Can i apply for OPT extension after OPT EAD expired?

[Chandan]

Hi, 

I got my H1B picked in the lottery in April 2017 but there is a RFE on it. My OPT expired on Aug 14th 2017 and I'm currently in Cap Gap. I got the I-20 extended till Sep 30th 2017 based on the H1B lottery pick. To be on safe side Can i apply for OPT extenion now? If in case H1B get's denied, can i still apply OPT extension and apply H1B next year under cap exempt? 

Please let me know is there any alternate solution if H1B is denied. 

Thanks, 

C