THE last time Chad Pennington saw the Lions, at Ford Field a few weeks before Thanksgiving in 2002, he carved up their defense with four TD passes in a 31-14 win.

Pennington will have a chance to match that success Sunday when 15 Detroit comes to the Meadowlands.

The Lions will be missing their two starting defensive tackles, Shaun Rogers to suspension and Shaun Cody to a toe injury. That will enable to the Jets to amp up their rushing attack, leading to the play-action opportunities that are Pennington’s specialty.

While you have to respect the Jon Kitna-Roy Williams combo and Detroit’s coaching staff which includes Mike Martz and Donnie Henderson, this simply is a game the Jets should win, and big, if they intend to turn this good start into a playoff push.

The pick: Jets, -31/2.

CHIEFS (+5) over Chargers:

When Herm Edwards was with the Jets, he was 3-1 vs. Marty Schottenheimer, including a playoff win on the road with a gimpy QB. The preacher should be able to roust the best game of the season out of his Chiefs after last week’s 45-7 disaster in Pittsburgh. Chargers kill all bottomfeeders. Question is, does that describe the Chiefs?

Jaguars (-9 1/2) over TEXANS:

Scary spread because aside from their 41-0 obliteration of the Jets two weeks ago and a playoffclinching, 38-20 win at Houston last Christmas Eve, the Jags aren’t a team that piles up doubledigit wins. But we’ll go with the better team and hope they protect the back door for us.

Patriots (-5 1/2) over BILLS:

Was hoping for a better break on the spread given the Patriots’ 19-17 victory over the Bills in the opener at Foxboro. Still, have to believe in Tom Brady, who is 101 career vs. Buffalo, and a Patriots team that is 2-0 on the road, including a 38-13 party in Cincy.

FALCONS (+2 1/2) over Steelers:

Joey Porter’s absence wasn’t felt vs. KC, but he’ll be missed if he can’t go against Michael Vick. Falcons blew a 14-3 lead to the Giants and will be hell-bent to avoid a second home loss in a row.

DOLPHINS (-5) over Packers:

Looking for the Dolphins to resemble, at long last, the playoffcontending team many thought they’d be. Joey Harrington had some success late against the Jets and will be better in tune with his receivers in his third start, and playing against a familiar foe.

BUCCANEERS (+5) over Eagles: Bucs have a little juice with QB Bruce Gradkowski, and their defense stepped up in a 1413 victory over the explosive Bengals last week. This figures to be another knock-down, dragout for the Eagles, who made a big comeback, then blew a lead in New Orleans.

Panthers (+3) over BENGALS:

Panthers were working on a blowout after knocking out Steve McNair in Baltimore, then had to hang on as the Ravens scored on a couple of tipped passes. With Steve Smith (8 for 189, 1 TD) back in form, these are the vintage Panthers. Bengals are hurting on the OL, bad news against Julius (8 sacks) Peppers.

Broncos (-4 1/2) over BROWNS:

Broncos have given up just one touchdown all season, and the turnover-prone Browns (minus9) don’t figure to succeed where others have failed. Mike Shanahan can get more out of Jake Plummer, Javon Walker and Tatum Bell than he has so far.

Redskins (+9) over COLTS:

This may be a suicide mission, what with the ‘Skins missing starting CB Carlos Rogers and with Shawn Springs severely limited, at best. Key here is Clinton Portis, who should be able to run enough against the leaky Colts D to keep this interesting.

SEAHAWKS (-6 1/2) over Vikings: Seahawks have won 24 of their last 27 at home, so you have to lean their way, even with an uncomfortably large spread.

Mike Holmgren seemed to have figured out how to incorporate Deion Branch, who scored two TDs in the 30-28 win at the Rams.

Cardinals (-3) over RAIDERS:

A loss like the one the Cards suffered vs. the Bears can send a team into a stupor for months.

But any team that’s capable of leading the Bears 20-0 has to be picked against the dilapidated Raiders.

MONDAY NIGHT COWBOYS (-31/2) over Giants: Sense a trap here with that extra half point begging you to take the Giants. Cowboys are 71 all-time vs. the Giants on Monday Night Football, including 4-0 in Big D. Boys have beaten ‘Skins and Texans by a combined 61-16 in their two home games and will be fired up again.

BEST BETS: Panthers, Patriots, Cardinals.

LAST WEEK: 6-7.

BEST BETS: 1-2.