Raiders vs. Giants Week 17 Picks & Predictions | NFL 2023

by Mark Thompson

Raiders poised to Spoil Draft Odds in Crucial Giants matchup

A pivotal game looms for the Las Vegas Raiders as they face the New York Giants, both teams currently holding identical 2-13 records. while many fans are looking ahead to the 2026 NFL draft, a surprising prediction suggests the Raiders will fight for a win on Sunday, perhaps altering the landscape of the upcoming draft order.

Despite a dismal season, one analyst boasts a remarkable 13-2 record in predicting Raiders game outcomes, and is forecasting a victory for Las Vegas. This prediction flies in the face of widespread sentiment among Raiders supporters who are openly hoping for a loss.

The Draft Implications and Fan Sentiment

The stakes extend beyond simply adding another win to the Raiders’ record. This contest is widely believed to be a key determinant in which team secures the coveted No.1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Many Raiders fans are actively rooting for a defeat, hoping to land Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

“I know many Raiders’ fans are rooting for a loss so they can get the top pick and with hopes of landing Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza,” one observer noted. However, the prediction suggests that professional pride and competitive spirit will outweigh any strategic desire to lose.

Did you know? – The Raiders and Giants have only met 15 times in the regular season, with the Raiders holding a 9-6 advantage. This Sunday’s game will be just the second matchup since 2019.

Carroll’s Team Driven to Break Losing Streak

The Raiders, under the leadership of Pete Carroll, are not conceding defeat. “pete Carroll and his players will not be trying to lose,” a source stated. “They want to win and they want to end a nine-game losing streak.” This determination, despite a challenging season, is a important factor in the predicted outcome.

The analyst acknowledges that the Raiders’ recent performance in Houston, where they showed “some life,” isn’t the primary driver of this forecast. Rather, the prediction hinges on the Giants’ own struggles. “It’s as the Giants are terrible too and I see the Raiders fighting to a close victory,” the analyst explained.

Pro tip – NFL teams rarely tank intentionally due to the potential damage to team morale and the risk of violating league rules. Coaches and players prioritize professional pride.

Looking Ahead: A battle of Bottom-Dwellers

The matchup presents a clash between two of the NFL’s least successful teams. While the allure of a top draft pick is strong, the Raiders appear focused on ending their losing streak and securing a rare victory. The game promises to be a hard-fought contest, with both teams desperate to avoid finishing the season with the league’s worst record.

Why is this game crucial? The Las Vegas Raiders (2-13) are facing the New York Giants (2-13) in a game with significant draft implications. Many Raiders fans want their team to lose to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, hoping to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Who are the key players? The focus is on both teams’ coaches and players, especially Raiders coach Pete Carroll, who is persistent to break the team’s nine-game losing streak. The Giants’ struggles are also a key factor.

What is the prediction? Despite fan sentiment, an analyst with a strong track record is predicting a Raiders victory. The prediction isn’t based on the Raiders’ recent performance, but on the Giants’ own struggles.

How did it end? The article doesn’t report the game’s outcome, but predicts a close Raiders victory. The game is expected to be a hard-fought contest between two of the NFL’s least successful teams, both desperate to avoid the league’s worst record.

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