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Raiders Secure No. 1 Overall Pick in NFL Draft After Giants' Win over Cowboys
The Raiders secured the 2026 NFL draft's top pick after finishing 2-14, tied for the worst record in franchise history, following the Giants' key victory over the Cowboys.
- On Sunday, January 4, 2026, the Raiders clinched the No. 1 pick after the Giants defeated the Cowboys 34-17.
- Entering the season finale, Las Vegas was 2-14 and tied for the franchise's worst campaign after a 10 straight losses and unmet expectations from coach Pete Carroll.
- Historically, the Raiders last had the top selection in 2007 when they chose JaMarcus Russell, widely called a 'bust', and this marks the third time the franchise is first on the clock.
- The No. 1 pick gives Las Vegas a clear path to target a franchise quarterback like Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore, while Geno Smith's 17 interceptions and contract through 2028 increase roster pressure.
- Giants' Week 18 victory cost them draft positioning again and ushers in a new coaching era in 2026; had New York lost, Las Vegas would have needed a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs to secure the top pick.
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Giants Said No To Tanking And Shook Up the 2026 NFL Draft
Tanking is all the rage in professional sports because losing games comes with the reward of a higher draft pick. But the New York Giants refused to tank. In fact, what's the opposite of tanking? Whatever that is called is what the Giants did over the final two weeks of the 2025 NFL regular season. Entering Week 17, the Giants controlled the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. If they had lost to the Raiders, the Giants would have secured the pick…
·Nashville, United States
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New York Post+4 Reposted by 4 other sources
Raiders clinch top pick in 2026 NFL Draft with Giants’ win over Cowboys
As the Raiders closed out one of the worst seasons in franchise history, the team received some good news, thanks to the Giants defeating the Cowboys on Sunday afternoon, 34-17, solidifying the Raiders' spot in the draft order.
·New York, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources39
Leaning Left11Leaning Right3Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Left
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources lean Left
46% Left
L 46%
C 42%
12%
Factuality
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