It's anyone's guess as to what the New York Giants will do with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 Draft -- or if they'll even be the owners of it come April. What we do know is that they have just as good a chance as anyone else.
Right now, it’s a two-horse race between the G-Men and the Las Vegas Raiders. And fittingly, the two 2-13 teams will square off in Week 17 -- a game that should go down in history as the Toilet Bowl. Not only are they tied in the standings, but they’re both riding nine-game losing streaks. It’s going to be a spectacle.
With two games left, the Giants have a 33% chance to land the top pick, and an 88% shot at staying inside the top five. The Raiders come in slightly higher at 34% and 93%, respectively. And since they’ll face a Patrick Mahomes-less Chiefs team in Week 18, Sunday’s showdown feels like the ultimate decider. If you’re on Team Tank, this one’s critical.
So with that, here’s your official Giants fan rooting guide for Christmas week. Let’s hope Santa shows up early.
Giants fans’ guide to rooting for the No. 1 pick this holiday weekend
Before we break down each game, here’s a cheat sheet of who Giants fans should cheer for (and against) if the goal is draft positioning glory:
Home team | Away team | Giants fans should root for: |
|---|---|---|
Las Vegas Raiders | NY Giants | Raiders |
NY Jets | New England Patriots | Jets |
Cleveland Browns | Pittsburgh Steelers | Browns |
Tennessee Titans | New Orleans Saints | Saints |
Cincinnati Bengals | Arizona Cardinals | Cardinals |
Atlanta Falcons | Los Angeles Rams | Rams |
Buffalo Bills | Philadelphia Eagles | Bills |
Giants vs. Raiders
This one is going to be pretty easy, but losing this game would do wonders for the Giants' chances at securing the top pick. While it won't guarantee them anything, it does skyrocket their odds from 33% to about 67%.
Patriots vs. Jets
Gang Green sits just a game ahead of Big Blue. However, this one isn't as straightforward as you might think. Yes, the J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets getting a win would ensure they remain a game ahead, but it's extra special when that win would come at the cost of the P-A-T-S, who have already clinched a playoff birth, but it's always fun when they lose.
Steelers vs. Browns
The Browns are in a similar position as the Jets, sitting at 3-12. If they can get a win over the Stillers, that'd guarantee they're at least still one game ahead of the G-Men. AFC North games are always more competitive than they appear. The Browns could Brown their way right out of the first overall pick.
Saints vs. Titans
The Titans were owners of the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 Draft. It'd be a bit selfish of them to also get the top pick in the 2026 Draft. Tennessee grabbed quarterback Cam Ward first last year. It hasn't been smooth sailing, but he's shown some promise, and a 26-9 win over the Mahomes-less Chiefs in Week 16 just pushed them ahead of the Giants in the standings.
So, back-to-back wins would rid them of their selfish tendencies.
Cardinals vs. Bengals
The Cards are a sneaky trash team this year. Just like the Jets, Browns, and Titans, they're also 3-12. So, for that reason, let's go, birds, am I right?
Bonus games to keep an eye out for
Rams vs. Falcons
This one has draft implications in the sense that if the Rams were to try to move up into the No. 1 spot to draft Matthew Stafford's successor -- did someone say Indiana's Fernando Mendoza? Beating the Falcons would give them a better pick to send out to New York. LA owns Atlanta's first-round pick as well as its own, making a package around both a strong starting point for a potential trade up.
Eagles vs. Bills
This one won't impact Big Blue's chances of landing their desired pick at all. However, it's the Eagles, and they're annoying, and it'd be fun to have some negative vibes surrounding the Giants' hated rival as they internally combust from the frustration.
No one overreacts to losing more ridiculously than Philadelphia.