The 2024 NFL season is hurtling towards its climax, and while playoff ambitions captivate some teams, the race for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft commands a distinct narrative. Among the most invested in this derby are the New York Giants and the Las Vegas Raiders, both laboriously stuck at a 2-12 record.
The Giants vs. The Raiders: A Symphony of Struggles
For both the Giants and the Raiders, the chase for top draft prospects is about finding a franchise quarterback. Shedeur Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes and Cam Ward from the Miami Hurricanes are among the coveted talents eyed in the approaching draft.
The Giants, gripped in a nine-game losing streak, have seen their roster beset with quarterback challenges. Injuries have turned their quarterback lineup into a revolving door, with Tim Boyle potentially stepping into the spotlight due to injuries sidelining both Tommy DeVito and Drew Lock. Historically, the Giants have had the distinction of the No. 1 pick twice, selecting Kyle Rote in 1951 and Tucker Frederickson in 1965.
Meanwhile, the Raiders are grappling with a ten-game skid. After a brief early-season flourish with a 2-2 record, their fortunes have dramatically dipped. Desmond Ridder might continue steering the ship as the Raiders’ quarterback, given that knee injuries could keep Aidan O’Connell off the field. Since 1970, the Raiders have emerged with the top draft position just once, spotlighting JaMarcus Russell in 2007.
Final Roadblocks Ahead
The Giants and Raiders aren't the only ones with eyes on the prize. Other franchises, like the New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans, clutch faint aspirations with a 3-11 tally.
For the Giants, the final stretch presents clashes against the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, and Indianapolis Colts. These encounters not only test their mettle but also shape their potential draft positioning. The Raiders face their own trial, set against the Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, and Los Angeles Chargers.
Simulations weigh heavily in favor of the Giants on securing the No. 1 draft pick, pegging their chances at 38.6%. Despite predicting they'll close the season with three victories, they still have the upper hand compared to the Raiders, whose likelihood stands at 20.31% with a similarly forecasted season-end tally of three wins.
Challenges Aplenty
The competition within the crowded bottom ranks could shift dynamically as regular seasons wrap up. The Browns, for instance, steward a 13.32% chance of snatching the top spot, per simulation models. Their table tennis of quarterback options sees Dorian Thompson-Robinson poised to start against Cincinnati, as Jameis Winston finds himself benched.
New England's Patriots hold a strategic edge with two upcoming games against the Buffalo Bills, granting them a direct influence over their fate, complemented by a duel against the Chargers. Meanwhile, the Browns prepare for a grueling stretch on the road facing the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens, spiced with a home bout against the Miami Dolphins.
Conclusion
As the final chapters of the 2024 NFL season unfold, teams at the brink of the draft podium balance desperation with strategy, as franchises like the Giants and Raiders not only contemplate saving face but securing pivotal building blocks for future successes. While records may presently fail to inspire, the hope that accompanies transformative draft picks looms brighter with each passing week.