NEW YORK — The Oakland Raiders can clinch their first playoff berth since 2002 this weekend, while the Patriots and Seahawks can also punch their ticket to the postseason.
The Raiders (10-2) visit the Kansas City Chiefs (9-3) Thursday night and can end their 14-year postseason drought with a:
- Win plus a Miami loss or tie against Arizona.
- Win plus a Denver loss at Tennessee.
- Tie plus a Miami loss plus a Baltimore loss at New England.
- Tie plus a Miami loss plus a Pittsburgh loss or tie at Buffalo.
The Patriots (10-2) can win the AFC East or even a first-round bye when they host the Ravens on Monday night.
They clinch their division with a win plus a loss or tie by Miami or a tie plus a loss by the Dolphins. They’ll secure a first-round bye with a win, a Miami loss or tie and a loss or tie by Pittsburgh.
Dallas (11-1), already in the playoffs, clinches the NFC East with a win over the Giants (8-4) on Sunday night. The Cowboys would clinch a first-round bye with a win and a Detroit loss.
They’d also get a bye with a tie or a win plus a loss by Seattle.
The Seahawks (8-3-1) would win the NFC West with a win at Green Bay (6-6) plus an Arizona loss or tie. Seattle would also win its division with a tie and an Arizona loss.
