for 1,505 yards (125.4 yards per game) & 13 TDs.  RB STACEY MACK is 2 of 3 on 3rd & 1 rushing situations……WR JIMMY SMITH had first career 100-yard game vs. NYJ (10/13/96), recording 5 receptions for 135 yards & 1 TD.  Smith leads Jax with 13 catches in two games in ’02 for 187 yards & 1 TD……TE KYLE BRADY was first round draft choice of NYJ in 1995 (No. 9) & was member of Jets from 1995-1998, recording 93 catches for 949 yards & 10 TDs.  Offense is 3rd in AFC and 4th in league in total yards per game (396.5) ……Defense held Jets to 6 points & 230 total yards in last meeting.  Also forced 2 turnovers & posted 4 sacks.

GAME FEATURES top two rushers in NFL: Miami’s RICKY WILLIAMS (394 yards) & Kansas City’s PRIEST HOLMES (386).  Duo played together at University of Texas in 1996.  Clubs are two of NFL’s best in Aug.-Sept. games since 1992: Miami, 29-7 (.806, NFL best); Kansas City, 28-14 (.667, tied for 4th-best in NFL)  ……DOLPHINS:  Have won past 4 vs. KC……QB JAY FIEDLER is NFL’s 3rd-rated passer (107.6) & reached his 25th victory as starter last week in his 35th game, becoming fifth-fastest QB to win 25.  Threw 40th TD pass as Dolphin in Wk. 3 to surpass former QB DON STROCK for 3rd on team’s all-time list……RB Williams leads NFL with 394 rush yards (5.8 avg.).  Ran for 151 yards vs. NY Jets in Wk. 3 for 3rd-most in career.  Williams’ 3 consecutive 100-yard games marks 2nd time in team history that club has had 100-yard rusher 3 games in row (1972: RB MERCURY MORRIS, 107; RB LARRY CSONKA 114, 113)……Rookie TE RANDY MC MICHAEL led team in receiving in Wk. 3 with 5 catches for 79 yards.  Became 1st TE to lead team in receiving since former TE TROY DRAYTON (80) on 10/5/97……DE JASON TAYLOR has 13 career fumble recoveries, 4th most by Dolphin.  Defense is 2nd in AFC & 3rd in NFL in points allowed (12.3)……CHIEFS:  Play second of three consecutive games vs. AFC East……RB Holmes rushed for 180 yards vs. Patriots in Wk. 3 for fifth-highest single-game total in team’s 43-year history.  Marked 5th time in past 17 games Holmes has rushed for at least 147 yards.  Tops in NFL with 6 runs of 20+ yards & leads league in non-kicker scoring with 42 points; 6 players tied for 2nd with 24.  Tied for 8th in AFC in receptions (15).……WR EDDIE KENNISON had 2 TD receptions in Wk. 3, first 2-TD game since rookie season with St. Louis (12/15/96).  Club ranks 4th in AFC total offense & 6th in NFL (385.0).  KR-WR DANTE HALL owns AFC’s 3rd-best KR avg. (28.3) with long of 57……DE ERIC HICKS recorded 2.0 sacks in Wk. 3 & has 9 multi-sack games in career.  Defense has not allowed 1st quarter TD. 

TEXANS:  Sr. VP and GM CHARLIE CASSERLY is native of River Edge, NJ, 100 miles from Philadelphia……Head coach DOM CAPERS coached 12 Pro Bowl LBs from 1986-2000……In fourth quarter, rookie QB DAVID CARR is 10 of 18 (55.6 pct.) for 167 yards…… Rookie RB JONATHAN WELLS gained 93 rush yards on 14 carries vs. Colts in Wk. 3 for club’s top rushing performance to date……WR COREY BRADFORD averages 21.5 yards per catch after 3 games (6 for 129 & 1 TD)……CB AARON GLENN tied for AFC lead in INTs with 2……LB JEFF POSEY leads team with 3.0 sacks, tied for 3rd-best in conference.  Texans have 8.0 sacks through 3 games.  Club is 5th in AFC total defense (291.0) and 8th in league.  Defense ranks 4th in AFC in denying 3rd down conversions (30.0 pct.) & stands 3rd in conference in 1st downs allowed per game (14.3).  Defense red zone TD percentage is 14.3, which ranks 3rd in AFC (1 TD in 7 possessions, 5 FGs)……EAGLES:  Club last welcomed team from Houston to Veterans Stadium on 10/24/94, winning 21-6.  Club 23-3 (.885) under head coach ANDY REID when scoring 20-or-more points.  Have notched 30-point victories in consecutive games for first time since 1980 (Week 2, 42-7 at Min, Week 3, 35-3 vs. NYG)……QB DONOVAN MC NABB has won 5 of past 7 starts vs. AFC opponents, passing for 14 TDs & 5 INTs.  Completed 24 of 37 attempts for 287 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs for 115.5 passer rating last week.  Also added 67 yards rushing on 6 carries, including 2-yard TD run……WR ANTONIO FREEMAN had 6 receptions for 118 yards (1 TD), his first 100-yard game with club……Eagles defense has not allowed TD in 8 consecutive quarters……KR-PR BRIAN MITCHELL has 12 career KR-TDs & needs 1 for sole possession of all-time lead (ERIC METCALF).  Has played in 179 consecutive games & will become only player in NFL to play at least 1 game vs. all 32 clubs……DE HUGH DOUGLAS has 4.0 sacks in past 4 games……CB BOBBY TAYLOR was born in Houston & makes offseason home there.  Will play in 100th career game……K DAVID AKERS connected on 17 of past 20 FGs (.850) vs. AFC foes.

TEAMS MEET FOR 100TH TIME INCLUDING ONE POSTSEASON MEETING – first AFC rivalry to reach 100 games & most played rival for each team.  Browns-Steelers series has produced 31 Hall of Famers in 124 combined seasons.  Only divisional rivalry to produce more HOFers is Bears-Packers (45).  Bears-Packers have played 41 more combined seasons than Browns-Steelers.  Cities separated by 132 miles……BROWNS:  Club is one win shy of being 11th NFL team with 400.  Pittsburgh (475) is only AFC team with 400+ wins……Team is 8-2 under head coach BUTCH DAVIS when scoring 20 or more points……In first start of ’02 last Sunday, QB TIM COUCH set career highs in attempts (50), completions (36) and tied career-best in TD passes with 3 (done 3 other times).  In 4 starts vs. Steelers, Couch has completed 72 of 118 passes (61.0 pct.) for 825 yards & 5 TDs vs. 3 INTs for 85.6 rating……RB JAMEL WHITE is 2nd among AFC running backs in receptions (15)……WR-PR DENNIS NORTHCUTT leads NFL in PR avg. (21.1 yards) on 7 returns for 148 yards & 1 TD.  His 74-yard PR-TD vs. Titans in Wk. 3 is longest in AFC this season……Rookie WR ANDRE DAVIS leads NFL in receiving TDs (4) & is tied for 3rd among NFL rookie reception leaders (12)……DE COURTNEY BROWN has 4.0 sacks in 3 games vs. Steelers.  Club held Titans to 187 total yards in Wk. 3 – fewest single-game total yards allowed by Browns since 1994 (182 vs. Houston, 11/27/94)……STEELERS:  Head coach BILL COWHER has career 11-4 (.733) record vs. Cleveland.  Needs 1 win for 100 career regular season victories.  Cowher played 3 seasons with Browns (1980-82) & spent 4 years (1985-1988) with Cleveland as coach (special teams & secondary)……Steelers have won 8 of past 9 home games vs. Browns.  Pittsburgh is 7-2 (.778) in regular season at Heinz Field ……In fourth quarter this season, QB KORDELL STEWART is 19 of 27 (70.4) for 277 yards……RB JEROME BETTIS has 589 yards (three 100s) in past 5 vs. Browns……LB JOEY PORTER, AFC Defensive Player of Week for Wk. 2, has 3.0 sacks & 2 INTs in 2 games.  Inside red zone, defense is 4th in NFL in TD pct. (1 of 6 for 16.7 pct., 4 FGs).

COWBOYS:  RB EMMITT SMITH has 16,365 yards rushing & is second on NFL all-time rushing list.  Needs 362 yards to surpass Pro Football HOFer WALTER PAYTON (16,726) as all-time leading rusher.  Had career-high 117 yards receiving (4 catches) vs. Rams (11/18/90)……WR JOEY GALLOWAY tied career-high with 8 receptions (75 yards) vs. StL (with Seattle, 10/19/97).  Second-round draft pick WR ANTONIO BRYANT leads NFC rookies with 169 yards receiving (11 catches)……Club ranks second in NFC with 12 sacks after totaling 24 in 2001……DE GREG ELLIS has sacks in 3 consecutive games, including 4.0 in past 2.  DT LA’ROI GLOVER has 2.5 sacks in 2002 & earned NFC Defensive Player of Week honors for 3.0-sack, 2 forced fumble effort vs. Rams (with Saints, 11/26/00)……KR REGGIE SWINTON set club-record with 213 KR yards (6 returns) & had career-long 100-yard KR-TD vs. Eagles last week.  Ranks second in NFL with 35.5 KR avg…….RAMS:  QB KURT WARNER is NFL’s all-time leader with a 100.2 passer rating (1,027 of 1,528, 13,533 yards, 99 TDs, 60 INTs).  Passed for 301 yards vs. TB, his second 300-yard passing game of season (315, vs. Den)……RB MARSHALL FAULK will face Cowboys for first time.  Has seen action vs. every other club except Houston.  Faulk has 114 TDs & needs 3 to pass JOHN RIGGINS (116) for seventh all-time.  Tied with teammate TORRY HOLT for NFC lead with 23 receptions.  Rookie third-round draft pick LAMAR GORDON had 21-yard TD run vs. Buccaneers, his first career TD.  Also had his first 2 career receptions (27 yards)……WR Holt had career-high 12 receptions vs. TB.  His 139 yards receiving ties for his fifth-highest ever……DE GRANT WISTROM has 4.0 sacks in past 4 games……CB AENEAS WILLIAMS had 48-yard INT TD vs. Dallas on 12/25/95 (with Ariz).  Has 8 career INT-TDs & needs 2 to pass KEN HOUSTON (9) and tie ROD WOODSON (10) for all-time NFL lead.

GIANTS:  Head coach JIM FASSEL spent 1996 season as Cardinals’ offensive coordinator & QBs coach……QB KERRY COLLINS passed for 147 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs in last meeting……RB TIKI BARBER had career-high 144 rushing yards vs. Cardinals, including career-long 78-yard TD run (9/3/00).  Has 100 yards rushing in 2 of past 4 vs. Ariz, averaging 6.5 yards per carry……WR AMANI TOOMER has 100-yards receiving in 2 of past 3 games & averages 108.6 yards receiving in 2002.  Ranks second in NFC with 326 yards.  His 49-yard reception vs. Seattle was club’s longest play of season.  WR IKE HILLIARD has caught pass in club-record 65 consecutive games……Defense held Seattle to 7 first downs last week, fewest for opponent since 9/23/90 (7, Miami)……DT KEITH HAMILTON has 4.5 sacks in past 3 vs. Cardinals……LB BRANDON SHORT had first career unassisted sack vs. Seahawks……For second consecutive week, CB WILLIAM PETERSON had INT on opponents’ final possession……CARDINALS:  QB JAKE PLUMMER has two career 300-yard passing games vs. Giants (388, 11/16/97; 318, 9/3/00) and career-long 70-yard TD pass (11/16/97).  Plummer passed for 229 yards & 2 TDs vs. SD last week……RB THOMAS JONES averaging career-best 5.2 yards per carry in 2002……RB MARCEL SHIPP scored first career TD (31-yard reception) last week.  Attended Passaic County (NJ) Technical HS & hails from Paterson, NJ…… WR DAVID BOSTON has 100-yard receiving games in 2 of past 4 vs. NY, including 9-catch, 137-yard, 1 TD (38 yards) effort in last home game vs. Giants…… WR MAR TAY JENKINS had career-long 65-yard TD reception last week.  WR FRANK SANDERS set career high (since tied) with 2 TDs vs. Giants (10/8/95).  Also had career-long 70-yard TD catch vs. NY (11/16/97)……TE FREDDIE JONES had 5 receptions vs. Chargers, his most since joining Cardinals.

BUCCANEERS:  Head coach JON GRUDEN was a 3-year letterman QB at University of Dayton……QB BRAD JOHNSON is third in NFC with 115 pass attempts & has 0 INT.  Has 0 INT in past 6 starts.……RB MIKE ALSTOTT has rushed for 4,026 career yards & needs 175 to pass WARRICK DUNN (4,200) for second in club history.  Scored first TD of season (2-yard run) vs. Rams……WR KEENAN MC CARDELL tied career-best with 2 TD receptions vs. Bengals (with Jax, 11/29/98).  Has 59 receptions, 755 yards & 7 TDs in past 10 vs. Bengals, including 3 100-yard games……TE MARCO BATTAGLIA was drafted by Bengals in second round of ’96 NFL Draft & totaled 57 receptions for 533 yards for club from 1996-00……Defense had 5.0 sacks & 4 INT vs. Rams.  Eight different Buccaneers have sacks in ‘02……DE SIMEON RICE had 1.0 sacks & 1 INT vs. Rams.  Had 2.0 sacks in last meeting……LB DERRICK BROOKS had 39-yard INT TD, his second INT TD of season (97 yards, vs. Ravens).  Has 3 INTs in 2002 & needs 2 for career high…… BENGALS:  QB AKILI SMTH makes first start of 2002.  Threw Bengals’ 1st regular season touchdown pass in Paul Brown Stadium to WR RON DUGANS (9/10/00 vs. Cleveland)……In 2 career games vs. TB, RB COREY DILLON has 208 total yards from scrimmage & 1 TD.  Dillon is 8th among AFC rushing leaders with 184 yards on 49 carries (3.8) and leads team in receptions with 14 for 104 yards.  Is tied for 5th in AFC in most first downs with 17 (10 rush).  Dillon ties for NFL lead in moving chains on 3rd & 1 rushing attempts (3 for 3) with Minnesota RB MOE WILLIAMS.  Club is 17-10 when Dillon records at least 22 carries……LB TAKEO SPIKES has led team in tackles 2 of past 3 games.  “Takeo” means “Great Warrior” in Japanese.  Defense is 7th in NFL in passing yards allowed per game with 171.0.  Club is 8th in AFC in yards allowed on 1st down (5.17)……K NEIL RACKERS is 3 of 3 on FG attempts and has made past 7 FGs.

THREE OF PAST 4 meetings decided by 3 points……TITANS:  QB STEVE MC NAIR is 3-0 all-time vs. Raiders and is tied for 6th in AFC in TD passes with 5……RB EDDIE GEORGE has rushed for 438 yards, including 2 100-yard games, in 3 career meetings vs. Oakland (146.0 yards per game).  Had career-best 216 yards in 8/31/97 contest.  George stands 10th in AFC rushing with 166 yards and 2 TDs.  Also has 12 receptions in 2002 for 94 yards & 1 TD……WR DERRICK MASON is tied for 6th in AFC with 17 receptions for 258 yards (15.2)……TE FRANK WYCHECK has reception in 91 consecutive games……DEs KEVIN CARTER & rookie CARLOS HALL tied for 3rd in AFC sacks with 3.0 apiece……CB ANDRE DYSON tied for AFC lead in interceptions with 2, with 1 TD.  Defense allowing 79.7 rush yards per game, 6th-fewest in NFL…….RAIDERS:  Are 12-3 in past 15 home games.  Club is 8-5 (.615) following bye week.  Head coach BILL CALLAHAN lists Titans’ fans at The Coliseum as loudest he has heard in his NFL coaching career……WR TIM BROWN is 4 catches from surpassing ANDRE REED (951) for 3^rd on NFL’s all-time reception list……QB RICH GANNON has completed 295 of 443 passes (66.6 pct.) for 3,203 yards & 35 TDs vs. 8 INTs for 106.5 passer rating in past 14 home games.  Gannon will attempt to become fourth QB in NFL history to pass for more than 400 yards in consecutive games……RB CHARLIE GARNER has 302 total yards from scrimmage on 31 touches for 9.7-yard avg. (tops in NFL among RBs) and has 4 runs of 20+ yards……WR JERRY RICE has 40 receptions for 414 yards & 2 TDs in 6 career games against Tennessee.  WR Brown has 5 TDs in 6 career games against Titans……S ROD WOODSON is tied for NFL lead in fumble recovers with 3 (DE BRYAN KNIGHT, Chicago).  Woodson needs 43 interception return yards to pass DB EMLEN “THE GREMLIN” TUNNELL (1,282, 1948-61) for most in NFL history.

GAME FEATURES two undefeated clubs whose starting QBs have combined age of 48 years; NE’s TOM BRADY (25) & SD’s DREW BREES (23)……PATRIOTS:  Have won 10 consecutive games vs. SD, longest active streak in NFL.  Club’s 5th 3-0 start in 43-year history.  Last did it in 1999, finished season 8-8.  Team’s total points scored after 3 games (115) is 2nd most by defending Super Bowl champion (St. Louis 119 in ’00).  Including playoffs, Patriots have won 12 games in row…… Against KC in Wk. 3, QB Brady became 6th QB in team history to throw for 400+ yards (410) and 1st to do it since DREW BLEDSOE (11/23/98 vs. Miami).  Brady had first career 300-yard passing game in last year’s contest vs. SD, completing 33 of 54 passes (61.1 pct.) for 364 yards & 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 93.4 passer rating……With 16 receptions this past Sunday, WR TROY BROWN tied four others for most in game.  Marked Brown’s 12th 100-yard receiving game, tying him for 3rd-most in club history with former WR IRVING FRYAR.  Brown had 11 receptions for 117 yards & added 40-yard PR in last meeting vs. Chargers……Club is 2nd in AFC & tied for 3rd in NFL in turnover ratio (+6)……In 3 career games vs. Chargers, S LAWYER MILLOY has 17 tackles, 1.0 sack, 1 INT & 1 fumble recovery……CHARGERS:  Head coach MARTY SCHOTTENHEIMER has career 5-1 (.833) record vs. NE.  Schottenheimer is 11-3 in his past 14 games……QB Brees’ 3rd down completion pct. (63.6) ties for 5th in AFC (14 of 22)……RB LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON is 4th in AFC in yards from scrimmage (365 yards)…… WR CURTIS CONWAY is 6th among AFC reception leaders (17) & has 2 TDs.  Had 117 yards receiving on 4 catches (29.3 avg.) in 2001 meeting……Offense has scored 10 of 10 times inside opponents’ 20, including 7 TDs…… Rookie LB BEN LEBER is AFC sack leader with 4.0.  Defense has yet to allow red zone TD (1 FG in 3 tries)……RONNEY JENKINS had 30.6 KR avg. last year vs. NE (7 returns for 214 yards)……K WADE RICHEY leads NFL in touchbacks on kickoffs (7).

SEATTLE HOSTS “CANADA DAY” to honor Canadian fans……Clubs play first NFC game since 11/14/76 (Vikings, 27-21)……VIKINGS: Head coach MIKE TICE played TE for Seahawks from 1981-88, 1990-91……QB DAUNTE CULPEPPER makes first career start vs. Seattle.  Has connected with WR RANDY MOSS for 23 career TDs & needs 4 to become most prolific scoring tandem in club history (WARREN MOON/CRIS CARTER).  Culpepper has 52 career TD passes & needs 7 to pass Moon (58) for fourth in club history……RB MICHAEL BENNETT has 239 consecutive scrimmage attempts without fumble.  RB MOE WILLIAMS had career-high 66 yards receiving vs. Panthers and tied career-high with 4 receptions……DE LANCE JOHNSTONE had 2.0 sacks vs. Panthers, his fifth career multi-sack game & second with Vikings……CB TYRONE CARTER had first career INT last week……SEAHAWKS: Head coach MIKE HOLMGREN needs 1 win to reach 100 career victories……In 10 career games vs. Vikings, QB TRENT DILFER has passed for 1,814 yards, his most vs. any opponent.  Has 11 TDs & 5 INTs  vs. Min.  Completed 25 of 39 attempts for 301 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT for 94.1 passer rating in last start vs. Vikings (with TB, 10/3/99).  Has won 20 of past 23 starts, including postseason……DT JOHN RANDLE ranks second among active players with 125.0 sacks, including 114.0 for Vikings from 1990-00, ranking third in club history.  Led Vikings in sacks for record 9 seasons, including NFL-leading 15.5 in ’97.  Has sacked 53 different QBs, but never Vikings QB Culpepper……LB ISAIAH KACYVENSKI led club with 10 tackles (9 solo) vs. Giants & has led club in 2 of 3 games this season……PR BOBBY ENGRAM averaged 15.0 yards on 3 PR vs. Giants……P JEFF FEAGLES averaged 47.8 yards on 6 punts, including 3 inside 20 yard-line, vs. Giants.

TEAMS HAVE COMBINED to earn 3 postseason berths in past 2 seasons……Head coaches BRIAN BILLICK of Baltimore and MIKE SHANAHAN of Denver each own .625 winning percentage – tied for 3rd best pct. among active coaches with at least one full season (MIKE MARTZ, StL, .667; MIKE SHERMAN, GB, .649)……BRONCOS:  QB BRIAN GRIESE is tied for 2nd in AFC with 6 TD passes.  Owns NFL’s 2nd-best fourth quarter passer rating (142.4) on 16 of 19 (84.2 pct.) for 165 yards, 3 TDs & 0 INTs.  Griese has TD pass in 18 consecutive games, longest active streak in NFL…….Rookie RB CLINTON PORTIS had first career 100-yard game in Wk. 3 (103 yards) & 1st career TD.  Club boasts 3 RBs with yards per carry averages of 4.3 or better -- MIKE ANDERSON: 24 for 140 (5.8); Portis: 27 for 149 (5.5); OLANDIS GARY: 23 for 98 (4.3)……WR ROD SMITH is club’s all-time leader in career TD receptions (46).   WR ED MC CAFFERY is 2nd on clubs’s TD reception list with 45.  TE SHANNON SHARPE spent past 2 seasons with Ravens.  His 3 Super Bowl rings ties for most among active players (JERRY RICE, EMMITT SMITH)……Rush defense ranks No. 1 in NFL (47.3 yards).  Against Buffalo in Wk. 3, allowed 39 rush yards on 14 attempts (2.8).  Has not allowed 1st quarter points in ‘02…….RAVENS:  Club is 1-0 on MNF……Despite having played only 2 games, LB RAY LEWIS is tied with three players for most tackles in AFC (21).  Club has not allowed TD in two consecutive home games.  Defense ranks 3rd in AFC in total defense & 3rd in pass defense (162.5).  Defense ranks 2nd in AFC in fewest yards allowed on 1st downs (4.04)……QB CHRIS REDMAN has completed 50 pct. of passes after first two NFL starts (36 of 72)……RB JAMAL LEWIS leads team in rushing (117 yards) and is 2nd on club in receptions (9)……WR BRANDON STOKELY leads team with 10 receptions for 140 yards. ……Team tied for NFL’s youngest avg. player age with Arizona (25.2 years).

ATLANTA (1-2):  Head coach DAN REEVES has 189 career wins & needs 5 to pass CHUCK KNOX (193) for sixth all-time…….Former President JIMMY CARTER was guest of club owner ARTHUR BLANK at last week’s win vs. Bengals……QB MICHAEL VICK has completed 48 of 77 attempts for 549 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs for 101.1 passer rating.  Falcons are only club with 0 INTs in 2002.  Has rushed for 184 yards, averaging 7.7 yards per carry, to lead all QBs……First-round draft pick RB T.J. DUCKETT has rushed for 138 yards, with 4.8 yards per carry average, to lead all NFC rookies……WR BRIAN FINNERAN had career-high 2 TDs (20, 13) vs. Bengals.  Tied career-best with 6 receptions (77 yards)……LB KEITH BROOKING has 10 or more tackles in each of club’s first three games, including career-high 22 vs. GB in Week 1.

INDIANAPOLIS (2-1):  Club has started 2-1 for fourth consecutive season…… QB PEYTON MANNING is 16 of 23 (69.6 pct.) when passing on 3rd down for 160 yards and 1 TD……RB EDGERRIN JAMES ranks 3rd in AFC in rushing yards (325) and total yards from scrimmage (447).  Is NFL leader in first downs with 26 (21 rushing)……WR MARVIN HARRISON has 23 receptions & AFC fourth-most 288 yards with 2 TDs.  Harrison, WR QADRY ISMAIL and WR REGGIE WAYNE have combined for 41 catches, 537 yards & 6 TDs……Offense is 19 of 38 (50.0 pct.) in converting 3rd down attempts, tied for 2nd in NFL with New England (Oakland, 59.4 pct.)……Joins Cleveland (-1) as only clubs who have winning records despite negative turnover ratio with -2……DE BRAD SCIOLI recorded 5 tackles and 2.0 sacks in Wk. 3 vs. Houston.  Defense ranks 3rd in NFL against pass (160.7).

SAN FRANCISCO (2-1):  QB JEFF GARCIA has completed 65.4 pct. (53 of 81) for 455 yards in 2002……RB GARRISON HEARST has 13 career 100-yard rushing games with 49ers, third in club-history.  Can tie ROGER CRAIG (14) with next 100-yard performance.  Rushed for 97 yards in win vs. Redskins.  RB KEVIN BARLOW rushed for career-high 94 yards, averaging 6.3 yards per carry, & had seven-yard TD run……WR TERRELL OWENS had career-long 38-yard TD run last week.  Totaled 61 career TDs & is tied for third in club history (KEN WILLARD).  Needs 6 TDs to pass Craig for second……TE ERIC JOHNSON leads team with 13 receptions & 133 receiving yards……Club tied for third in NFC with +3 takeaway/giveaway ratio……DE ANDRE CARTER tied for club lead (CHIKE OKEAFOR) with 3.0 sacks & had 2.0 vs. Redskins.

WASHINGTON (1-2):  QB SHANE MATTHEWS completed 17 of 28 attempts for 169 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs for 89.7 passer rating vs. SF……RB STEPHEN DAVIS has 18 career 100-yard rushing games & with 1 more ties for most in club history (LARRY BROWN, JOHN RIGGINS).  Has rushed for 100 yards in 5 of past 8 games.  Davis leads club with 216 yards & has 4.2 yards per carry avg.  Rushed for 59 yards & added 4 receptions for 29 yards vs. 49ers.  Also tops on club with 17 receptions……WR ROD GARDNER leads club with 210 yards receiving……DE BRUCE SMITH has 186.0 career sacks & needs 12.5 to pass REGGIE WHITE (198.0) for first all-time……CB DARRELL GREEN needs 1 INT to increase NFL record of consecutive seasons with INT to 20.