Tom Brady may not have been on the field, but the Las Vegas Raiders’ latest loss could not have broken much better for the franchise’s future – or for its minority owner.
The Raiders were routed 34-10 by the New York Giants on Sunday in Las Vegas, a result that significantly boosted their chances of landing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Following the defeat, Las Vegas now holds roughly an 80 percent chance of securing the top selection, a development that aligns squarely with the long-term vision Brady is believed to support as part of the team’s ownership group.
While the Giants had insisted all week they were focused on ending a nine-game losing streak rather than draft positioning, they backed up their words with their most complete performance of the season.
New York forced two defensive turnovers, rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart rushed for two touchdowns, and Deonte Banks delivered a game-breaking 95-yard kickoff return score.
The victory over the Raiders hurt the Giants’ chances in the draft
The victory, however, came at a cost for the Giants. With the win, New York slipped from control of the No. 1 pick to second overall, echoing a similar late-season win last year that damaged its draft position.
The Giants can still reclaim the top spot, but the path is narrow: they would need to lose to the Cowboys in Week 18 while the Raiders upset the Kansas City Chiefs.
If that unlikely scenario unfolds, New York would hold the strength-of-schedule tiebreaker and leapfrog Las Vegas for the first overall pick.
Despite the win, draft uncertainty still looms over the Giants. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that New York plans to evaluate all options at the top of the draft, including Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza – even with Dart showing promise as a rookie.
Will the Giants give Mendoza Dart’s job?
Dart, a first-round pick in the 2025 draft, has flashed franchise potential, accounting for 20 total touchdowns this season while adding over 400 rushing yards. Still, the Giants’ 3-13 record has left the organization open to major decisions.
Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, is widely viewed as the top quarterback prospect after leading Indiana to a 13-0 regular season. At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza combined elite production with efficiency, throwing 33 touchdowns against six interceptions while earning Big Ten MVP honors.
For the Raiders, the loss keeps their rebuild firmly on track. With the league’s worst record and the inside track to the No. 1 pick, Las Vegas is positioned to reshape its future – a result that likely leaves Brady and the front office quietly satisfied despite the lopsided defeat.
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