Jets Set to Prove They Aren't the Worst

Neither the Jets nor the Dolphins have enjoyed their seasons too much. One half of the Jets' wins came on Sept. 23 when they edged the Dolphins 31-28 at home. Now they travel to Miami. They're 0-5 on the road, but Miami has lost 14 straight. Ironically, the Jets stand to gain the most if they lose and somehow pass the Dolphins in the NFL draft pecking order. But shhh! No one's thinking about that.

What can be gleaned from the first game between these two clubs? Not much. As the Times points out, things have changed. The Dolphins have suffered plenty of injuries -- how else would Patrick Cobbs and Lorenzo Booker be in line to start at running back? -- but the Jets just aren't good enough to be that confident of a win over anyone. Even Vegas agrees. They're underdogs to a winless team.They've had 10 days off since a world-class whupping in Dallas, and the Dolphins defense will be without Zach Thomas. The Jets might be without Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery. Kellen Clemens better be on good terms with Chris Baker, or the Jets could be the Dolphins' favorite opponent this season.

Photo of Kellen Clemens by AP/LM Otero