The Panthers make their way to New Orleans as these NFC West rivals renew this divisional series for the fifth straight season.

The Panthers own a 5-3 edge in this short-lived series as these clubs have split their two-game set in three of the previous four seasons, including a year ago when the home team prevailed in each instance; in Week 2 at the Superdome, Saints' QB Danny Wuerffel completed 13-of-18 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown and the New Orleans' ground game rolled up 207 yards as Mike Ditka's team edged Carolina, 19-14.

Seven weeks later at Carolina (Week 9), Panthers' QB Steve Beuerlein threw two touchdowns and RB Fred Lane ran for 101 yards and a touchdown as the then-winless Panthers (0-7) posted their first victory of '98, 31-17.

Carolina is 2-2 in 4 previous trips to the Superdome.

Numbers: The Panthers have committed 74 turnovers in their last 32 games (11-21) dating back to '97, totaling 15 turnovers in 11 wins and 59 turnovers in 21 losses. The Panthers have allowed 131 points in 11 wins, 596 points in 21 losses dating back to '97. In 31 regular-season games with Carolina (1996 and '98), Panthers' OLB Kevin Greene has totaled 29.5 sacks (14.5 in '96, 15.0 in '98).

After committing just five turnovers in their first five games in '98 (3-2), the Saints committed 28 turnovers in their last 11 games (3-8). New Orleans allowed 53 points in 6 wins (17 or fewer points in each contest), 306 points in 10 losses (30 or more points in 8 of those contests) in '98. The Saints have totaled 3 or more sacks in 22 of their last 32 contests dating back to '97. In their last 96 regular-season games (1993-98), the Saints have given up 26 returns for touchdowns (15 interceptions, 6 fumble recoveries, 5 punt returns.

Things To Look For: All eyes will be on Saints' rookie RB Ricky Williams, and if the Carolina defense performs as it did a year ago, the former Heisman winner could enjoy a memorable pro debut. As for the Panthers' attack, QB Steve Beuerlein will certainly miss speedy WR Raghib Ismail--who signed with Dallas--and hopes to receive a little support from a ground game that was inconsistent at best last season.

Etc.: The Panthers (1-3) and the Saints (8-24) are currently tied for the NFL's worst winning percentage (.250) on opening day. The Panthers are 11-21 in their last 32 games (1997-98) after finishing 12-4 and winning the NFC West title in 1996. Including playoffs, Panthers are 31-35 in their 66-game history (1995-98), including 17-15 vs. the NFC West. New Orleans has lost three straight games dating back to '98. The Saints are just 7-25 vs. divisional competition since 1995, this after compiling a 29-19 record (including playoffs) vs. NFC West rivals from 1987-94. They are just 17-28 in their last 45 contests at the Superdome dating back to 1993