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The New York Giants enter Week 18 with a record of 3-13 and currently hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
After defeating the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17, Doug Analytics breaks down various scenarios that lead to the Giants obtaining the No. 1 overall pick. It will take a lot more help after that win, but it's not impossible. First and foremost, the Giants have to lose to the Dallas Cowboys this week. If they win, there is no path to the top pick.
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Let's take a look at which teams to root for in Week 18 that will help the Giants secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
Las Vegas Raiders
This is the second-most important thing that has to happen for the Giants to obtain the top pick in the 2026 NFL draft. The Raiders must beat the Kansas City Chiefs; if they don't, then the rest of this guide is meaningless. The Raiders currently hold the top pick in the draft, but it's not locked down. If they win, and the Giants lose, the Giants still need some help to secure the top pick.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks face the San Francisco 49ers this week, and the 49ers defeated the Giants earlier this season. This is a strength of schedule (SOS) situation, which will make more sense as this guide goes on. The Seahawks have nearly locked down the NFC, and the 49ers secured a playoff berth, but the Seahawks could lock down a bye with a win.
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Atlanta Falcons
The New Orleans Saints beat the Giants earlier this year, and even though neither of these teams is headed to the playoffs, nor are they in true contention for the top pick, the Giants need the Falcons to win for SOS purposes. The more help the Giants get in this area, the better their chances of securing the top pick.
Chicago Bears
The Bears clinched the NFC North, but the top spot in the NFC hasn't been cemented yet. The Bears don't really have a path to a bye in the playoffs, but a win will give them momentum heading into the postseason. The Detroit Lions were eliminated from the playoffs, but they beat the Giants this year, so a Bears' win helps the Giants with draft position.
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Remaining 3/4-loss teams
The New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, and Washington Commanders are the remaining three- and four-loss teams in the league. The Giants would prefer all of them to win because if the Giants win, they'll drop one spot in the draft order for every one of these teams that loses. That means they could drop all the way to No. 7 if they win and all five of those teams lose. Accordingly, you're rooting for all of these teams to win in Week 18, and you're definitely rooting for a Giants' loss if you want them to be awarded the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: 2026 draft order: New York Giants rooting guide in Week 18
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