THE PICK

388 yards, 2 touchdowns. 129.3 yards per game rushing. That's what Willis McGahee has done in his past three games against the Jets. We could be witnessing the beginning of a very bad relationship - the development of one of those players who just kills the Jets every time they play. Then there's the fact that the Jets gave up 145 yards rushing to the Patriots last week, and it could be a long day for the Jets run defense on Sunday.

But in the end, it might be a successful day. No, the Jets can't run the ball, but they might be able to eek out enough yards against Buffalo that they could open up the passing game for Chad Pennington a little bit. And with what Pennington's been able to do with no running game, a little bit of a running game could be huge for him.

The Jets may never shut down Willis McGahee. But they can let him do his thing and stop J.P. Losman. Last year the Jets went 1-1 against Buffalo with Vinny Testaverde and Brooks Bollinger at quarterback. The Bills aren't much better now than last year (although they have played two pretty good games) - I expect the Jets, based on what I've seen from them so far this year, to be able to go 2-0 against Buffalo in 2006.

This is a big measuring stick game for the Jets. The Bills hung with New England from beginning to end, while the Jets came alive against the Patriots in the second half. New England won both of those games. Buffalo upset Miami, who hasn't looked good yet this year, but was supposed to be good, and the Jets beat a bad Tennessee team. So if the Jets beat the Bills Sunday, I'll feel good about their chances against the Dolphins, and perhaps their chances at making a playoff run this season. If the Jets lose, it's looking like a 3rd or 4th place finish this season.

I really do think the Jets will win this game - give them a 27-13 win. I think they're that much better than Buffalo (although I haven't seen anything yet this year from the Jets to lead me to believe they should be able to blow anyone out). And it will be a good season.

PICKS: Somehow, Dave in Brighton pulled off a 12-4 week last week. He was shooting for 4 wins, he tripled his expectation. The Wife stayed consistent, going 9-7, holding off an 11-5 week by the Southern Bureau. And Justin in NYC is holding his own in the middle of the pack after a 10-6 week. Cousin Eddie fell, going 5-11, and I'm in last after a 7-9 week. Here's how it looks:

1. The Wife: 19 (total wins)
2. Southern Bureau: 17
3. Justin in NYC: 15
4. Dave in Brighton: 14
Cousin Eddie: 14
6. johnnyjets: 13