SAN DIEGO — Making history.
That’s what today’s AFC divisional playoff showdown with the Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium represents to the title-starved Jets.
If the 10-7 Jets, winners of six of the last seven games, can defeat the favored 13-3 Chargers, winners of their last 11, the Jets will advance to the AFC Championship game for the first time since the 1998 season.
The Jets, who haven’t won two consecutive playoff games since 1982, haven’t gotten to or won a Super Bowl since Jan. 12, 1969.
They stand at the precipice of what can be one of the most significant wins in their history.
“You taste it, you’re so close, you’re close to achieving all of your goals,” Jets safety Jim Leonhard said.
“It’s in the back of your mind, because it’s so close, it’s right there for the taking,” right tackle Damien Woody said.
Cornerback Darrelle Revis, in the playoffs for the first time, understands how precious this moment is. His uncle, former NFL defensive lineman Sean Gilbert, played 12 seasons in the league and never got to the postseason.
“Some people don’t ever experience this,” Revis said. “You work hard for these moments and you’ve got to take advantage of them when you have them. We’re trying to make sure it’s worth our while.”
Few inside the Jets locker room can appreciate the tenuous nature of playoffs better than veteran left guard Alan Faneca, who has not only won a Super Bowl, but lost in the AFC Championship game twice.
Faneca’s message is simple as the Jets embark on this mission: “Don’t take this experience for granted and think, ‘Hey, we’re going to the championship game next week.’ Bull[bleep]. You’ve got a football game to play and a lot of work to do or the next thing you know we’re going to be having a team meeting on Monday and it’s going to be, ‘See you later and be back in the middle of March.’ ”
Here’s a breakdown on how The Post sees this game:
MARQUEE MATCHUP
Jets safety Kerry Rhodes vs. Chargers tight end Antonio Gates. Rhodes won’t be man-to-man on Gates all game, the Jets will mix coverage on him. But Rhodes, who successfully marked top tight ends Tony Gonzalez and Kellen Winslow well, will be a big part of trying to check Gates, who has a team-leading 79 catches for 1,157 yards and eight touchdowns.
RAPID FIRE
The Chargers are very fast starters, having outscored their opponents 103-51 in the first quarter this season. During their 11-game winning streak, the Chargers have outscored opponents 83-16 in the first quarter. San Diego also is fresh after having the bye week to rest, and Qualcomm Stadium is a notoriously loud building. To survive this game, the Jets must weather the early storm. The Chargers’ 52-point advantage in the first-quarter points is the third-largest disparity in the NFL this season.
SCORING MACHINE
The Chargers have scored 20 or more points in 22 consecutive games, dating back to last season, the longest active streak in the league. They average 28.4 points per game. The Jets have scored 28 or more points in just three games this season.
NICKEL AND DIME
To combat the Chargers’ prolific passing offense, look for the Jets to play a lot of nickel defense against the San Diego base offense, daring the Chargers to run the ball. The Jets would rather take their chances defending LaDainian Tomlinson than trying to chase down Philip Rivers’ passes down the field.
RIVERS RUNS FULL
Since becoming the Chargers’ starting quarterback in 2006, Rivers has amassed a career record of 49-21 (.700), 28-7 at home. Rivers owns the NFL’s longest streak to start a career of games without throwing three or more interceptions in a game, 64. Joe Montana had held the record at 57. Twice this season, Rivers went four games without throwing an interception (streaks of 143 and 118 passes).
Jets rookie Mark Sanchez, who threw 20 interceptions, second-most in the league, is in a current three-game streak without throwing an interception — his longest pick-free stretch of the season.
KICKING AND SCREAMING
The Chargers might have the finest kicker-punter tandem in the NFL in Nate Kaeding and Mike Scifres. Kaeding was
32-of-35 on field goals this season and Scifres averaged a 45-yard gross and 39.2-yard net. Both are weapons and an edge in virtually every game the Chargers play.
mark.cannizzaro@nypost.com
CANNIZZARO’S CALL
The Jets believe. That goes a long way, especially when coupled with good talent and results. The Jets, the more physical team, will run the ball successfully, controlling the clock enough to keep the San Diego offense out of rhythm.
JETS 27, CHARGERS 17