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 could hardly contain himself.

"Playoffs, playoffs, playoffs — three times for ya," Washington said with a big grin. "It feels good to say it."

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

"Talk to me this week and 'playoffs' is going to be every other word," wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery said.

The Jets will play next weekend at New England.

New York came in knowing a win would clinch a postseason berth. Cheered by a sea of towel-waving fans throughout, New York (10-6) never trailed and took control in the second half. By the time Nugent kicked his third field goal with just under 12 minutes left, the crowd at Giants Stadium spent most of the fourth quarter partying in the stands — dancing, cheering and waving their white Jets towels.

"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 2-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.

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

"There's a lot of work to be done," Oakland coach Art Shell said. "There's a lot of evaluation that has to go on. We have to see where we are and where we're headed. It's been a very tough season."

Entering the season, many believed New York would repeat last season's 4-12 performance. After all, the Jets had a new head coach, a new general manager in Mike Tannenbaum, and a quarterback in Pennington who was coming off consecutive rotator cuff surgeries. They were also without star running back Curtis Martin all season because of what appears to be a career-ending knee injury.