The Jets head to the RCA Dome as the Colts are in position to sweep this storied series for the first time since 1996.

Six weeks ago at the Meadowlands (Week 6), New York jumped out to a 13-0 second-quarter advantage but Colts QB Peyton Manning would finish with 210 yards through the air and a score (1 INT) and PK Mike Vanderjagt added three field goals, including a 27-yarder with just 0:14 to play as Indianapolis eeked out a 16-13 win.

The Colts own a healthy 35-24 overall advantage in this rivalry (one of their defeats the infamous 16-7 loss in Super Bowl III at Miami's Orange Bowl) and have dominated this rivalry as of late, prevailing in 19 of the last 25 meetings dating back to 1987 (including a replacement win in '87 at Indianapolis).

As for the Jets' last appearance at the RCA Dome (Week 11 of '98), Colts QB Peyton Manning threw for 276 yards and three touchdowns (2 INTs), including a 14-yard TD pass to TE Marcus Pollard with :24 to play, and PK Mike Vanderjagt's PAT gave Indianapolis an exciting 24-23 victory.

The Jets are 6-9 lifetime at the RCA Dome dating back to 1984.

Worth noting is that 11 of the last 16 meetings between these clubs have been decided by seven or fewer points dating back to the clubs' second encounter in 1991.

Numbers: Jets RB Curtis Martin has carried 141 times for 595 yards (4.2 avg.) and one touchdown in his last five games, rushing for 100 or more yards in four of those contests -- this after totaling 97 carries for 364 yards (3.8 avg.) and two touchdowns in his first five games in '99. Including playoffs, during the Bill Parcells Era with the Jets (1997-99), QB Vinny Testaverde has thrown 31 touchdown passes and just 11 interceptions while being sacked only 21 times in 17 games with the team. However, five other Jets' quarterbacks (since-departed Neil O'Donnell and Glenn Foley, as well as Ray Lucas, Tom Tupa and Rick Mirer) have combined to throw 30 TD passes and 21 interceptions while being sacked 79 times. The Jets have allowed 30 sacks in 10 games in '99, this after allowing just 25 sacks in 16 games in '98. Including playoffs, the Jets have allowed just 220 points in 17 wins (17 or fewer points in 14 of those contests) while giving up 267 points in 11 losses in their last 26 games dating back to '98. Including playoffs, they have committed just 20 turnovers in 17 wins, 28 turnovers in 11 losses dating back to '98. The Jets have limited the opposition to 17 or fewer points in three straight games.

In his last six games, Colts RB Edgerrin James has rushed for 645 yards and five touchdowns (running for 100 or more yards in 4 straight games and 5 of those 6 contests), plus caught 29 passes for 354 yards and two touchdown. James has rushed for 100 or more yards in 7-of-10 contests in '99. After throwing just three touchdown passes and 11 interceptions in his first four games, Colts QB Peyton Manning has thrown 43 TD passes and 27 interceptions in his last 22 contests dating back to '98, throwing two or more touchdown passes in 14 of his last 21 games. However, Manning has thrown two or more interceptions in eight of his last 19 contests. Manning has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 23 straight games dating back to '98. After allowing an AFC-high 62 sacks in 16 games in 1997, the Colts have allowed just 30 sacks in their last 26 games dating back to '98. After allowing 11 sacks in their first four games in 1998, the Colts have allowed just 19 sacks in their last 22 contests, giving up zero sacks in 12 of those 22 contests. The Colts have allowed 133 points in eight wins, 65 points in two losses in '99.

Things to look for: Simply put, you can never count out a Bill Parcells' coached team, and the Jets will certainly make the rest of the season interesting for the quartet of teams above them in the rugged AFC East standings. Jim Mora's Colts are on a major roll, but their suspect defense is still very susceptible to the run, and you can look for revitalized Jets' RB Curtis Martin to have yet another busy outing.

Etc.: The Colts are 8-2, their best start since 1977, when they opened 9-1, finished 10-4 and won the AFC East under since-departed head coach Ted Marchibroda (his first stint with the team). They have won six straight games in the same season for the first time since 1976. They are 8-2 in 1999, this after finishing a combined 6-26 in 1997-98.

The Jets have won three straight games. They are just 11-22 in their last 33 games vs. divisional competition dating back to 1995, but are 9-4 vs. AFC East rivals dating back to '98. The Colts have won six straight games, and three straight home games.