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Giants vs. Raiders Will Shape the 2026 No. 1 Pick in Rare Week 17 Matchup

Strength-of-schedule rules put New York first for now as Sunday's result could change the order.

Overview

  • Both teams enter at 2-13 on nine-game losing streaks, a first-time meeting of opponents with active skids that long.
  • Current projections favor the Giants for the top pick due to a weaker strength of schedule, with final draft order set after Week 18 and the draft scheduled for April 23–25 in Pittsburgh.
  • CBS Sports notes the loser would be positioned for No. 1 if it also loses in Week 18, though other 3-12 teams remain in contention depending on results and tiebreakers.
  • Las Vegas ranks last in scoring at 14.5 points per game, while New York’s pass rush sees a favorable matchup against the NFL’s most-sacked quarterback, with rookie Abdul Carter emerging.
  • Coaches and players insist they will play to win, with Raiders coach Pete Carroll dismissing draft talk and Maxx Crosby saying he is focused on performance, not draft positioning.