Photo courtesy of Chris Unger
Synopsis: In Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season, the Las Vegas Raiders lost 34-10 to the New York Giants, dropping to an NFL-worst 2-14 record. The defeat marked Las Vegas’s 10th straight loss and leaves them in line for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft if they lose next week to Kansas City. The game also saw Raiders QB Geno Smith exit with an ankle injury late in the fourth quarter.
The Raiders’s Week 17 matchup against the Giants wasn’t just another Sunday game — it was a stark reflection of a season gone wrong. Las Vegas came into the contest tied with New York for the league’s worst record and left with a heavy 34-10 loss at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas’s defeat dropped their record to 2-14, the worst in the NFL. Their struggles weren’t limited to this game; this loss extended a ten-game slide that has left fans frustrated and eyes turned to next year’s draft.
The Raiders looked outmatched on both sides of the ball. Turnovers, stalled drives, and a defense that couldn’t slow down the Giants added up to one of the most difficult afternoons of the season.
Table of Contents
Week 17 Highlights: What Happened on the Field
The Giants took control early and didn’t let up. New York’s offense put up points at every turn, while Las Vegas struggled to find rhythm. Devin Singletary opened the scoring with a short touchdown run, and Jaxson Dart added another in the second quarter, giving the Giants a comfortable half-time lead.
A big special-teams play came when Giants cornerback Deonte Banks returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, electrifying the crowd and extending New York’s advantage late in the game.
By the final whistle, the scoreboard read 34-10 — a result that put Las Vegas squarely in rebuilding mode and left questions about how to turn the season around.
Quarterback Woes and Geno Smith’s Injury
One of the storylines of the day was the health of Raiders quarterback Geno Smith. Before leaving in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury, Smith completed 20 of 28 passes for 176 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Smith’s departure brought backup Kenny Pickett into the game late, but limited opportunities meant Pickett couldn’t spark a comeback.
Head coach Pete Carroll later confirmed Smith’s ankle issue could keep him out next week’s finale, raising even more uncertainty around the team’s offensive future.
Injuries and Missing Stars
Beyond Smith’s late exit, the Raiders were without several key contributors. Brock Bowers, Maxx Crosby, Jack Bech and Jeremy Chinn were all absent, either on injured reserve or inactive for the game.
This thinning of the roster made an already difficult matchup even tougher, underlining how much the team has struggled with depth and durability this season.
These absences hurt Las Vegas’s ability to execute on offense and defend effectively — a combination that has defined too many losses this year.
Draft Position: Silver Lining or Costly Loss?
Oddly enough, the Raiders’ loss might be good news in one big way. Because the loss dropped Las Vegas to 2-14 — the NFL’s worst record — they’re now in prime position for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft if they lose again next week to the Chiefs.
That situation puts the Raiders in a draft “sweet spot.” The top pick could be used on a cornerstone talent like an elite quarterback prospect — something this franchise sorely needs after another disappointing year.
Even if they don’t end up with the first pick, Las Vegas is all but guaranteed a very early pick — a chance to bring in impact talent that could speed up the rebuild.
Giants Snap Losing Streak Too
While the Raiders fell, the Giants got much-needed momentum. New York snapped a nine-game losing streak with this victory, their first win since early October.
For the Giants, the win is as much about pride as it is about playoff positioning. It gave them a breath of fresh air in a long season and ended a long drought that was wearing on players and fans alike.
But in beating Las Vegas, New York also sacrificed their best chance at the No. 1 draft pick — a twist that few fans expected and something that could shape both teams’ futures.
Coaching Crossroads in Las Vegas
Back in Vegas, coach Pete Carroll faced tough questions after the loss. With a franchise that has struggled mightily, talk has turned to what direction leadership should take in the offseason and beyond.
Carroll has tried to inject experience and stability, but this season’s results have put his future under scrutiny from media and fans.
How the Raiders respond in their final game — and in the months that follow — may shape not just the roster but the coaching staff too.
Fan Reactions: Frustration and Hope
Across social media, Raider Nation has been anything but quiet. Some fans are frustrated at the losses and inconsistency, while others are already looking ahead to draft day with cautious optimism.
The idea of landing a franchise quarterback in 2026 has sparked excitement that offsets some of the bitterness of another tough season.
There’s a sense that rebuilding isn’t just necessary — it might be the only way forward.
What’s Left: Week 18 vs. Chiefs
One game remains on the Raiders’ schedule — a Week 18 meeting with division rivals the Kansas City Chiefs.
If Las Vegas loses again, they’ll almost certainly lock up the No. 1 overall pick. If they win, draft positions could get shuffled a bit — though they’re still set to pick early either way.
And with Geno Smith’s status now uncertain, next week’s story will have even more layers than usual.
Offseason and Opportunities
Once the final whistle blows in Week 18, focus will squarely shift to April’s NFL Draft. For a franchise that’s struggled for years, that event offers more than hope — it offers a real chance at change.
Quarterback prospects are likely to headline the draft conversation, giving Las Vegas a clear vision for how to rebuild the offense and compete in the years ahead.
For fans and analysts alike, the Raiders will be one of the most watched teams in the offseason’s lead-up.
Season in Perspective
The Raiders’ 2025 campaign won’t be remembered for wins. But in football, sometimes the toughest roads lead to the biggest turns.
Now at an NFL-worst 2-14 after the Giants defeat, Las Vegas stands on the brink of a reset — one that could define the next chapter of the franchise.
With key decisions to make about players, coaches and draft strategy, the coming months will be as important as any game played this year.
FAQs
It means they have the worst record in the NFL and are in prime position for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 Draft.
Yes — if they lose to the Chiefs in Week 18, they will likely have the first overall pick.
Yes, Smith left with an ankle injury and didn’t return.
Their current skid hit 10 straight losses.
Fans are shifting attention to the offseason and the draft as hope for a turnaround.
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