By BOB MATTHEWS
Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle

The New York Jets are among the hottest teams in the NFL and the Chicago Bears are one of the coldest. The Jets, who surrendered 32.4 points per game in a 1-4 start, have allowed only 15 points per game and are 6-2 since.

The offense has improved since Chad Pennington replaced Vinny Testaverde at quarterback and heavy-duty running back Curtis Martin returned to peak form after a Week 1 injury.

The Bears are 1-10 since a 2-0 start this season and are hurting at quarterback with Jim Miller out for the season and over-the-hill Chris Chandler and inexperienced Henry Burris expected to share time Sunday.

The 6.5-point favored Jets are 10-4 in their last 14 road games and this week's "Best Bet" despite a 3-13-1 record against the Las Vegas point spread (ATS) as favorites in December: New York Jets 28, CHICAGO 10.

Sunday's other games (home team in CAPS)

ATLANTA 24, Seattle 10 - Tampa Bay's speedy defense contained Falcons star quarterback Michael Vick last week but he probably won't be caught by the 10-point underdog Seahawks.

BUFFALO 28, San Diego 17 - Assuming the weather is decent, the difference in this game should be the passing attacks. The 3-point underdog Chargers are short on healthy receivers and the Bills are loaded at the position. Warning: Buffalo is 6-20-1 ATS as favorite in December.

Jacksonville 23, CINCINNATI 14 - The 3-point favored Jaguars are 6-1-1 ATS in the last eight meetings and the Bengals are 3-10 ATS this season.

Indianapolis 27, CLEVELAND 20 - The Browns are 8-4-1 ATS this season and usually involved in close games but the 2.5-point favored Colts have a slight edge on defense and a big edge at the offensive skill positions.

Tampa Bay 20, DETROIT 7 - The 8.5-point favored Buccaneers are 9-4 ATS this season and battling for the home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs. The Lions are 4-8-1 ATS and rookie quarterback Joey Harrington figures to continue to struggle against the NFL's best defense.

Baltimore 27, HOUSTON 7 - The resourceful Texans were handed a gift-wrapped victory in Pittsburgh last Sunday but the 3.5-point favored Ravens don't figure to be nearly as generous. Both teams are 8-5 ATS this season.

Oakland 24, MIAMI 14 - The Dolphins are favored by 1.5 points but they're 8-22-2 ATS as favorites in December and could be in for a rude awakening after an easy home win over the remarkably inept Bears last Monday night.

NEW ORLEANS 30, Minnesota 17 - The 7.5-point favored Saints are a dismal 5-19 ATS as home favorites in December but these Vikings almost always find a way to self-destruct.

PITTSBURGH 27, Carolina 10 - The 7.5-point favored Steelers are 3-8-2 ATS this season (including 0-5 the last five games) but should be fired up after last week's embarrassing home loss to the Texans. Warning: the Panthers are 8-5 ATS this season and 9-2 ATS on the road in December.

PHILADELPHIA 24, Washington 13 - The 7.5-point favored Eagles are 3-0 ATS since losing quarterback Donovan McNabb to a broken ankle and 8-2-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings, including a 37-7 win in Washington Sept. 16.

Kansas City 23, DENVER 20 - The 3.5-point underdog Chiefs are 3-1 ATS in the last four games in Denver and 9-4 ATS this season. The Broncos are 2-6 ATS in the last eight meetings and 7-16-1 ATS the final three games of the past eight seasons.

NEW YORK GIANTS 20, Dallas 10 - The 5-point favored Giants are 10-4 ATS in the last 14 home games against Dallas. The Cowboys are 2-11 ATS in their last 13 road games in December.

SAN FRANCISCO 27, Green Bay 17 - Sooner or later, a long injury list has to catch up with the 3-point underdog Packers. Warning: Green Bay has won nine of the last 10 meetings including a 25-15 home win in last season's playoffs.

ST. LOUIS 28, Arizona 13 - The 10.5-point favored Rams are 3-10 ATS this season but should have enough healthy players left to beat the demoralized Cardinals, who are 1-6 since a 4-2 start.

Monday night's game

New England 27, TENNESSEE 20 - The 2-point underdog Patriots are 13-4-1 ATS as underdogs in December and 5-2 ATS in the last seven games against the Titans. Warning: New England is 9-18 on Monday Night Football and Tennessee is 15-13.

LAST WEEK'S RESULTS - 9-7 picking winning teams straight up (126-81-1 this season); 8-8 picking winners against the point spread (99-104-5 this season); the "Best Bet" is 8-6 after 2.5-point favored New Orleans beat Baltimore 37-25.

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