Jets at Rams, Sunday, 1pm

Things could be worse for the Jets. They could be going into the deciding game of the season with an injury list that looks like this:

Reid, Dexter S Shoulder Doubtful *
Seymour, Richard DE Knee Doubtful *
Chatham, Matt LB Hamstring Questionable *
Faulk, Kevin RB Knee Questionable *
Gay, Randall CB Arm/Flu Questionable *
Givens, David WR Ankle Questionable *
Graham, Daniel TE Rib Questionable *
Johnson, Bethel WR Thigh Questionable *
Law, Ty CB Foot Questionable *
Moreland, Earthwind CB Abdomen Questionable *
Pass, Patrick FB Knee Questionable *
Samuel, Asante CB Shoulder Questionable *
Wilson, Eugene FS Thigh Questionable *
Brady, Tom QB Right Shoulder Probable
Miller, Jim QB Right Shoulder Probable

That's a long injury list. And but it's the Patriots injury list, and they've been doing OK for themselves - I just thought I'd throw that out there.

As for Sunday's game...I've been talking about it all week. On Wednesday, the Jets had all kinds of fiery speeches thrown at them - one by Herman Edwards, then in a closed-door meeting, Chad Pennington, Curtis Martin, and Terrell Buckley. (In my opinion, Buckley's speech was probably him apologizing for how badly he's played filling in for Ray Mickens.) The veterans were fired up, and they say they are going to turn that emotion into a great performance on the field. I think they will. The Jets seem capable of turning it on in must-win games like this Sunday's...I hope they can do it four more times, the last one being the Super Bowl. As for this week, the Jets will find enough offense to outscore the Rams, and it's on to the playoffs! Jets, 31-20.

Here's my take on the rest of the (mostly meaningless) NFL (for entertainment purposes only):

SF +14 (that spread seems like too much considering most of the good Patriots will probably sit much of the game)
PIT +9 (the Steelers are playing too well, Roethlisberger or not, to be nine point underdogs...although I do think the Bills will win)
BAL -11 (Miami finishes with a whimper)
MIN -3.5 (the Vikings charge into the playoffs, instead of folding again)
CIN -3 (the Eagles might as well not show up if they're going to pull what they did Monday night)
GB +3 (the Bears might not show up at all)
NO +8 (the Panthers will win, but the Saints will keep themselves in it until the end)
TEN +3 (Volek will lead the Titans to the win over the Lions as home underdogs)
CLE +10.5 (I don't think Houston's good enough to blow out Cleveland)
TB +3 (the Bucs have played decent enough, they should be able to beat the Cards)
SEA -6 (the Seahawks take advantage of the Jets beating the Rams)
IND +9 (as I said earlier in the week, Manning might be rested, but the Colts' defense will make it tough for Denver)
JAX NL (Jacksonville collapsed last week, but in desperation should beat Oakland)
SD +3 (they're still better than banged up KC)
DAL +3 (the Giants stink)

Lastly, I just want to comment on Paul Hackett. He will probably be fired at the end of the season - Herman Edwards wouldn't give him any type of vote of confidence this week. That's probably a good thing. I can't wait to see the offensive weapons on the Jets being used correctly...including Chad Pennington. He likes Hackett, but he's good (and smart) enough to adjust to someone new.

Go JETS!!