Jets will have hands full with Hester

Dealing with Devin

The Jets feature one of the league's best kickoff returners in Brad Smith, but Devin Hester is making his claim to be the greatest of all time. He ran a punt back 64 yards in Chicago's win in Minnesota Monday night, establishing a record in the process since it was the 14th kick return touchdown in his five-year career. The speedster is also tied with Eric Metcalf for the all-time lead in punt return touchdowns with 10. The two-time Pro Bowler also holds the franchise record for punt return yardage.

Clinch in a Cinch

'Tis the season for clinching playoff berths and the Jets can do just that this weekend. They can punch their playoff ticket as one of the AFC's two wild cards if they knock off the Bears at Soldier Field Sunday afternoon. Should either Jacksonville or Indianapolis lose, the Jets would also be assured of making the playoffs for the second consecutive season under Rex Ryan. They're alive in the race for the AFC East title, which goes to the Patriots if they beat the Bills Sunday or the Jets lose to Chicago.

Sanchez's shoulder

Quarterback Mark Sanchez had an MRI on his right shoulder Monday after getting banged up in the Jets' 22-17 win over the Steelers in Pittsburgh. But Ryan said it was nothing to get alarmed about because the tests showed some positive results, and he's confident Sanchez will start against the Bears on Sunday. Sanchez apparently got roughed up on a scramble in the first quarter, but played the rest of the game and didn't appear to be bothered by the injury.