SEASON-ENDING LOSS STINGS JETS

new york» After the Jets held their playoff chances in their hands, the scene on the plane ride back home after a 22-17 loss Sunday at Buffalo said it all — without anyone saying a word.

“It was quiet, man,” rookie linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin said Monday while clearing out his locker at Jets headquarters. “You could hear a pin drop.”

The Jets (10-6) knew they blew it. Their season-closing loss — to their former coach, Rex Ryan, of all people — combined with Pittsburgh’s victory at Cleveland kept them out of the postseason for the fifth consecutive year.

“It’s just kind of catastrophic,” Mauldin said, “to know we were that close and couldn’t get it done.”

“I’m still a little numb,” said wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who was hoping to reach the postseason for the first time in his 10-year NFL career.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, meanwhile, will be the Jets’ starting quarterback next season — if he returns to the team.

Fitzpatrick can become a free agent this offseason after setting a Jets record with 31 touchdown passes. He took over as the starter when Geno Smith’s jaw was broken by a punch from Ikemefuna Enemkpali

Footnotes.

The Titans (3-13) have the No. 1 pick in the draft, which is April 28-30 in Chicago. ... Just in time for the playoffs, running back Marshawn Lynch has returned to the Seahawks’ backfield. Lynch hasn’t played since Week 9 because of an abdominal injury that required surgery Nov. 25. ... The Chargers, Raiders and Rams were expected to file for relocation Monday, and NFL owners could decide at league meetings next week whether to allow any of those teams to move to the Los Angeles area for the 2016 season. Asked if he is the right coach to lead the Chargers into the nation’s second-biggest market, Mike McCoy said: “Without a doubt. I can’t wait for the opportunity. We’re all ready to roll.” Then he added: “I’m ready to be the coach wherever it is.”