NFL 2016 Scores & Standings: Playoff Picture Becomes Clearer As New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders Disposed Of Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers To Clinch Berths

By Christon Jervil Ligon - 19 Dec '16 21:06PM

In the hunt for a spot at the playoffs, teams are scrambling their way to get past the regular season as its end draws near. While many teams are still trying to earn their tickets, four teams are already out of the woods.

The Dallas Cowboys, as many might have guessed, were the first to board the playoff-bound train as early as week 13. And joining them in after Week 15 action are the Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, and the New England Patriots who are holders of business class tickets after clinching the first first-round bye for the 2016 season.

The New England Patriots Continue To Assert Their Dominance Over Division Rivals

Since 2009, it has been clear which team is the AFC East most dominant force. The New England Patriots are not about to relinquish their hold of the division throne just yet as they capture their eight consecutive title that includes a seventh straight first-round bye.

The New England Patriots make short work of their intra-conference rival Denver Broncos for a 16-3 win this Sunday. While they aren't assured yet of the top spot in the AFC, they have earned the right for the much needed rest come the first playoff weekend.

The Oakland Raiders Are Back In The Playoffs

It took quite a while before the Califonia-based squad was able to figure out how to land themselves onto the playoffs once again. The Oakland Raiders carved out a way to a dramatic finish and a 19-16 Sunday Football victory over the San Diego Chargers.

And not only that, the Oakland Raiders are also poised to take the division title over at the AFC West--- thanks to Kansas City Chiefs' surprising defeat in the hands of the Tennessee Titans at the Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri.

The Oakland Raiders are now sitting atop the division after over taking the Chiefs and they have a good chance of clinching a first-round bye should they manage to win their last two assignments against the Indianapolis Colts and the Broncos.