Raiders a playoff long shot even if they run the table

A week ago, Jack Del Rio was invoking the Jim Carrey lines from “Dumb and Dumber” about having a chance at the playoffs.

Following a 15-12 win over the Denver Broncos, a game which knocked their rivals from their perch as the No. 1 seed in the AFC, Del Rio wasn’t talking playoffs. Nor was his team. They simply want to win the next game.

Realistically, that should be the goal anyway. The Denver win was huge. The Raiders were in a downward spiral since getting beat 30-14 by Minnesota at home. Worst case scenario the Raiders were looking at another season with double digit losses.

That looks unlikely now, and winning a game to get to 7-9 or two to get to 8-8 is an enormous improvement from 3-13. A big-time step in the right direction.

Silently, of course, the Raiders are seeking to run the table against Green Bay, San Diego and Kansas City. They’d finish 9-7, with tiebreakers possibly coming in to play. Or just as likely, Pittsburgh and Kansas City get in with 10 wins. Yes, it’s a long shot, but no longer a punch line.

A rundown of official seeds of playoff hopefuls through 13 games:

1. New England (11-2)

2, Cincinnati (10-3)

3, Denver (10-3)

4, Indianapolis (6-7)

5, Kansas City (8-5)

6, N.Y. Jets (8-5)

7, Pittsburgh (8-5)

8, Oakland (6-7)

9, Buffalo (6-7)

10, Houston (6-7)

11, Miami (5-7)

12, Jacksonville (5-8)

Here’s a look at how the possibilities stack up in order of seeding:

KANSAS CITY (8-5)

Winners of seven straight, it’s almost inconceivable Kansas City won’t get to 10 wins based on remaining opponents. The Raiders, even if out of it, would love to recreate 1999 and knock them out of it on the last day of the season.

Remaining games: at Baltimore (4-9), Cleveland (3-10), Raiders (6-7).

Record of remaining opponents: 13-26, 333.

INDIANAPOLIS (6-7)

After giving up 51 points to Jacksonville, hard to believe they’re still atop their division. Game this week against Texans could determine which unworthy team makes the postseason.

Remaining opponents: Houston (6-6), at Miami (5-7 before Monday’s game), at Tennessee (3-9).

Record of remaining opponents: 14-22, .389.

NEW YORK JETS (8-5)

Last game vs. Rob Ryan and Bills could make for great theater.

Remaining opponents: at Dallas (3-9), New England (11-2), at Buffalo (6-7).

Record of remaining opponents: 20-18, .526.

PITTSBURGH (8-5)

Forget the seed, if Steelers beat Denver they’ll win out and be behind only New England as the AFC’s most dangerous team.

Remaining opponents: Denver (10-3), at Baltimore (4-9), at Cleveland (3-10).

Record of remaining opponents: 17-22, .436.

RAIDERS (6-7)

It got a lot more interesting with the win over Denver, but even running the table may not be enough.

Remaining opponents: Green Bay (9-4), San Diego (3-10), at Kansas City (8-5).

Record of remaining opponents: 20-19, .513.

BUFFALO (6-7)

A lot of bluster from Rob Ryan, as usual. The Bills will have a say in who goes to playoffs, even if they’re not involved.

Remaining opponents: at Washington (6-6), at NY Jets (8-5), Indianapolis (6-7).

Record of remaining opponents: 20-18, 526.

HOUSTON (6-7)

If they beat the Colts this week, the Titans and Jaguars could mean a 9-7 record and division title. Don’t count on it though.

Remaining opponents: at Indianapolis (6-7), at Tennessee (3-10), Jacksonville (5-8).

Record of remaining opponents: 14-25, .359.

MIAMI (5-7)

Fired the coach, later fired the offensive coordinator. Not going to happen.

Remaining opponents: NY Giants (5-7 before Monday’s game), at San Diego (3-9), Indianapolis (6-6), New England (10-2).

Record of remaining opponents: 24-24, .500.

JACKSONVILLE (5-8)

The schedule is favorable, the talent level is not - even with that 51 point game against Indianapolis.

Remaining opponents: Atlanta (6-7), at New Orleans (5-8), at Houston (6-7)

Record of remaining opponents: 17-22, .436.