Here we go - a chance at history. The Lions can set the record for road futility with their 23rd consecutive loss and the only way that does not happen is that the Panthers rest most of their team and HC John Fox gives Mariucci a gift. It might not even happen then.

Detroit Notes

The Lions tuck away another loss and fall to 4-10. They can make history this week with their 23rd consecutive road loss.

Quarterbacks:: As if things would not become bleaker for the Lions, Mariucci has decided that he needs to see Mike McMahon in action to determine if he is a keeper next season. So expect that Joey Harrington may give way to McMahon, particularly if the game gets out of hand.

Running Backs: Shawn Bryson ran well last week, gaining 105 yards and one score on 18 carries against the always soft Chiefs run defense. Artose Pinner took nine carries and gained 26 yards and should see more action in the final two games. Olandis Gary was not used in the game.

Receivers: Az-Zahir Hakim scored his third touchdown of the season last week against the Chiefs and his 72 yards was actually the best he has done. Somehow Bill Schroeder has had at least six throws in each of the past five games and still never managed to catch more than four nor gain more than 44 yards.

Match against the Defense: This is a bad equation.

One of the worst rushing teams goes on the road to face a top ten rushing defense. Look for Bryson to share more with Pinner but for neither of them to really matter this week.

The Panthers can give up passing yardage, but with a potentially changing quarterback situation and no real receivers anyway it just adds up to loss #23. Pity.

Carolina Notes

The Panthers rise to 9-5 and have clinched the NFC south. They now have nothing to play for since they will undoubtedly be playing in week one of the playoffs anyway.

Quarterbacks:: Jake Delhomme comes off his fourth straight game with a touchdown and threw for 236 yards against the Cardinals. He continues to have problems with turnovers, losing six in the last three games.

Running Backs: With little to win (or worry about), the Panthers will likely hold Stephen Davis out this week since he reinjured his ankle and tweaked his knee last Sunday. In his place, De'Shaun Foster should get the starting nod. Foster has scored only once this season last week on a pass and his best effort was against the Colts when he gained 85 yards on 16 carries.

Receivers: Steve Smith had 99 yards on nine catches last week while Muhsin Muhammad only managed 11 yards on one reception. That was Smith's best production since week eight of the season and with Detroit coming to town, Smith should see a nice bump to his stats this week.

Match against the Defense: The Panthers intend on resting several players which could have an effect on the game. Davis is most likely out which will allow Foster to face the team that just allowed Holmes to score twice. Most runners do not top 100 with the Lions since throwing is so much easier and quicker to score. But with a chance to see Foster more, the Panthers may elect to run more.

Delhomme faces a secondary that can be beaten in so many ways that choosing one is a problem. Most teams throw for around 200 yards and two scores against the Lions and the most likely scorer is whoever the quarterback likes the best.

* Fantasy point rankings calculated using standard Huddle fantasy points using only the last five games played