NEW YORK JETS (2-3) AT NEW ENGLAND (4-1) Time: 8: 20, chs. 2, 7.

Line: Patriots by 6 1/2 .

Vs. spread: Jets 3-2; Patriots 4-1.

Outlook: This game promises to be entertaining, if not on the field, then on the sideline, with Jets coach Bill Parcells returning to New England for the second time since leaving the Patriots, hence the pre-game "Tuna Bowl" hype. Parcells has given ex-Raven Vinny Testaverde the nod as quarterback over Glenn Foley, who was benched after a dismal performance in a 30-10 loss to the Rams. Even though the Jets are third in the AFC in passing yards per game with 225.6, they should expect a little trouble from the Patriots' defense, which allows only 164 passing yards per game. Also, Ty Law leads the conference in interceptions with four, and New England is plus-five in take-aways/giveaways. Four of the past five games between these two were decided by five points or fewer, but New vTC England gets an edge with kicker Adam Vinatieri, who's 12-for-15 on field-goal attempts this season.

Notable: Patriots are AFC East-best 14-3 in division since 1996.

Injuries:

JETS: Out: LB Chad Cascadden (hamstring). Doubtful: TE Fred Baxter (knee). Probable: T John Elliott (back); S Chris Hayes (leg); RB Curtis Martin (thigh).

PATRIOTS: Out: WR Vincent Brisby (hand). Questionable: DE Ferric Collons (ankle); CB Steve Israel (knee); LB Bernard Russ (jaw). Probable: C Dave Wohlabaugh (hand).

Pub Date: 10/19/98