As the 2024 NFL season heads towards its grand finale, the race for the coveted No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is heating up. In a season marked by struggles and surprises, the New York Giants and the Las Vegas Raiders find themselves in an unenviable position, each holding a 2-12 record.
An Unfamiliar Struggle
The Giants, who have held the top draft pick just twice in their storied history—selecting Kyle Rote in 1951 and Tucker Frederickson in 1965—are navigating a challenging nine-game losing streak. Their path ahead seems rocky, with remaining fixtures against the Atlanta Falcons, the formidable Philadelphia Eagles, and the Indianapolis Colts. Already mired in quarterback upheaval, the Giants face potential changes in their lineup. With injuries sidelining Tommy DeVito and Drew Lock, it might be Tim Boyle stepping into the quarterback role, hoping to bring some semblance of stability to an offense in desperate need of leadership.
The Raiders' Ten-game Trial
Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders, experiencing their own woes with a ten-game losing streak, began their season with a promising 2-2 record before faltering. Holding the top draft pick once since 1970, when they drafted JaMarcus Russell in 2007, their bid for a franchise-altering quarterback is a story looking for resolution. As the Raiders brace for upcoming clashes against the Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, and Los Angeles Chargers, the quarterback position remains equally tenuous. Desmond Ridder might continue under center, although Aidan O’Connell’s potential knee injury adds to the uncertainty.
Quarterback Quandaries and Potential Prospects
Both the Giants and Raiders, desperately in need of a franchise quarterback, might find their future signal-caller in the upcoming draft. Shedeur Sanders from the Colorado Buffaloes and Cam Ward from the Miami (FL) Hurricanes are emerging as potential top picks. For the teams marred by inconsistency and lack of reliable leadership in critical positions, these potential prospects offer a glimpse of hope.
The Broader Battle
Beyond the obvious struggles of the Giants and the Raiders, five other teams retain a modest chance of securing the No. 1 pick. The New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans all hold a 3-11 record, keeping them within reach of the draft’s summit. Among these teams, the Browns appear particularly intriguing. Facing a challenging schedule with games against the Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, and the Miami Dolphins, the Browns choose to start Dorian Thompson-Robinson at quarterback while benching Jameis Winston, embracing a bold decision in crunch time.
Simulation models offer a glimpse into this tangled race, giving the Browns a 13.32% chance of landing the top pick. In comparison, the Giants are viewed as frontrunners with a 38.6% probability of securing the No. 1 pick, with projections suggesting they might conclude the season with three wins. Meanwhile, the Raiders sit a bit farther back, regarded with a 20.31% likelihood, also forecasted to finish with three victories.
The Weight of History
For the Giants and Raiders, the conclusion of this turbulent season offers an opportunity to reset and recalibrate their franchise’s directions. With their rich histories and passionate fanbases, securing a top-tier quarterback could bring a renewed sense of optimism and potential revival. The pressure remains palpable as every result from here on out may determine these teams’ futures. As both franchises hope to shake off debilitating losing streaks, the tension, unpredictability, and fervor of the final games make for a captivating narrative.
While the journey towards obtaining the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft intensifies, the Giants, Raiders, and their competitors—bound by challenges and driven by potential prospects—stand on a precipice. The outcomes of their forthcoming matchups might well shape their destinies long past the final whistle of the current season.