Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham
The New York Jets checked off the first victory in a string of games that could propel them into AFC East contention.
The Jets emerged from their bye with a 26-14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in the Meadowlands.
The Jets took care of the winless Bengals decisively, overcoming a Brett Favre fumble that was returned for a touchdown on the opening drive and never trailing from midway through the first quarter on.
After giving their fans ulcers with losses in Weeks 2 and 3, the Jets are 3-2 and in position to make a run with three of their next four games against teams with 1-4 records.
Next up in the Jets' cushy stretch are the Oakland Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Jets will visit the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 2 in a game that could determine first place in the AFC East. Then the Jets will host the St. Louis Rams in Week 10.
The Jets won even thought Favre had a rough afternoon at times. In addition to his fumble, he threw two interceptions.
But he was 25-of-33 for 189 yards and one short touchdown to Thomas Jones out of the backfield. Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery had eight receptions apiece. Jones also ran for two touchdowns in a ball-control offense that had possession for 35:18 despite the turnovers.
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