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N.F.L. Scores: Raiders and Patriots Stay Atop A.F.C. Playoff Picture

Stay here for live updates and scores from N.F.L. Week 15.

The perennially-uncompetitive Oakland Raiders have risen to the top of the standings this season thanks to a high-powered offense. But it was gutsy work in the trenches by the team’s less-celebrated defense that led to a 19-16 victory over the San Diego Chargers, putting the Raiders back in the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

Struggling offensively for much of the game, the Raiders were down 16-13 in the fourth quarter when Kenneth Farrow of the Chargers ran the ball up the middle.