Jets represent test for Titans

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By Dave Goldberg ASSOCIATED PRESS

The New York Jets showed the nation last Thursday night that the acquisitions of Kris Jenkins, Alan Faneca and Brett Favre, among others, have made them legitimate playoff contenders.

Their game Sunday in Tennessee may determine if they can be more than that.

The Titans enter the contest 10-0, the NFL's only unbeaten team. The Jets, who lead the AFC East at 7-3, are the most formidable opponent they will face until the final two games of the regular season, when they host Pittsburgh and then finish at Indianapolis.

Tennessee can clinch a playoff spot with a victory. As their run has continued, they've played down the unbeaten aspect, a good idea because New England's unbeaten season last season was spoiled by a Super Bowl loss.

"We've got 10 wins," guard Jake Scott said. "That's a lot. To go undefeated, we'd have to win nine more. We're just a little over halfway. You're not even in that ballpark yet."

The Jets look at it differently.

"You always want your guys to have the mentality that they can't lose," coach Eric Mangini said. "I think that's a great spirit to have in any locker room, so I'm sure they're really happy that they have that right now. We go into every game with the assumption that we're going to win, as well."

New York had its biggest win last week, beating the Patriots 34-31 in overtime after losing a 24-6 first-half lead. That gave the Jets a one-game lead over New England and Miami in the division, with Buffalo a game behind them.

In that sense, their focus has to be on the division race.

Yes, it would be great to knock off an unbeaten team. But staying in first is a higher priority.