The Raiders are on the outside looking in at the AFC wild card race at the midway point of the season, but probably rate as at least a co-favorite to reach the post season based on the play of quarterback Derek Carr.

At the NFL’s most important position, Carr has 19 touchdown passes, four interceptions and a burgeoning reputation as one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL — easily the top young signal-caller competing in the AFC with only Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger having an edge based on two Super Bowl rings and years of quality service.

As it stands, three teams look poised to run away with their respective divisions _ New England (8-0) in the east, Cincinnati (8-0) in the north and Denver (7-1) in the west. Indianapolis (4-5) is presently atop the south, but with Andrew Luck sidelined, could give way to Houston (3-5) or perhaps even Jacksonville (2-6) or Tennessee (2-6).

It’s possible the south winner could get to the playoffs with a sub.-500 record, but the division won’t have a wild card team unless some pretty below average teams get better very quickly.

Three teams are currently ahead of the Raiders in the wild card race _ Pittsburgh, Buffalo and the Jets _ all 5-4.

But only Roethlisberger would have any kind of an edge on Carr, and he’s expected to be out at least one game with a foot sprain sustained against the Raiders.

A subjective ranking of the playoff contenders based on their quarterbacks (PA-PC-PCT-YDS-TD-HI-Rtg) and remaining schedule:

1. Raiders (4-4): Derek Carr (273-174-63.7-2,094-19-4-104.3)

Has done nothing but get better as a second-year player, with the most encouraging sign being that he can handle a blitz, something that often takes quarterbacks years to learn.

Remaining games: Minnesota; at Detroit; at Tennessee; Kansas City; at Denver; Green Bay; San Diego; at Kansas City. Record of remaining opponents: 30-34.

2. Steelers (5-4): Ben Roethlisberger (178-119-66.9-1,508-7-6-92.2)

Has two Super Bowl rings and a wealth of experience in the postseason, as well as big-time regular-season games. Steelers will always be a threat with Roethlisberger healthy.

Remaining games: Cleveland, at Seattle; Indianapolis; at Cincinnati; Denver; at Baltimore; at Cleveland. Record of remaining opponents: 31-30.

3. Jets (5-4): Ryan Fitzpatrick (283-168-59.3-15-9-85.2)

Game-manager type who minimizes mistakes and can move the ball down field. Won’t take over a game with his passing but Jets aren’t built that way anyway. The one they let get away against Buffalo Thursday night will hurt.

Remaining games: at Houston; Miami; at New York Giants; Tennessee; at Dallas; New England; at Buffalo. Record of remaining opponents: 27-30.

4. Bills (5-4): Tyrod Taylor (176-124-70.5-1,436-11-4-106.1)

Excellent athlete who has shown big-play capability and whose skill set has been put to good use similar to what offensive coordinator Greg Roman did with 49ers and Colin Kaepernick. Didn’t look like a playoff quarterback against the Jets Thursday night, however. Brutal schedule finds four of next five on the road.

Remaining games: at New England; at Kansas City; Houston, at Philadelphia; at Washington; Dallas, New York Giants. Record of remaining opponents: 26-28.

5. Dolphins (3-5): Ryan Tannehill (299-192-64.2-2,237-13-9-88.7)

Given coaching change and internal unrest, remains to be seen if Tannehill is enough of a leader to get the team on his side. Skills are evident and can be occasionally brilliant.

Remaining games: at Philadelphia; Dallas; at New York Jets; Baltimore; New York Giants; at San Diego; Indianapolis, New England. Record of remaining opponents: 32-34.

6. Houston (3-5): Brian Hoyer (215-129-60.0-1,581-13-3-97.1)

Not sure what he ever did to get run out of Cleveland despite his share of wins or starting out the season behind Ryan Mallett, but Hoyer has got the Texans playing some reasonable offense.

Remaining games: New York Jets; New Orleans; at Buffalo; New England; at Indianapolis; at Tennessee; Jacksonville. Record of remaining opponents: 29-29.

7. Chiefs (3-5): Alex Smith (268-170-63.4-1,968-9-3-92.1)

Jeremy Maclin has helped his receiving corps, but Smith still thrives between the hashes and is less effective at power throws either downfield to the sidelines. Better when playing from ahead. Most difficult schedule the rest of the way among contenders. Their two games against the Raiders could push Chiefs over the top.

Remaining games: at Denver; at San Diego; Buffalo; at Oakland; San Diego; at Baltimore; Cleveland; Oakland. Record of remaining opponents: 27-38.