The New York Giants, mercifully, didn't have to play a football game this week. They have the weekend to relax and recharge and run out the clock on what has been a miserable season. That doesn't mean that the Giants were out of the news. General manager Joe Schoen had a horrendous press conference defending his record after another lost season. Then, assistant defensive line coach Bryan Cox was fired with no formal announcement.
Yet, the Giants found a way to win without even playing football, and that's thanks to the Tennessee Titans and New Orleans Saints.
On Sunday, the Titans picked up their second win of the season, as they defeated the Cleveland Browns 31-29. Even after a late comeback attempt by the Browns and rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the Titans' defense capitalized on a blown-up two point conversion to clinch the victory.
The Saints, meanwhile, helped continue the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' spiral down the standings, defeating them 24-20. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough had a big game, rushing for two touchdowns.
Due to the wins by the Saints and Titans, the Giants officially hold the No. 1 overall pick.
Giants officially hold No. 1 pick in 2026 NFL Draft after Week 14 wins by Titans and Saints
Let's take a look at the updated draft order after the early slate of games on Sunday, courtesy of Tankathon.
- New York Giants (2-11)
- Tennessee Titans (2-11)
- Las Vegas Raiders (2-10)
- Cleveland Browns (3-10)
- New Orleans Saints (3-10)
- Washington Commanders (3-10)
- New York Jets (3-10)
- Arizona Cardinals (3-9)
- Los Angeles Rams, via Atlanta Falcons (4-9)
- Cincinnati Bengals (4-9)
- Minnesota Vikings (5-8)
- Miami Dolphins (6-7)
- Baltimore Ravens (6-7)
- Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1)
- Kansas City Chiefs (6-6)
- Carolina Panthers (7-6)
- Houston Texans (7-5)
- Detroit Lions (8-5)
- Pittsurgh Steelers (7-6)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6)
- New York Jets, via Indianapolis Colts (8-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
- Philadelphia Eagles (8-4)
- San Francisco 49ers (9-4)
- Buffalo Bills (9-4)
- Cleveland Browns, via Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)
- Dallas Cowboys, via Green Bay Packers (8-3-1)
- Los Angeles Rams (9-3)
- Chicago Bears (9-3)
- Denver Broncos (10-2)
- Seattle Seahawks (10-3)
- New England Patriots (11-2)
Don't worry Giants fans, the No. 1 spot is secured for this week, regardless of how the late afternoon slate of games goes.
Given the lack of success the team has had over the years, the Giants fanbase had been longing for the first overall pick. But this year, they don't need a quarterback, as Jaxson Dart looks like the real deal. Now, they are in a position to build a more complete roster around them. It could be by drafting a wide receiver in the first round. Or, it could be by addressing their horrendous secondary by selecting one of the top defensive backs in college. But, the Giants don't have to do so with the No. 1 pick.
There are plenty of quarterback-needy teams entering the offseason. The favorite to go No. 1 overall is Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is the only signal caller who looks like a sure thing. In fact, that actually works in the Giants' favor, as a team in need of a quarterback, like the Saints or Jets, could give up a haul of premium draft picks to move up.
The real question is who will be working the phones for the Giants. While team owners John Mara and Steve Tisch announced that Schoen would lead the head coaching search after firing Brian Daboll, it's not a given he stays. In fact, Schoen himself said that his job is going to be evaluated at the end of the season. Schoen has been at the position for four years, and has a 20-43-1 record overall. While he has hit on some players, he has plenty of misses, and the Giants have just one winning season at the helm.
It's going to be difficult for the Giants to keep the No. 1 pick, however. The Giants face the Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, Las Vegas Raiders, and Dallas Cowboys in that order the rest of the way. You can't rule out the Giants sneaking out two wins, especially against the Commanders and Raiders. If they do, say goodbye to the No. 1 overall pick.