Keyshawn is the key for Jets in their quest to upset Broncs

Friday, Jan. 15, 1999 | 10:45 a.m.

Sal DeFilippo's pro football picks column appears Friday. Reach him at sal@lasvegassun.com or 259-4076.

If the Jets are to have any hopes of beating Denver, Pro Bowl receiver Keyshawn Johnson is really going to have to step up his game.

Sure, last week, he was a one-man wrecking crew against Jacksonville, becoming the first player in 60 years to have a rushing touchdown, a receiving touchdown, a fumble recovery and an interception in the same game. The pick was cheap -- the Jets inserted the top overall pick in the 1996 draft on defense for the final play and Mark Brunell's Hail Mary was thrown right to him -- but he had nine receptions on offense for 120 yards and ran two reverses for 28 yards.

Credit Bill Parcells for using his weapon wisely. But this week, don't be surprised if Johnson is used in every way possible, including:

Punting: Parcells already has gone through three punters this season, so why not? In the Mile High atmosphere, he couldn't be that bad.

Goal-line offense: Vinny Testaverde already has shown you just need to get close to score, especially on this team.

Referee: Admit it. He's already better, at least this season.

Halftime show: Come on, it's CBS we're talking about.

No matter what he does, though, beating Denver at Mike High will be a tall order.

The NFC game features another team in unfamiliar postseason territory -- but don't count the Falcons out prematurely. The 11-point underdog Atlanta squad will have to match Minnesota big-play-for-big-play to have a chance.

With an over/under line (55) that resembles a speed limit more than a traditional NFL game, it's obvious the books think defense will be only an afterthought.

* NFC CHAMPIONSHIP:

ATLANTA +11 at Minnesota, over 55 -- Dan Reeves' remarkable season won't come to an end without a fight. But the only team that can stop the Vikings right now is the Vikings. After one last hurrah in the dome, Minnesota will get its day in the sun in Miami. Minnesota 34, Atlanta 24.

* AFC CHAMPIONSHIP:

NEW YORK JETS +9 at Denver, under 51 -- Both teams should be able to move the ball and create favorable matchups. Expect Denver to take an early lead, and the Jets to crawl back into it. A quick touchdown to Dedric Ward puts the Jets in front late, and John Elway's rally falls just short. New York Jets 26, Denver 23.