New York rebounded nicely from a 6-10 campaign in 2003 to win double-digit games and reach the postseason. While there, the Jets nearly pulled off two overtime shockers, which would have landed them in the AFC title game. The difference from one year to the next was three fold between the health of QB Chad Pennington, the fantastic season turned in by ageless wonder RB Curtis Martin, and the personnel moves made on defense prior to the season. Pennington missed three games but that was an improvement on 2003, when he appeared in just 10. Martin meanwhile, became the oldest running back to ever lead the league in rushing as he piled up 1,697 yards and 12 TD’s. Defensively, the Jets improved by 14 positions in the league rankings from ’03 to ’04, and the 16.3 PPG allowed ranked 4th. LB Jonathan Vilma had a huge rookie year as did free agents CB David Barrett and LB Eric Barton.

The moves made since January’s playoff loss at Pittsburgh don’t figure to have as great of an impact on this year’s team. In fact, New York probably lost more than it gained since then. Most of the new additions are only expected to fill backup roles, and the trade of WR Santana Moss for former Jet WR Laverneus Coles is a tossup in most experts’ minds. If anything, Moss probably brought more to the table in terms of special teams and big play capability. Pennington’s shoulder also continues to be a problem and as an insurance policy, the team signed Jay Fiedler. On defense, the Jets lose oft-injured LB Sam Cowart and NT Jason Ferguson to free agency, and they were without a first round pick in this spring’s draft.

Head Coach Herm Edwards has done an excellent job getting the most out of his players, as seven wins by a single possession or less are a clear indicator of an overachieving team. Unfortunately, the Jets still seem limited talent-wise and the division has the ability to eat them up if Pennington doesn’t stay healthy. The fact that New York was the best turnover team in the NFL last season also doesn’t help its chances for a repeat trip to the postseason in ’05.

Power Rating: 23 (9th of 32)

2005 Schedule Rating: (1st toughest of 32)

2004:(SU 11-7)(ATS 10-7-1)

L3 years:(SU 27-25)(ATS 24-22-6)

Coach Herm Edwards:(SU 37-32)(ATS 32-31-6)

Trends by month

September

New York is 5-16 ATS in September home games (9/18 & 9/25)

Jets are 11-3-1 at home vs. Miami (9/18)

3-8 ATS vs. conference off ATS loss

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October

New York is 25-12 UNDER in road games off a home win (10/2?)

Ravens 5-0 ATS against Jets (10/2)

Visiting Buccaneers are defenseless against Jets with 1-6 record

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November

Jets are 10-2-2 ATS away vs. a non-division opp. (11/13 & 11/20)

New York is 1-6 ATS if foe is below .500 & is Non-Division contest

Saints seek 5-0 ATS mark at New York, w/ Jets @ NE next (11/27)

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December

Flyboys are 7-0 ATS in division revenge, and 7-1 ATS at N.E. (12/4)

Jets fly past Miami with 11-2-1 ATS mark & 6-1 at Dolphins (12/18)

Visitor in New England is 11-1 ATS (12/26)

Top Teaser Angle:

New York is 18-3 against conventional teaser line in road games with teams averaging 5.65 or better YPP.

Top Money Line Angle:

N.Y. Jets are 14-29 (-24.6 units) against ML in home games off road loss.

Top Totals Angle:

Jets a perfecto at 12-0 UNDER in games with teams that have winning pct. of 25% to 40%.

Pre-Season O/U wins:

OVER 9 -120(@www.BetCris.com)

Fantasy Player Must: Curtis Martin

Fantasy Player Bust: Chad Pennington