The Las Vegas Raiders are earning the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft.
The Raiders took a major step to securing the top pick as they were completely hammered 34-10 by the equally lowly New York Giants on Sunday. The Raiders, according to ESPN, now have an 80 percent chance of getting the No.1 overall pick for the first time in 19 years. The Raiders, 2-14 and losers of 10 straight games, will pick first if they lose to the 6-10 (and preseason looking) Kansas City Chiefs at home next week. Even
if the Raiders win, they still have a chance to get the top pick. According t0 The Associated Press, the Raiders will not pick lower than No. 3.
But, let’s face it; the Raiders do not look capable of winning against any time and they showed that against the Giants, who also came into the game with a 2-13 record and on a nine-game losing streak like the Raiders did.
Yes, the Raiders made headlines by shutting down Maxx Crosby, Brock Bowers and Jeremy Chinn. But make no mistake, this game had nothing to do with tanking. The Raiders lost because are are awful in every aspect of the game.
They have now been beaten by double digits 10 times this season and have lost by, at least, 24 points four times. Losing that badly to the Gants, who were also tanking, is embarrassing regardless of it was beneficial in the long run.
There is no reason for Pete Carroll to stick around after next week. Carroll called he gamee a “mess.”
He should be used to it. His entire tenure has been messy and it needs to end.
Here are some key aspects of the game:
Crosby talk:
Carroll confirmed that Crosby was not at the game Sunday, a day after he was shelved for the season. Carroll, however, did say he expects Crosby to be at the Raiders’ facility Monday. Fox reported Crosby is not happy about being shut down and NFL Media reported it will cause him to evaluate his future with the team in the offseason.
Geno may be done as a Raider:
We may have seen the last of Geno Smith as the Raiders’ quarterback. He left the game in the fourth quarter and Carroll said after the game he has a high-ankle sprain. Thus, it’s likely Kenny Pickett will play against the Chiefs. There’s a strong chance the Raiders cut Smith in the offseason. If so, it was fitting his final play as a Raider was an interception, his league leading 17th. Onto Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore, right?
Jeanty mostly quiet on ground:
Raiders’ rookie running back Ashton Jeanty had 60 yards on 16 carries, but 24 of those yards came on a garbage-time run. After having 128 yards rushing last week at Houston, Jeanty was bottled up for the most part Sunday.
Mayer shows up:
Playing for the Bowers, Raiders’ tight end Michael Mayer had a career high nine catches for 89 yards and was targeted 10 times. The 2-23 second-round pick has been inconsistent in his career, but it would be promising if he can finish this season strong.
Dart too much for Raiders:
After struggling badly alst week against Minnesota, Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart had a big day against the Raiders. The first-round pick completed 22 of 30 passes for 207 yards and had 48 yards and two touchdowns on nine rushes.
Koonce has nice game:
With Crosby out, Malcolm Koonce had a nice game for the Raiders. he had a sack, eight pressures and three quarterback hits. It has been a quiet season for the pending free agent, but a performance like Sunday could prompt the Raiders to try to extend him in the offseason.
Special teams nightmare continues:
The Raiders gave up a 95-ayrd kickoff for a score. They have allow two punts and a kickoff for touchdowns this season and had allowed two blocked punts. No, the special teams did not improve after Darius Swinton replaced the fired Tom McMahon on an interim basis
League leaders:
The Raiders’ forced 10 opening drives punts this season It’s the most in the NFL.
Mafi starts:
Raiders guard Dylan Parham was listed as questionable with an illness before the Raiders’ offense took the field. Atonio Mafi is starting for Parham.
Koonce, Wilson start:
Koonce and Tyree Wilson were the Raiders’ starting defensive ends with Crosby out.
Why elevate them?
Saturday, the Raiders elevated wide receiver Phillip Dorsett and running back Chris Collier from the practice squad. yet, they were both inactive Sunday. What’s the point? Why not elevate players who would actually play? Defensive tackle Brodic Martin and safety Terrell Edmunds, both recently signed to the 53-man roster, were also inactive.
