The Las Vegas Raiders will host the New York Giants on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 4:25 p.m. ET. This matchup carries significant implications, as the loser will secure a better position for the coveted No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Fans can watch the game on CBS or stream it live through DIRECTV and fuboTV, both offering free trials.
Significance of the Matchup
This game is particularly notable as it features two teams currently struggling, both sitting at two wins each. According to Sportradar, this will be only the fourth meeting since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger where the two teams with the worst records face off in the final weeks of the season. The stakes are high; the team that loses in Las Vegas will be in prime position to claim the top draft pick, potentially allowing them to select Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, or trade the pick for additional assets.
Historically, late-season matchups for the top draft pick have not always yielded successful outcomes. In 1981, for instance, the New England Patriots lost to the Baltimore Ravens and selected defensive lineman Kenneth Sims, who never made a Pro Bowl. The New Orleans Saints also won a similar matchup in 1980 but ended up drafting George Rogers, who, while solid, was overshadowed by Hall of Fame defenders in that draft.
Recent NFL Developments
The current NFL landscape highlights a remarkable turnaround for teams like the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, and Jacksonville Jaguars, all of whom have clinched playoff berths under new coaches this season. The implementation of new coaching strategies has proven effective, with Ben Johnson in Chicago, Mike Vrabel in New England, and Liam Coen in Jacksonville making significant impacts in their first seasons.
Despite these success stories, the two No. 1 seeds from last year, the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions, face the possibility of missing the playoffs entirely after disappointing seasons. The Chiefs have already been eliminated, while the Lions must win their remaining games and rely on other outcomes to secure a playoff spot.
Among notable player achievements this season, Taysom Hill of the New Orleans Saints has reached a unique milestone, becoming the first player in the Super Bowl era to accumulate 1,000 yards in receiving, passing, and rushing. Hill’s versatility has been a significant asset for the Saints as they continue to push for playoff contention.
As fans prepare for this pivotal matchup, the implications for both teams extend beyond the final score, potentially shaping their futures in the upcoming draft. With both teams looking to rebuild, the outcome of the Giants versus Raiders game could have lasting repercussions in the NFL landscape.
