The Jets are flying high in the Giants' orbit

Here's something to ponder: Suppose the NFL went all the way to Tampa to stage an all-North Jersey Super Bowl?

That would've been a crazy notion a couple of weeks ago. Even now, with six games left in the season, Giants-Jets, with Roman numerals next to it, still isn't the most likely of scenarios.

But here's the "but" about that: would you rather have an "unlikely" chance to do something, or a flat-out "crazy" chance to do something?

The former is better. And that's where we are with the suddenly 7-3 Jets who - as leaders of the AFC East, winners of four straight and six of seven - are luring us into believing, even a little bit, that they belong in the New York Giants' orbit for reasons other than geography.

The 9-1 Giants lead the league in points scored with 292. The Jets have scored 289, but they top the NFL - along with Arizona - with 34 touchdowns, two more than the Giants. That's just a for-instance.

Turns out, Brett Favre looks fine in his new shade of green. Favre has completed 69.8 percent of his passes, which if he maintains that pace would easily produce the most accurate of his 18 seasons.

He has thrown for 18 touchdowns with 12 interceptions, about matching his career ratio, behind a jelling offensive line that has helped lift former University of Virginia running back Thomas Jones to fifth in the league and first in the AFC (854 yards).

Now, the Giants excel defensively much more than their stadium-mates, and they're the clear, present favorites on the NFC side to power into the Super Bowl. The Jets don't have nearly the same status in the AFC, despite beating New England in overtime last week.

Unbeaten Tennessee is in their way, as is Pittsburgh. The 6-4 Patriots aren't about to abdicate in the division. Nor for that matter are the carefree Miami Dolphins (6-4), who are dangerous because they're playing with house money.

The point, though, is this: As in most businesses, just getting into the conversation - for the sale, for the job, for the title - is the highest hurdle. Beating the Patriots in New England 34-31 propelled the Jets over that one, for the moment.

Sunday, with nine days rest, they take their shot at staying in the discussion for good, against the 10-0 Titans in Nashville. We'll watch and learn, because when it comes to the Jets - No. 7 in the new Pilot Power Rankings - "unlikely" doesn't have quite the same ring to it anymore.

Tom Robinson, 757-446-2518 or tom.robinson@pilotonline.com

1. NEW YORK GIANTS

(last week No. 1, record 9-1)

What's not to like? They take the hype of a huge, double-chin-strap clash with Baltimore and squish it into a 30-10 laugher. They ought to be tested by quick-draw Kurt Warner and the Cardinals, but I'm not going to count on it. The NFC Super Bowl road runs through the Meadowlands, and that's potholes galore.

This week At Arizona.

2. TENNESSEE TITANS

(last week No. 2, record 10-0)

I thought the Bears would get them. Some thought they wouldn't get out of Jacksonville whole last week. OK, the Jets anybody? They're all big for Tennessee as it seeks perfection but, as mentioned above, it's bigger for New York's stab at credibility.

This week Home vs. New York Jets.

3. PITTSBURGH STEELERS

(last week No. 3, record 7-3)

You gotta love 11-10 over San Diego, a rally in mud and snow flurries, and a 7-3 record against their schedule and with their injuries. Kudos to Ben Roethlisberger for his bounce-back from three INTS against Indy; 31 of 41, 308 yards, no picks. And now, a nice break to catch - the Bengals - on a short work week.

This week Home vs. Cincinnati, Thursday night.

4. CAROLINA PANTHERS

(last week No. 4, record 8-2)

Panthers have run it down the throat of two lousy defenses, Oakland and Detroit (426 yards), the last two weeks. The Falcons held them to 107 in September, so we'll see what gives. Beware, though: 30 points in last three road games mean Panthers must grow longer teeth away from Charlotte for their postseason health.

This week At Atlanta.

5. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

(last week No. 5, record 7-3)

Impressive defense the Bucs have gradually built. Five of their last six opponents have scored just one TD. Even more impressive: in its last five games, Tampa Bay has allowed three field goals and one TD after halftime, that's it. Get them early, obviously, because the Bucs do not go away.

This week At Detroit.

6. ARIZONA CARDINALS

(last week No. 8, record 7-3)

Like the Jets, the Cardinals are all about credibility when the Giants visit. Kurt Warner has thrown for 300-plus four straight weeks. New York has yielded that much through the air once. Trouble is, Arizona's 29th-ranked ground attack won't exactly put Giants pass rushers on their heels.

This week Home vs. New York Giants.

7. NEW YORK JETS

(last week not ranked, record 7-3)

A good O-line here - featuring U.Va.'s D'Brickashaw Ferguson - that's getting better. New England sacked Favre three times, but opponents got to Favre once in the previous three games. Meanwhile, the running game has gone for 135 yards or more four of five games. A lot of smoke will clear Sunday.

This week At Tennessee.

8. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

(last week No. 8, record 6-4)

Matt Cassell was already gonna get rich this off-season. Tack on an extra million for his unprecedented effort against the Jets - 400 yards passing/62 rushing - and that perfect TD bullet, on the run, to Randy Moss with one second left. Oh, the Pats lost? Big deal. You don't want to play them.

This week At Miami.

9. DALLAS COWBOYS

(last week not ranked, record 6-4)

Hate to simplify their fate and future to Tony Romo-Romo-Romo, but the Cowboys give you no other choice. His return helped Dallas get its attitude back, and the Boys will need it with the scrum that's become the NFC wildcard race. Better strap it on for the 49ers, though.

This week Home vs. San Francisco.

10. WASHINGTON REDSKINS

(last week No. 6, record 6-4)

I'd say Seattle this weekend is a trap, but the Seahawks are just so bad defensively (28th-ranked). And the Redskins should be looking to erupt after struggling against Pittsburgh's and Dallas' defense. You hang in wildcard contention by winning when you should, like here.

This week At Seattle.

DROPPING OUT

No. 7 Baltimore Ravens (record 6-4): Rarely yield 100 rushing yards. Giants got 207!

No. 10 Atlanta Falcons (record 6-4): Will regret not exploiting Denver's "defense."