The Las Vegas Raiders got boat-raced by the New York Giants 34-10 on Sunday, and honestly, they might be celebrating in the front office.

With the loss, Las Vegas moves one defeat away from clinching the #1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. In a league where losing has value, the Raiders are winning at losing better than anyone.

The Quick Hit

• Final score: Giants 34, Raiders 10
• Raiders record: 3-13
• The situation: One more loss = #1 pick locked up
• The context: This might have been intentional

The Tank Bowl

When the Giants and Raiders met Sunday, everyone knew what was happening. These are two bad teams with bad rosters and worse outlooks, and both had incentive to lose.

The Giants apparently didn't get the memo.

New York came out firing, jumped to an early lead, and never let Las Vegas back into the game. The Raiders looked like a team that had already mentally checked out, going through the motions while their season circled the drain.

The 34-10 final score was ugly, but the Raiders' front office might be popping champagne. Every loss from here out improves their draft position.

What #1 Means

The 2026 NFL Draft class is expected to be quarterback-heavy at the top, and the Raiders desperately need a franchise signal-caller. Having the first pick gives them options:

1. Draft the best quarterback in the class
2. Trade down for a haul of picks
3. Take the best player available and address QB elsewhere

None of those options are bad. Being at the top of the draft is valuable no matter how you slice it, and the Raiders are about to lock it up.

The Betting Angle

If you bet on the Raiders at any point this season, you've probably learned your lesson. This team isn't trying to win games — they're trying to secure their future.

Week 18 features the Raiders against... well, whoever's on the schedule, it doesn't matter. Expect Las Vegas to roll out backups, play conservatively, and find a way to lose.

Historical Context

The Raiders haven't had the #1 overall pick since 2007, when they selected JaMarcus Russell. That... didn't work out.

But this time feels different. The quarterback class is deep, the Raiders have cap space, and they're positioned to finally find their guy. If they nail this pick, 2025's misery will be forgotten.

The Bottom Line

Losing sucks. Watching your team get dominated week after week is painful. But in the NFL, controlled losing has purpose.

The Raiders are one game away from securing the best possible draft position. Every L from here out is an investment in the future.

If you're a Las Vegas fan, root for the loss. It's the smart play. And when that franchise quarterback is throwing touchdowns in 2027, you'll understand why.

Pain now, glory later. That's the Raiders' 2025 motto.