Jets vs. Jaguars -- Week 14

Where: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, FL (grass, outdoors)

When: Sunday, 1 p.m. (CBS)

Spread: Jets by 2.5

Forecast: Mostly sunny. Temperature around 80 degrees.

Records: Jets (Overall: 5-7, AFC East: 2-3); Jaguars (Overall:2-10, AFC South: 2-3)

Past results: Two most recent meetings – Sept. 18, 2001 (Jets 32, Jaguars 3); Nov. 15, 2009 (Jets 22, Jaguars 24).Series record: Jaguars 6-3.

What matters: The Jets can’t turn the ball over. The Jets have 20 takeaways to 26 giveaways for a differential of minus 6. That puts them in 20th place in the NFL.The coaches have preached ball security non-stop throughout the season. With only an infinitesimal hope at making the playoffs, hanging onto the ball might ultimately make the difference.

Who matters: QB Mark Sanchezwill be on a very short leash this week after being benched last week against the Cardinals. With only a 55 percent completion rate and 12 TDs and 13 INTs on the season (three last week) he needs to take charge and instill confidence in his offense or he might find himself on the bench.

Key matchups: The running backs vs. the Jaguars defense. In their four games since the bye week, RBs Shonn Greene, Joe McKnight and Bilal Powell have averaged 118 yards per game and that’s with an ankle and rib injury to McKnight and a shoulder injury for Powell. All three are fairly healthy (although McKnight is still not completely healed from either of his injuries) and it will be critical for them to run the ball effectively to give the Jets the momentum they need. The Jaguars are ranked 31st in the NFL in run defense.

Injuries of note: TE Dustin Keller has a sprained ankle. WR Clyde Gates has a concussion. It is unlikely either will play. QB Tim Tebow continues to recover from cracked ribs.

Inside stuff: The Jets created a swirl of controversy when coach Rex Ryan benched Sanchez in the third quarter against the Cardinals. Although Ryan named Sanchez the starter against the Jaguars, he won’t be given a lot of slack. All eyes will be on whether Sanchez finishes the game, and who goes in to replace him. Will it be Greg McElroy again? Will Tebow (ribs) be active? All unknowns until game day.

Connections: S LaRon Landry’s brother, Dawan Landry is a starting safety for the Jaguars. Jaguars S Dwight Lowery was with the Jets from 2008-2010.

Stat you should know: The Jets and the Cardinals are both near the bottom of the NFL in overall offense. The Jets are ranked 28th while the Cardinals are ranked 31st.

Looking ahead: At 5-7, the Jets are mathematically still alive in the playoff hunt and all of their next four opponents, including Jacksonville, have losing records (Jacksonville 2-10, Titans 4-8, Chargers 4-8, Bills 5-7) so a glimmer of hope remains.

Prediction: Jets 23 Jaguar 17

Stay dialed in on the New York Jets by following correspondent Lisa Zimmerman on Twitter @CBSJets and @LisaZimmerman.