NFL

Updated NFL draft order after Week 17 games: The race everybody and nobody wants to win

Here’s a look at the latest Draft order as the season winds to a dramatic close.

CHRIS GRAYTHEN | AFP

Born in Leeds, Joe finished his Spanish degree in 2018 before becoming an English teacher to football (soccer) players and managers, as well as collaborating with various football media outlets in English and Spanish. He joined AS in 2022 and covers both the men’s and women’s game across Europe and beyond.

Update: Dec 29th, 2025 11:34 EST

As the 2025 NFL regular season winds down, attention has already shifted to the 2026 NFL Draft, and one Week 17 result has reshaped the landscape at the very top of the order.

A surprisingly one‑sided game between the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants has given Las Vegas almost guaranteed control of the No. 1 pick, providing a dramatic finale to what has been a difficult campaign for both franchises.

In Sunday’s matchup, the Giants plugged a nine‑game losing streak with a 34‑10 win over the lowly Raiders. While victory was a morale boost for New York, the loss nonetheless moved Las Vegas into the projected first overall draft position, as its 2‑14 record remains the worst in the league.

If the Raiders lose to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18, they would officially lock in the top pick for April’s draft in Detroit.

With a loss today to the Giants, the Raiders now have an 80% chance to secure the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Raiders host the Chiefs in Week 18. pic.twitter.com/Uucm6B7rDg
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 28, 2025

Behind the Raiders, the Giants currently sit second in the draft order with a 3‑13 tally. A win late in the season keeps them ahead of a quartet of teams with identical records, including the New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, and Arizona Cardinals.

Further down the board, the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs sit near the back end of the top ten following Week 17 victories that helped improve their records to 6‑10.

A handful of mid‑tier playoff‑bubble clubs will also be watching closely as their late‑season results determine exact draft positioning.

For teams like Las Vegas and New York, the reward for their struggles this season could be transformative. The Raiders, in particular, are widely expected to target a quarterback with their high pick should they secure it, a move that could reshape the franchise’s future.