Can the Giants still get the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft?
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (2) celebrates his touchdown with teammates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Dec. 28, 2025, in Las Vegas. Credit: AP/John Locher
Yes, it's still possible for the Giants to get the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft even after they beat the Raiders, 34-10, on Sunday.
It is unlikely, however.
If the Giants (3-13) lose to Dallas (7-8-1) on Sunday and the Raiders (2-14) beat Kansas City (6-10), the Giants would "earn" the No. 1 pick because they have the weaker strength of schedule.
If the Giants and Raiders both lose, the Giants will pick second because of a weaker strength of schedule than the Titans, Jets and Cardinals, who also are 3-13.
If the Giants win Sunday and move to 4-13, they’ll pick no lower than seventh if the Commanders and Browns — both 4-12 — lose because both have a weaker strength of schedule.
Regardless of how it shakes out, the Giants still wind up with a high draft pick for their struggles, and that matters as they try to improve upon their 6-27 record the last two seasons.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
