the Jet

Denver fans probably still shudder when they think of what Brett Favre did to the Broncos last fall. He's got a new team now, but recently he's been the same old Brett.

2 Ground

control

The Jets have controlled the ball for an average of more than 32 minutes per game. That's bad news for a Denver defense that is still thin because of injuries. The unit wore down late against the Raiders, and could do the same against the Jets' strong running game.

3

Champ's return

Denver cornerback Champ Bailey hasn't played since partially tearing his groin Oct. 20, but he is expected back this week. The Broncos' secondary needs his speed and savvy to shut down half the field and give the other defensive backs a better chance against Favre.

4 Safety

switch

Regardless of who gets the starting nod at free safety, it will be a change from last week because Roderick Rogers was released after a subpar performance against the Raiders. The Broncos have already had three players start at the position this year. Could Vernon Fox or Josh Barrett be No. 4, or has Calvin Lowry won the job back?

5

Division leaders

CBS moved kickoff back to 2:15 p.m. because it features two AFC division leaders. But make no mistake, the Broncos, coming off an embarrassing loss, and the Jets, who beat New England and Tennessee on the road in back-to-back weeks, are having very different seasons.

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Game Plan When the Broncos run

The biggest test so far for fullback/tailback Peyton Hillis and the rest of the Broncos backs, though the possible return of Selvin Young would help. The Jets are one of the NFL's best teams against the run, allowing just 78 yards per game, and held the Titans' backs to only 45 yards. Edge: Jets

When the Jets run

Jets starter Thomas Jones is having a breakout season and needs only 50 yards to reach 1,000 for the year. His backup, Leon Washington, is a game-changer and scored two touchdowns against the Titans. Denver's run defense has been good at times and awful at others. Edge: Jets

When the Broncos pass

The play of Denver quarterback Jay Cutler, above, has dictated the team's fate, and he'll need to rebound from a below-average day against Oakland. With his receivers all healthy, he has a chance to do that. The Jets' defense is giving up nearly 240 passing yards per game. Edge: Broncos

When the Jets pass

Denver's pass rush has been missing for weeks and the team hasn't had a sack since Nov. 2. Brett Favre has thrown 13 interceptions this season, but only one in the last three games, while Denver's defensive backs only have three interceptions in 11 games. Edge: Jets

Special teams

Denver's special teams must rebound from an all-around bad game against Oakland, with missed field goals and poor coverage on punt returns. Has Matt Prater regained his confidence and leg? Jets return man Leon Washington deserves to go to the Pro Bowl. Edge: Jets

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Injury Report Jets

Questionable: LB David Harris (groin), S Eric Smith (head).

Probable: WR Laveranues Coles (thigh), WR Jerricho Cotchery (shoulder), DE Shaun Ellis (back), TE Bubba Franks (hip), CB Dwight Lowery (thigh), K Mike Nugent (right thigh), WR Brad Smith (shoulder), LB Jason Trusnik (knee).

Broncos

Out: S Marlon McCree (ankle).

Doubtful: LB D.J. Williams (knee).

Questionable: CB Champ Bailey (groin), WR Eddie Royal (toe), LB Nate Webster (knee), RB Selvin Young (groin).

Probable: G Ben Hamilton (wrist), RB Peyton Hillis (shoulder), WR Brandon Marshall (hip), DT Kenny Peterson (achilles), RB P.J. Pope (ribs), DT Dewayne Robertson (knees), DT Josh Shaw (shoulder), DT Marcus Thomas (hamstring).

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By The Numbers 48

Jay Cutler's career touchdown total through 32 games. If he can reach 50 against the Jets, he'll be the fastest Broncos quarterback ever to that mark.

45

The percentage of third-down conversions allowed by the Denver defense; only four teams are worse. The Jets are making 45 percent of their third-down attempts, eighth best in the NFL. --------------- WEEKLY GUEST PICKER (5-6)

Lesley Visser, CBS lead NFL reporter

Visser in 2006 became the first woman inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and has covered the NFL as a print and television reporter for more than 30 years. Vis- ser said the Broncos have a chance if they can manage to keep the game close, but said she thinks the Jets' Brett Favre-led offense and surging defense will be too much for Denver to handle.

Jets 31, Broncos 17

"Brett's on a roll right now," Visser said. "He's one of three candidates for the MVP and has really found his rhythm. That's a real tough assignment for the Broncos."

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Jim Armstrong

(4-7)

Jets 34, Broncos 23

Is Jimmy Hoffa down there and can he rush the passer?

Lindsay H. Jones

(5-6)

Jets 27, Broncos 13

The NFL's two best teams share the same stadium in New Jersey.

Mark Kiszla

(3-8)

Jets 31, Broncos 20

If I'm picking the J-E-T-S, that's got to be G-O-O-D for Broncos fans.

Mike Klis

(5-6)

Broncos 20, Jets 17

Look it up: Jets struggle against AFC West.

Woody Paige

(6-5)

Jets 34, Broncos 21

The New York Bretts, the Old Denver Broncos .