The perception is that the New England Patriots are awesome, the result of their NFL record 20-game winning streak. In truth, they just win, not overwhelm — their margin of victory during the streak is just about nine points per game.

But the perception is one reason New England is favored by 61/2 points for Sunday’s meeting in Foxboro, Mass., with the New York Jets, a game between two of the NFL’s three remaining unbeaten teams with the AFC East lead on the line.

The spread also conveys skepticism about the Jets.

They are 5-0, but the teams they’ve beaten are a combined 6-22. Take away San Diego’s three wins and Cincinnati, Buffalo, Miami and San Francisco have just three wins among them, and one of those is by the Bills over the Dolphins.

Still, the game provides Bill Belichick with a way to take attention off the winning streak and put it on what he and his players say is their only goal this year — winning another Super Bowl. While a win this week would set yet another record of most consecutive regular-season wins at 18, the more important issue truly is the division title.

There’s also the “get the big guys” factor.

“Everyone wants to beat the people who are on the top,” quarterback Tom Brady said. “With us winning the championship last year and being 5-0 this year, everyone is ready to take us down. We know that. We feel that. We are doing everything that we can to not allow that to happen, but we are always going to get all of these teams’ best efforts.”

The Jets can keep it close. Most teams that play the Patriots do.

They just don’t win.

New England quarterback Tom Brady, left, talks on the sideline with offensive coordinator Charlie Weis during the Patriots' game against Miami. Brady, shown Sunday in Foxboro, Mass., and New England have won 20 straight games.

PATRIOTS, 27-23

Jacksonville (plus 91/2) at Indianapolis

The Colts won in Jacksonville, are rested and have too much firepower for the Jags’ late-game heroics.

COLTS, 34-20

Denver (minus 51/2) at Cincinnati (Monday night)

The Bengals have their first Monday night game in 12 years. They won’t be back for a while.

BRONCOS, 27-13

Atlanta (plus 4) at Kansas City

If Vick was a little more familiar with his new offense …

CHIEFS, 23-20

Philadelphia (minus 7) at Cleveland

The third unbeaten team remains so.

EAGLES, 31-13

Tennessee (plus 7) at Minnesota

Injuries and salary-cap problems are costing the Titans.

VIKINGS, 34-23

Detroit (plus 61/2) at New York Giants

Two pleasant surprises.

GIANTS, 23-13

Dallas (plus 3) at Green Bay

Can the Packers lose a fourth straight at Lambeau?

PACKERS 20-16

San Diego (plus 3) at Carolina

Everything has gone wrong for the Panthers this season.

CHARGERS, 19-14

Seattle (minus 7) at Arizona

If the Seahawks can’t stop the bleeding here, it won’t stop.

SEAHAWKS, 34-10

Chicago (plus 6) at Tampa Bay

Craig Krenzel, who could play for the Bears if Jonathan Quinn falters, was a nice college QB.

BUCS, 20-3

St. Louis (minus 61/2) at Miami

Southern Cal would give 61/2 against the Dolphins.

RAMS, 24-6

New Orleans (plus 3) at Oakland

Kerry Collins should get more time to throw this week.

RAIDERS, 27-26

Buffalo (plus 6) at Baltimore

No Jamal, so the Bills keep it close again.

RAVENS, 11-6

LAST WEEK: 5-9 (spread), 6-8 (straight up)

SEASON: 46-40-2 (spread), 59-29 (straight up)