Both Jets, Seahawks need a win

If the New York Jets were in the NFC, they probably would have a playoff spot already.

Instead, they still have a fight on their hands as they play host Sunday to Seattle, which has won two fewer games, but leads the NFC West.

As befitting the difference between the conferences, the Jets are favored by six points even though Chad Pennington is playing with an injured throwing shoulder. It showed last week in Pittsburgh, when he threw three interceptions in what might have been his worst game since he became a starter.

The Jets are 9-4 and lead the wild-card chase in the AFC. But they’ve lost to the best teams they’ve played: New England, Baltimore and Pittsburgh, as well as to streaking Buffalo.

“Against good teams we don’t do anything,” running back LaMont Jordan said. “People around here might not like me saying that, but that’s just the truth. Against good teams, against winning teams, against good defenses we haven’t done a thing.”

Is Seattle good?

Its defense certainly is spotty, although Michael Boulware intercepted a pass in the end zone to help seal a 27-23 victory last week in Minnesota. The Seahawks got lucky on that one — the pass was thrown by wide receiver Randy Moss, not quarterback Daunte Culpepper.

They could get lucky again. Giants Stadium usually is windy this time of year, which could accentuate Pennington’s shoulder problems.

On conference difference …

JETS, 24-20

Baltimore (plus 8) at Indianapolis

Tony Dungy wants Peyton Manning to get the TD pass record out of the way so the Colts can concentrate on the playoffs. Not that easy against the Ravens.

COLTS, 27-23

Carolina (plus 31/2) at Atlanta (Saturday night)

The Panthers, have won five straight to put themselves in position for an NFC wild-card spot. They are 1-8 at the Georgia Dome, but streaks end.

PANTHERS, 20-19

Minnesota (minus 3) at Detroit

The only thing predictable about the Vikings is that they lose late in the season.

LIONS, 22-20

New England (minus 91/2) at Miami (Monday night)

Only two of the Dolphins’ 11 losses are by more than 10 points, one of them by 14 in Foxboro.

Make it three.

PATRIOTS, 20-7.

Jacksonville (plus 31/2) at Green Bay

“We should feel good about this win, but we’re not good enough to feel that good,” Brett Favre said after the Packers edged Detroit last week.

They’re good enough for Jacksonville, though.

PACKERS, 16-14

Pittsburgh (minus 10) at New York Giants (Saturday)

The fans are all over the Giants for trading draft picks for Eli when Ben was available.

STEELERS, 27-2

Dallas (plus 121/2) at Philadelphia

The Eagles clinch home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs.

EAGLES, 33-17

Denver (plus 1) at Kansas City

With the Chiefs’ offense, one Jake Plummer mistake could kill Denver’s playoff hopes.

He’ll make at least two.

CHIEFS, 27-24

San Diego (minus 10) at Cleveland

The streak goes on.

CHARGERS, 31-10

Buffalo (minus 11/2) at Cincinnati

Jon Kitna is a more than capable stand-in for Carson Palmer. But the Bills are hot and can run.

BILLS, 31-23

St. Louis (minus 3) at Arizona

Chris Chandler won’t throw six interceptions, but ….

CARDINALS, 20-17

Washington (minus 4) at San Francisco

The Redskins aren’t the Cardinals.

REDSKINS, 20-3

New Orleans (plus 71/2) at Tampa Bay

Both teams should be out of the playoffs. But only the loser is.

BUCS, 28-23

Houston (plus 1) at Chicago

The AFC factor again.

TEXANS, 18-15

Tennessee (plus 21/2) at Oakland

Billy Volek isn’t bad.

RAIDERS, 31-30

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Last week: 5-11 (spread), 12-4 (straight up)

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Season: 97-107-4 (spread), 137-71 (straight up)