Raiders Face Crucial Matchup Against Giants Amid Season-Ending Injuries to Key Players
In a season filled with disappointments, the Las Vegas Raiders have reached a critical juncture as they prepare to face the New York Giants in Week 17. Both teams currently hold dismal 2-13 records, placing them in contention for the dubious honor of securing the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The matchup has taken on added significance as the Raiders announced on Wednesday that they have placed two of their star players—tight end Brock Bowers and safety Jeremy Chinn—on season-ending injured reserve, further depleting an already struggling roster. This decision comes at a pivotal moment when the outcome of Sunday’s game could significantly impact each team’s draft position, with the loser gaining better odds at claiming the top selection.
Bowers, who earned a Pro Bowl nod despite his limited playing time this season, has been battling a persistent knee injury since the opening week. Despite appearing in only 12 games, the talented tight end managed to record impressive statistics, hauling in 64 receptions for 680 yards and finding the end zone seven times. These numbers are particularly notable given the Raiders’ offensive struggles throughout the year. Bowers’ performance this season follows his historic rookie campaign in 2023, when he set an NFL record for most catches by a rookie tight end with 112 receptions, accumulating 1,164 yards and five touchdowns across a full 17-game schedule. His absence will undoubtedly create a significant void in the Raiders’ offensive game plan against the Giants.
While Bowers’ injury impacts the offense, the loss of Jeremy Chinn deals a major blow to the Raiders’ defensive unit. Chinn has emerged as one of the most reliable defensive players for Las Vegas this season, amassing 114 tackles along with one sack, three tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. His consistent performance has been one of the few bright spots in what has otherwise been a challenging season for the Raiders’ defense. In response to these losses, the team has made several roster adjustments, signing safety Terrell Edmunds and wide receiver Shedrick Jackson to the active roster while adding long snapper Luke Elkin and tackle Joshua Miles to the practice squad. These moves represent the Raiders’ attempt to patch the holes left by their injured stars as they head into the final stages of the season.
The upcoming showdown between the Raiders and Giants carries unique stakes that extend beyond the typical late-season matchup between struggling teams. With identical records and both franchises looking toward the future, the outcome will significantly influence draft positioning. The NFL draft order is determined by regular season record, with the team holding the worst record receiving the first overall pick. In cases where teams finish with identical records, strength of schedule serves as the tiebreaker, with the team that faced weaker opposition getting the higher selection. This system adds another layer of complexity to Sunday’s game, as both organizations must balance the competitive desire to win against the long-term benefits that could come from securing the top draft choice.
Despite the potential draft implications, not everyone in the Raiders organization is embracing the idea of positioning for the first overall pick. At least one unnamed Raiders star has publicly stated that he does not “give a s—” about potentially landing the top draft pick amid the team’s difficult season, highlighting the professional pride that remains within the locker room. This sentiment reflects the inherent tension between players’ competitive instincts and the organization’s potential long-term interests. Professional athletes are conditioned to compete and win, regardless of circumstances, making the concept of “tanking” for draft position contrary to their fundamental nature. This dynamic creates an interesting backdrop for Sunday’s contest, where players will likely give their best effort despite the potentially advantageous draft implications of a loss.
The Raiders and Giants will square off at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET in what some have dubbed a “high-stakes” game, though not for the reasons teams typically hope for in December. For two franchises that entered the season with higher expectations, this matchup represents an opportunity to evaluate young talent and begin planning for a more successful 2026 campaign. As both teams look toward the future, the outcome of Sunday’s game could have far-reaching implications beyond the immediate result. Whether the Raiders can overcome the loss of Bowers and Chinn, or whether the Giants can capitalize on their opponents’ depleted roster, remains to be seen. What’s certain is that this late-season contest between struggling teams has taken on unexpected significance as both organizations position themselves for what they hope will be brighter days ahead.
