The New York Giants hosted the Washington Commanders in a clash of NFC East rivals on Sunday.
While playoff position was not at stake — both teams have already been eliminated from playoff contention — something just as big was on the table.
Positioning in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Washington’s 29-21 win over their longtime rivals keeps the Giants atop the first round for now, and makes it that much tougher for the Commanders to secure the first-overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. Both the Giants and the Raiders have lost today, dropping both teams to 2-12 on the season. The Tennessee Titans entered the day sitting at 2-11, and are just getting underway in their game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Even if the Titans were to lose that game and drop to 2-12, they would remain in the third spot behind the Giants and the Raiders. The first tiebreaker for NFL Draft ordering is Strength of Schedule, with the team with the lower Strength of Schedule having the better draft pick. Right now that gives the edge to the Giants, followed by the Raiders and then the Titans.
2026 NFL Draft order
- New York Giants: 2-12, .537
- Las Vegas Raiders: 2-12, .552
- Tennessee Titans: 2-11, .572
- Cleveland Browns: 3-11, .485
- New York Jets: 3-11, .539
- Arizona Cardinals: 3-11, .571
- New Orleans Saints: 3-10, .494
- Washington Commanders: 4-10, .511
- Cincinnati Bengals: 4-10, .522
- Atlanta Falcons (Los Angeles Rams hold the pick): 5-9, .496
The New Orleans Saints have yet to play their Week 15 game, as they take on the Carolina Panthers momentarily.
Looking ahead to Week 16 schedule
The biggest matchup of Week 16 — when it comes to the 2026 NFL Draft — will see the New York Jets take on the New Orleans Saints. As for the teams currently at the top of the draft order, the Giants will host the Minnesota Vikings, the Raiders will visit the Houston Texans, and the Titans will host the Kansas City Chiefs.
Eagles (9-5) @ Commanders (4-10)
Bills (10-4) @ Browns (3-11)
Chiefs (6-8) @ Titans (2-11)
Bengals (4-10) @ Dolphins (6-7)
Jets (3-11) @ Saints (3-10)
Vikings (5-8) @ Giants (2-12)
Falcons (5-9) @ Cardinals (3-11)
Raiders (2-12) @ Texans (9-5)
