Giants Roll the Dice in Vegas With Their Future at Stake
The New York Giants travel to Las Vegas this Sunday to take on the Raiders in Week 17. Neither team is in playoff contention, but this matchup still carries weight as a measuring stick, a momentum test, and a game with direct implications for the 2026 NFL Draft. Both teams enter Allegiant Stadium at 2–13, each riding a nine-game losing streak. Big Blue has struggled to get out of its own way all season. While it’s rare to see a late-December showdown this low in the standings, both franchises find themselves frustrated, searching for answers, and already looking toward the future. Still, games like this matter for young quarterbacks, developing defenses, and fanbases hoping to see signs of progress heading into the 2026 season.
For New York, everything begins with the offensive line. Consistency has been a major issue, and injuries have further disrupted rhythm and cohesion. It remains unclear whether key starters such as Andrew Thomas and John Michael Schmitz Jr. will suit up Sunday. If they don’t, the challenge becomes even steeper. The Giants need to play with urgency, but the past few weeks have been difficult, and there’s little indication that things will suddenly turn around as the season winds down.
Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart has experienced an up-and-down debut season. When protected, he has shown flashes of confidence and arm talent. However, the lack of consistent protection has made his job extremely difficult. Drives stall quickly, and explosive plays have been hard to come by. To give Dart a chance, the Giants will need to scheme around pressure, incorporate quicker throws, and avoid putting him in situations where he feels forced to play hero ball.
Defensively, New York has pieces, but leadership and consistency have been lacking. Brian Burns has been the unit’s standout performer, providing a steady presence off the edge. Still, poor tackling and late-drive breakdowns have plagued the defense for much of the season. Winning the turnover battle will be essential if the Giants hope to stay competitive early. If they fail to do so, they risk falling into the same familiar patterns that have defined their year.
For the Raiders, the offensive focus centers on rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. With star tight end Brock Bowers on season-ending injured reserve, Jeanty becomes the heartbeat of the offense and the clearest path to success. Las Vegas will aim to control tempo through the run game and keep its defense fresh. Defensively, Maxx Crosby represents the biggest challenge for New York. The Raiders rank among the league’s best in tackles for loss, and Crosby’s ability to disrupt plays can derail drives before they begin. If he and the front seven start applying pressure consistently, it could be a long afternoon for the Giants’ offense.
The game kicks off at 4:00 p.m. Sunday in Las Vegas. Big Blue may find a post-Christmas miracle against the Raiders, but given how the season has unfolded, another disappointing result would not be surprising. Much depends on whether the Giants can execute and finish strong. With only one game remaining after this matchup, two more losses would preserve their prime position in the 2026 NFL Draft and accelerate the rebuilding process that now feels inevitable.
