Jets make playoffs; Raiders get top draft pick

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. —  Leon Washington and the rest of the New York Jets were banned from talking about the playoffs all season.

Minutes after they clinched an improbable postseason berth with a 23-3 victory over Oakland on Sunday, the rookie running back couldn’t contain himself.

“Playoffs, playoffs, playoffs -- three times for ya,” Washington said with a big grin.

“It feels good to say it.”

The Raiders (2-14) got one consolation: When Detroit beat Dallas, it left Oakland with the first overall pick in April’s draft.

The Jets’ Chad Pennington threw a touchdown pass to Chris Baker, Washington ran for a touchdown and Mike Nugent kicked three field goals, assuring they would play at least one more game.

The Jets (10-6) will play next Sunday at New England.

New York came into the Oakland game knowing a win would clinch a postseason berth. Cheered by a sea of towel-waving fans, the Jets never trailed and took control in the second half.

“This is great for the team and the organization,” wide receiver Laveranues Coles said. “This is just good for the guys -- all the hard work and effort that we put into this season.

“But again, this is a stepping stone.”

Coach Eric Mangini received a Gatorade shower just after the two-minute warning, and a series of hugs by jubilant Jets players.

“I’m hoping for a few more of them,” Mangini said, wearing a black Jets cap to cover his soaked head.

Pennington, who played 16 games in a season for the first time in his career, urged the fans on, waving his right arm and prompting them to continue celebrating.

“To me, this is what this game is all about, playing for a championship,” the quarterback said.