The Jets have had issues with the style of passing game they want to run with Brett Favre -- in a way, it's been Favre Through the Ages, going from the downfield escapades of #4's halcyon youth under Mr. Holmgren's tutelage to the recent chuck-and-duck exploits of Green Bay's more recent pseudo-spread offense. The Jets run plays from spread formations even more than the Packers do, and you'd think there'd be efficiency in short passes, but Favre has thrown one touchdown and four interceptions in his last three games against subpar pass defenses. That would be encouraging news for the Seahawks if they HAD a pass defense.

Jets offense vs. Seahawks defense

How does your pass defense DVOA drop three places in one week despite a win? Start by beating the Rams, then allow Marc Bulger to have a higher DYAR than Drew Brees last week. You don't get rewarded by beating tomato cans at the last minute, guys.

The Jets have quite a few weapons at their disposal. The Favre-Holmgren “reunion” isn't the only story here – there's also running back Thomas Jones, brother of Julius. Thomas currently ranks fourth in the NFL and first in the AFC in DYAR among running backs. Brother Julius ranks 35th in the league, but that's as much about playing time and the line in front of him. The Jets have fortified both sides of their lines through the draft and free agency over the last few seasons, and that's what has them in the postseason race. The Seahawks face a similar focus before a return to prominence is possible. New York's real multi-purpose threat is running back Leon Washington, who can make plays as a change of pace back and in the return game. He was a lot to do with that special teams ranking up top.

In Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery, the Jets have two receivers with similar production who get there in different ways. Coles is the target in short-to-medium range, while Cotchery can stretch the field. Tight ends Dustin Keller and Chris Baker could have big days, weather permitting. Favre found openings over the middle against the Buffalo defense last Sunday, and the Seahawks will have to avoid the temptation to sell out to the pass when the Jets go wide.

Seahawks offense vs. Jets defense

We've talked about Vallos versus Jenkins, which can be mitigated to a point by chips and blocks from Floyd Womack and Mansfield Wrotto. Problem is, what happens in the right side, with Wrotto and Ray Willis, when left end Shaun Ellis and “endbacker” Calvin Pace load up on that side. One way or another, Wrotto could be the most important lineman in this game.

Darelle Revis is the Jets' Marcus Trufant, the A-guy who quarterbacks avoid in favor of easier targets. Rookie Dwight Lowery, an up-and-comer from San Jose State, impressed me in Week 1 with his coverage against the Dolphins. Safety Kerry Rhodes has been a Football Outsiders favorite for a while. The favorable matchup here, of course, is tight end John Carlson, who has been one of the few bright spots in a season that's just about done.

How will the game go?

The Jets are in a threw-way race with the Pats and Dolphins for the AFC East. They need this game because they go home to face Miami in next Sunday's season finale. The Seahawks travel to Arizona next week, where Mike Holmgren will ride off into the desert sunset. Both teams have high motivation here, but the Jets have too much talent at the skill positions, and too much strength on the lines, to allow this to be competitive. The Seahawks might win one for the Walrus against the Cardinals to wrap it all up, but they'd have to pull out more stops than they actually have to beat the Jets.