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The AFC East already could be getting away from the New York Jets. It wasn't supposed to happen like this, not with Tom Brady serving his Roger Goodell suspension, but the Jets need a win Sunday to stay one game behind the first-place New England Patriots (3-0). It's only Week 3, too soon to make any definitive statements, but the Jets (1-1) would be teetering on the brink if they fall two games behind. Their upcoming schedule is brutal and that Brady guy is returning in Week 5. So, yeah, the Jets really need to beat the Kansas City Chiefs (1-1) at Arrowhead Stadium. Kickoff is at 4:25 ET. Five thoughts on the game: Hot, hot, hot: The Jets' offense was smoking hot last week against the Buffalo Bills, and it will see a similar scheme in the Chiefs -- a lot of man-to-man coverage, with a single-high safety. Don't forget, Chiefs defensive coordinator Bob Sutton is a former Jets assistant who worked under Rex Ryan. Hence, the similarities. The Jets showed their potential when all facets are clicking, but can they maintain it? They haven't scored 30 points in back-to-back games since 2011. On the flip side, Ryan Fitzpatrick is a streaky quarterback, but he's coming off one of the best games of his career. A fast start would help take the loud crowd out of the game. The Chiefs have been outscored in the first half, 34-6. Spread the wealth: The Jets use their wide receivers more than any team in the league and should keep rolling out their four-receiver packages against the Chiefs. Here's why: The Chiefs have faced only two four-receiver sets -- as in, only two plays. The Jets' approach could be dictated by the health of Brandon Marshall, who is questionable with knee and foot injuries. My sense is that Marshall will play, perhaps in a limited role. I'm curious to see if the Jets attack the talented, but volatile Marcus Peters. He's an all-or-nothing player who guesses a lot. Crafty veterans like Marshall and Eric Decker should give him problems. Break out the fire hose: Whenever Todd Bowles is asked about the long-ball problems on defense, his response usually begins with, "Until we put out the fire ..." Translation: Opponents will continue to attack vertically until they stop it. It's inexcusable that a defense with as much talent and experience as the Jets is allowing this many big plays -- three completions of at least 40 air yards. That's one more than the rest of the league. They catch a break this week because the Chiefs aren't known for the deep ball. In fact, Alex Smith has attempted only one pass over 30 yards. Will they break their tendency to exploit the Jets' weakness? They'd be smart to try. They have two weapons in wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and tight end Travis Kelce, whom safety Calvin Pryor likened to Rob Gronkowski. Kelce isn't fast, but "he's more like a Gronk. For real," Pryor said. All-you-can-eat buffet: The Jets' defensive line, shut out by the Bills in the sack department, should be licking its chops. The Chiefs' offensive line is a mess due to injuries. They probably will start a second-string left guard, Zach Fulton, and a perhaps a third-string right guard, Jordan Devey. It would be a disappointment if the Jets don't get at least four sacks. They should be able to do plenty of damage, disrupting Kansas City's inside running game. Smith (seven sacks) has been running for his life, but he moves well and could cause problems, especially with the read option. Heartbreak Hill: If you haven't heard of Tyreek Hill, you will. He's a freakishly fast punt and kickoff returner from West Alabama, a fifth-round pick with the ability to change field position in a heartbeat. "A special, special player ... the total package," said Jets special teams coordinator Brant Boyer, who compared him to a young Percy Harvin. The Jets' revamped coverage units have been solid, but this will be their toughest test. Hill can wreck the game.
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