With just two weeks left in the regular season, the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants find themselves in a high-stakes matchup - not for playoff positioning, but for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Both teams sit at 2-13, tied for the worst record in the league, but the Giants currently hold the tiebreaker for the top draft slot due to strength of schedule. That means Sunday’s game could be the unofficial “Tank Bowl,” with the loser likely walking away with the first overall pick.
But don’t expect the Raiders to roll over.
Despite dropping their ninth straight game in Week 16, Las Vegas showed real signs of life offensively against one of the league’s best defenses in Houston. It was arguably the most complete performance we’ve seen from this unit since Week 1 - and that’s not hyperbole. For a team that’s struggled to move the ball consistently all year, this was a step in the right direction.
Quarterback Geno Smith, who’s had a rocky season, turned in a quietly effective outing. He completed 16 of 23 passes for 201 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
He was sacked three times for a loss of 31 yards, but overall, Smith looked more comfortable and in control than he has in weeks. It wasn’t a perfect game by any stretch, but against a Houston defense that’s been elite all season, it was a performance the Raiders can build on.
The real breakout star, though, was rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. The rookie exploded for 128 yards on 24 carries and added a 60-yard touchdown reception to his stat line, finishing with a career-high 188 all-purpose yards.
That topped his previous best of 155 yards back in Week 4 against Chicago. Jeanty’s mix of power and burst was on full display, and he gave the Raiders a much-needed spark on offense.
Head coach Pete Carroll isn’t worried about draft positioning - not publicly, anyway. He’s focused on ending the team’s nine-game losing streak and continuing to develop his young roster.
“I’m not really that concerned about any of that, and I don’t think you want me to be,” Carroll said when asked about the implications of a win potentially costing the team the No. 1 pick. “We’re going to go play and play the best we can play and see what happens.”
That mindset could set the tone for a competitive game - even if some fans would prefer a loss to secure the draft’s top prize.
On the other side, the Giants are coming off a rough outing against Minnesota, particularly in the passing game. Quarterback Jaxson Dart struggled mightily, completing just 7 of 13 passes for 33 yards and an interception. He was sacked five times for a loss of 20 yards and finished with a quarterback rating of just 4.9 - a number that tells the full story of a passing attack that simply couldn’t get off the ground.
For New York, the focus this week will be on getting something - anything - going through the air. Dart has shown flashes of potential this season, but consistency has been elusive. Against a Raiders defense that has had its share of issues, this could be a chance to regain some rhythm.
So while the stakes might not involve playoff berths or division titles, this game carries weight in a different way. For the Raiders, it’s about building momentum and evaluating young talent. For the Giants, it’s about salvaging some offensive pride and perhaps finding clarity at the quarterback position.
And yes, for both fanbases, the draft implications will be looming large. But on the field, expect two teams still fighting - not for trophies, but for progress.