The Jets got a gift from the Raiders on Christmas Eve when Oakland beat Denver to improve to 4-11 on the season, in turn boosting New York's status for April's NFL draft.

But what else needs to happen for the Jets (4-11) to improve their ranking entering Week 17?

The Jets are holding onto the No. 3 spot in the draft order ahead of the Raiders, while trailing the Cardinals (3-12) and 49ers (4-11). The tiebreakers for the 4-11 clubs favor the Niners because they have the lowest current strength of schedule (the combined winning percentage of all their opponents this season).

The 49ers' strength of schedule sits at .504, while the Jets are at .506 and the Raiders at .546.

The Jets' quickest road to the No. 1 overall pick would be a loss to the Patriots on Sunday along with a Cardinals win over the Seahawks and a 49ers win over the Rams.

The Jets would also secure the top pick if they lose to New England, Arizona wins, San Francisco loses and three of the following four teams win: Giants, Buccaneers, Ravens or Chargers.

If neither scenario occurs, the Jets could win the No. 2 pick in several ways:

Loss to Patriots, Cardinals loss, 49ers win
Loss to Patriots, Cardinals loss, 49ers loss, with three of following four winning: Giants, Bucs, Ravens, Chargers
Loss to Patriots, Cardinals win but three of following four teams NOT winning: Giants, Bucs, Ravens, Chargers

Any way you slice it, losing to the Patriots would be the best way to start the last Sunday of the season for Mike Maccagnan.

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