The New York Giants win the 2026 NFL Draft #1 overall pick. They did so with a 31-point beatdown of the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17 to cement their wildcard control. This victory marked the Giants’ third win of the season, solidifying their position at the top of the draft order. The Raiders, on the other hand, are in an enviable position as they, too, compete for the highly sought-after first pick.
The Raiders have a touchy gauntlet of results to run. If they do, they will be guaranteed to retain their current shot at the No. 1 pick. A defeat in their last game will give the Giants the top pick, no questions asked. If the Raiders are victorious, they remain alive to snatch the No. 1 overall pick from their awful season. This is contingent on three teams—the Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, and Cleveland Browns—completing their remaining games with 1½ or fewer wins. It’s worth mentioning that in this case, a tie is treated as half a win.
The Giants’ encouraging win over the Raiders would obviously help their spirits, but it might help their draft positioning just as much. Tampa took down Las Vegas, eliminating the Raiders from contention for the top pick. With this victory, they can focus on building their future. The implications of this victory extend beyond just one game. It sets the stage for potential roster improvements in the 2026 season.
The draft order for 2026 remains uncertain beyond the top picks, but both the Raiders and Giants have histories of selecting first overall in previous drafts. Their current battle for the No. 1 pick highlights the competitive nature of the NFL and the significance of strategic planning for each franchise’s future.
As each squad heads into their last match of the group stage, attention will surely shift to the action elsewhere. The Giants will be hoping to maintain their momentum, while the Raiders must strategize for a favorable outcome to avoid losing ground in the draft race.
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