The New Jets head north to Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo to take on the AFC leading Bills. Actually, Buffalo has lost sole possession of first place in the East by losing two of its past three games to fall into a tie with New England. Odds makers are calling the Bills a 5 1/2 point favorite at home with the total sitting at 42.

With the Bills (5-2) sputtering as of late partly because of Trent Edwards' suddenly sloppy play. The Bills are coming off perhaps their most disheartening loss, melting down after a fourth quarter interception by Edwards to fall 25-16 at Miami last Sunday.

"It's hard when you lose to leave it and let it go regardless of what's coming up," said Buffalo coach Dick Jauron, referring to the team's preparation for the Jets.

New York got a big game out of top receiver Laveranues Coles and a great fourth quarter drive from quarterback Brett Favre in a 28-24 win over Kansas City last Sunday. Favre had a mistake-filled game, but threw a 15-yarder that Coles snatched with one arm in front of the end zone for the go-ahead score with a minute left in the fourth.

Favre struggled for the third straight game. After a six touchdown performance against the Cards, Favre has thrown seven interceptions in his last three games and is tied for the NFL lead with 11.

"I think there's a lot of years gambling going on in terms of making some unbelievable plays and making plays that you would like to have a chance to do it over again," Jets coach Eric Mangini said. "But, that's what he's done and he's been very successful."

This game will be decided by the play of the quarterback. With both of these teams signal callers being a little shaky as of late, go with the proven leader. Take the Jets and give the 5 1/2.