As the NFL heads into its penultimate weekend, the focus remains on playoff races and postseason aspirations. However, a significant matchup in Week 17 will see the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants competing for a different prize: the coveted No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Both teams have struggled throughout the season, each holding a record of 2-13 as they square off in a contest that could determine the future direction of their franchises.
The Raiders and Giants have faced their share of challenges this year. Las Vegas has been hindered by inconsistent performances, while New York’s ambitions have been derailed by injuries to key players. As both teams look to solidify their positions at the bottom of the standings, the stakes are high during their upcoming clash.
Path to the No. 1 Pick for the Raiders
For the Raiders to secure the first overall pick, they need to lose their final two games of the season while the Giants win their next match. Currently, Las Vegas holds the tiebreaker over New York due to a tougher strength of schedule. This week, the Raiders face the Kansas City Chiefs, who recently suffered a setback against the Tennessee Titans, losing 29-6. With Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew sidelined for the season, Chris Oladokun will lead Kansas City’s offense, posing a challenge for the Raiders as they aim to secure the top draft position.
If Las Vegas loses to New York, they would relinquish the tiebreaker to the Giants, effectively placing them in prime position for the first selection next April. Given both teams’ recent struggles, the outcome of this matchup will have significant implications for their futures.
The Giants’ Road to the Top Pick
The Giants have a straightforward path to clinching the No. 1 pick. By continuing to lose, they can secure the top selection, thanks to their weaker strength of schedule compared to the Raiders. The only scenario in which Las Vegas could surpass the Giants is by losing directly to them this weekend. Both teams have endured lengthy losing streaks, with each team having dropped their last nine games, raising the stakes even higher for this matchup.
If the Giants manage to defeat the Raiders and other results fall in their favor, they could potentially slide down the draft rankings. Teams such as the Jets, Titans, and Cardinals all boast stronger schedules, which could impact the Giants’ draft position significantly. A victory for New York not only bolsters their chances of a favorable draft placement but also affects the overall draft landscape.
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the outcome of the Week 17 contest between the Raiders and Giants will be pivotal. Both teams are in a race not just for pride, but for the opportunity to reshape their franchises for the future. With their fates intertwined, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as these two struggling teams clash in a bid for the top pick.
