Raiders Take Control of 2026 NFL Draft No. 1 Pick After Giants’ Surprise Win

On Sunday, the 2026 NFL Draft fight for top spot changed drastically with one regular-season game left. After the Giants’ stunning road win, the Raiders led for the first overall choice.

Giants gain first draft pick if they lose. Win modified league’s bottom standings. The Giants drop to No. 2 in the anticipated 2026 NFL Draft, while the Raiders rise to No. 1. The Jets remain No. 3 after losing, as many teams move around the top 10.

Week 18 precedes the top pick. Oakland hosts quarterback-challenged Kansas City Chiefs, Giants face Dallas. The strength-of-schedule tiebreaker may give New York the top choice if the Raiders win and the Giants lose. Las Vegas leads.

This alteration goes beyond draft order. If they won the top pick, the Giants may trade down since many quarterback-needy teams will be active. Top pick may have offered a huge trade as New York already has Jaxson Dart as quarterback. Falling to No. 2 reduces leverage, especially if the Raiders take Fernando Mendoza first.

Jets’ loss matches them with Giants at 3-13 but puts them behind tiebreakers. The Titans, Cardinals, and Browns lead the struggling clubs this season, indicating their close race. The early draft order was Washington, New Orleans, and Kansas City after Cleveland’s win.

Raiders 2-14, Giants 3-13, Jets 3-13 are the predicted 2026 NFL Draft order. Browns are 4-12, Titans 3-13, Cardinals 3-13. With records and trades, playoff-bound teams like the Patriots, Broncos, and Seahawks fill the remaining spots.

The final standings could change in the last week, but the biggest movement has occurred. The Raiders can now shape the 2026 NFL Draft, but the Giants’ late-season success may have cost them a rare chance. Power has changed heading into summer, but Week 18 will decide details.