If the Jets (who are favored by 3) lose this afternoon at the Meadowlands to the Dolphins -- who would cap a remarkable, worst-to-first turnaround with a victory that would take them from 1-15 a year ago to the AFC East title this season -- it would be a costly setback for N.Y.

Lest we forget, the Jets spent big money in free-agency this past offseason in an effort to supplant the Patriots atop the division. They strengthened their offensive line by signing veterans Alan Faneca from Pittsburgh for 5 years and $40 million ($21 million guaranteed) and Damien Woody from Detroit for 5 years and $25.5. million ($11 million guaranteed. They also bolstered their defensive line by making a trade with Carolina for Pro Bowl tackle Kris Jenkins, giving up third and fifth-round draft picks.

Add the fact that they dumped QB Chad Pennington -- who has been a key to the Dolphins' resurgence -- after luring Brett Favre out of retirement, and it would be embarrassing for the Jets to end their season at home by handing Miami the division title.

As every Patriots fan knows, if the Pats win their 1 o'clock game at Buffalo, and the Jets defeat the Dolphins in their 4 p.m. encounter, New England will win the AFC East and extend their franchise record for consecutive playoff appearances to six.