The Jets' Ray Lucas has thrown 11 TD passes and just one interception in his last four starts.

They've been doing a pretty good job of it. They're 6-2 after starting 1-6, and every team they've beaten harbored playoff hopes. Two wins in three weeks over Miami have kept the Dolphins from clinching a postseason spot.

Now Seattle, which ended a four-game losing streak by beating Kansas City last week, comes to the Meadowlands needing a win to wrap up its first AFC West title and first playoff berth since 1988.

The Seahawks, who are one-point underdogs, have reason beyond the playoffs to want this one.

They were robbed of a win, and perhaps a playoff spot last season, when Vinny Testaverde was incorrectly ruled over the goal line on a fourth-down play in the final seconds that gave the Jets a victory.

But there are a lot of incentives here for New York.

One is a .500 season for a team that began 1-6 after Testaverde went down. The second is the continuing development of Ray Lucas and the young offensive linemen who make the future bright. With Testaverde back next season, the Jets will have a competent backup.

One other thing: In this wacky season, the team that needs the game the most rarely seems to win. Jets 24, Seahawks 20.

Oakland (plus 4½) at Kansas City: If the Chiefs win and Seahawks don't, the Chiefs win the West. Kansas City has won 18 of the last 20 meetings and has lost just once at home this year. Chiefs 22, Raiders 12.

New York Giants (plus 6½) at Dallas: Two mediocre teams battling for a playoff spot they don't deserve. The Cowboys need only to win to get an unearned spot. Giants 17, Cowboys 16.

Tampa Bay (minus 3½) at Chicago: The Bucs can take the Central with a win. Bucs 13, Bears 9.

Detroit (plus 7) at Minnesota: The Lions finish by losing six of eight, but still make the playoffs. Vikings 34, Lions 10.

Indianapolis (minus 1) at Buffalo: The Colts don't seem too excited about the chance to get home field throughout ... Colts 21, Bills 18.

Arizona (plus 7) at Green Bay: As badly as the Packers are playing, what are the chances of a team from the desert winning at Lambeau? Packers 26, Cardinals 10.

San Francisco (plus 6½) at Atlanta: This was set for the last Monday night because it was supposed to decide the NFC West. Hah. Falcons 34, 49ers 33.

Miami (plus 3) at Washington: The Dolphins will know by game time if they're in or out. The way they've been playing, it doesn't matter. Redskins 24, Dolphins 16.

Tennessee (minus 4) at Pittsburgh: The Titans still have incentive. Titans 16, Steelers 11.

Cincinnati (plus 9) at Jacksonville: Even with Jay Fiedler at quarterback for the Jaguars ... Jaguars 27, Bengals 9.

New Orleans (plus 9) at Carolina: The Panthers still have that itsy-bitsy playoff shot. Panthers 24, Saints 13.

Baltimore (minus 1) at New England: If the Ravens played in the NFC. ... Ravens 21, Patriots 6.

St. Louis (minus 8) at Philadelphia: Why do the Rams always win 35-10? Rams 35, Eagles 10.

San Diego (plus 7) at Denver: Like the Jets, the Broncos started too late. Broncos 20, Chargers 10.

Last week: 2-12-1 (spread); 7-8 (straight up). Season: 105-120-8 (spread); 142-91 (straight up).