Raiders vs. Giants: The Most Important Game Nobody Wants to Win
There’s a strange kind of energy surrounding this Sunday’s matchup in Las Vegas. On the surface, it’s just another late-season game between two struggling teams. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find one of the most consequential games of the year - not because of playoff implications, but because of what’s at stake in April.
The Raiders and Giants both enter Week 17 with matching 2-13 records. That puts them in a rare and awkward position: the loser of this game could walk away with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. In a league built on winning, this is one of those rare moments where losing might actually be the bigger victory.
A Different Kind of Showdown
Let’s be clear - players and coaches are wired to compete. Nobody’s walking into Allegiant Stadium on Sunday hoping to get embarrassed.
But from a front office and fan perspective? This is the kind of game where a bad performance could pay off in a big way down the road.
With both teams already eliminated from playoff contention, the focus has shifted to the future. And the future starts with the draft.
The team that finishes with the worst record secures the top pick, which could mean a franchise-altering quarterback, a game-wrecking edge rusher, or a generational talent at another premium position. That’s why Sunday’s result could shape the next decade for one of these franchises.
Injuries - or Strategy?
The Raiders and Giants haven’t exactly been subtle about their approach to Week 17. Las Vegas placed tight end Brock Bowers and safety Jeremy Chinn on injured reserve this week, effectively ending their seasons.
Meanwhile, the Giants’ injury report is starting to look like a depth chart. Left tackle Andrew Thomas, safety Tyler Nubin, center John Michael-Schmitz, right tackle Evan Neal, and defensive lineman DJ Davidson all missed practice on both Wednesday and Thursday.
While none of those absences are officially confirmed for Sunday, the trend is clear - both teams appear to be prioritizing long-term health over short-term results. And in a season where wins no longer move the needle, that’s a logical move.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just a Raiders or Giants thing. Across the league, teams that have been knocked out of playoff contention are making similar decisions.
The Chiefs, for instance, have already begun shutting down key players after being eliminated. It’s a common late-season strategy: protect your stars, evaluate your depth, and start turning the page toward next year.
But what makes this game different is that both teams are in the same boat - and they’re playing each other. It creates a bizarre dynamic where the scoreboard tells one story, but the draft board tells another. Every touchdown, every turnover, every fourth-quarter decision could swing the balance of power in the 2026 draft.
Fans Caught in the Middle
For fans, it’s a strange Sunday to be watching. Normally, you’re pulling for your team to pull out a win - especially against a team with a similar record.
But this time, the stakes are flipped. A win could mean falling to the No. 2 pick, while a loss could lock in the top spot and all the possibilities that come with it.
That doesn’t mean fans are rooting against their own players. It just means they understand the long game.
A tough Sunday now could lead to a brighter future in a few months. And let’s face it - after a 2-13 season, fans are already looking ahead.
The Ironic Finale
So here we are: two proud franchises, both trying to finish a forgettable season with a game that may be remembered for all the wrong - or right - reasons. The Raiders and Giants will take the field like they always do, with players giving their all and coaches calling plays to win. But when the dust settles, the scoreboard might not be the only thing fans are watching.
Because in this game, the real winner might be the one that walks away with a loss.