Many dubbed the Week 17 matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants as the ‘Tank Bowl’ as the two teams were tied for the worst record in the NFL, and the winner would have the inside track on the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
If that is truly the case, then the Raiders “won” by losing the contest. Both teams came into the game having lost nine straight, but it was the Raiders who extended that losing streak to 10. The game wasn’t close, as they totaled just 233 yards of offense in the 34-10 loss at home to the Giants.
That being said, the Raiders do now have the inside track to land the number one overall pick in the draft, as after Sunday’s loss, the team has an 80% chance to hold the first selection, via Adam Schefter of ESPN:
With a loss today to the Giants, the Raiders now have an 80% chance to secure the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Raiders host the Chiefs in Week 18. pic.twitter.com/Uucm6B7rDg
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 28, 2025
Numerous Raiders players, including star defensive end Maxx Crosby, have made it clear that this is not something they are aiming for. While organizations may prefer to ‘tank’ to get a higher draft pick, and there has been no indication that is what the Raiders are doing, the players are going out on the field and giving their all, as there is no guarantee they will be on the team next season.
A loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18 would seal things for the Raiders, but with the Chiefs having lost five straight themselves and down to Chris Oladokun at quarterback, this could very well be a competitive game.
Should the Raiders land the top overall pick, the discussion would then go to who they will select, with most assuming they will be targeting the quarterback position, as Geno Smith has not been the answer this season. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza of Indiana is viewed by most as the top QB prospect in the draft, though Oregon’s Dante Moore is also a candidate.
Raiders place TE Brock Bowers, DE Maxx Crosby and S Jeremy Chinn on injured reserve
Prior to Sunday’s game against the Giants, the Raiders announced that they were shutting down multiple important players for the season. Tight end Brock Bowers (knee) and safety Jeremy Chinn (back) were both placed on injured reserve, ending their season, as was Maxx Crosby, who will also reportedly be undergoing offseason knee surgery.
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