Bill Fishman can’t bet on his beloved New York Jets in this year’s AFC title game because Coach Herman Edwards’ team stood at the track gate, leaving him with no choice but to take a “bus” to the Super Bowl 2006 in Detroit below. month.

The problem is that Fishman doesn’t know if he’ll be stopping in Denver on his way to Motown.

He’s pretty sure of one thing, though: The Carolina Express will run out of fuel in Seattle on Sunday in the NFC championship matchup.

“Can you stop (Steve) Smith?” he asked.

“I doubt it, but you can make things more difficult for (Jake) Delhomme by giving him the ball.

“Seattle led the league in sacks and this is Carolina’s fourth consecutive ‘road trip’.

“I just don’t see the Panthers playing with the same intensity, Super Bowl or not down the line. The last time a team was in this spot they lost 30-3.”

As for the other game, Fishman still hadn’t made up his mind 24 hours before kick-off.

“‘Bus’ is a great sports guy. I just haven’t made up my mind about it yet,” Fishman said.

“The Steelers are playing with a lot of karma, but the Broncos haven’t lost at home this year!

“I see both teams with solid defenses.

“Ben (Roethlisberger) is the best quarterback, but he’s still in his second year. Plummer hasn’t made any mistakes this year.

“I think the team that runs better and takes the lead early will have the advantage and win.”