Read on foxsports.comGiants vs. Raiders: The Bizarro Super Bowl for the No. 1 NFL Draft Pick
In a unique NFL Week 17 scenario, the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders, both holding 2-13 records, face off in a game where losing may be more valuable than winning. With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft at stake, betting analyst Will Hill breaks down why this matchup is expected to feature ugly, low-scoring offense. Key factors include struggling rookie quarterbacks, critical injuries to top offensive weapons, and two of the league's least productive scoring units. This analysis explores the implications of the 'bizarro Super Bowl' and the strategic betting perspective on the game's total points.
In the final week of the 2025 NFL regular season, a game with profound implications for the future of two franchises will unfold, not for playoff positioning, but for draft order supremacy. The matchup between the 2-13 New York Giants and the 2-13 Las Vegas Raiders has been dubbed the "bizarro Super Bowl" by FOX Sports Betting Analyst Will Hill. Instead of competing for the Lombardi Trophy, these teams are effectively playing for the right to select first overall in the upcoming NFL Draft, with the loser of the contest securing that coveted prize. This unusual dynamic sets the stage for a contest defined by offensive struggles and strategic implications beyond the final score.
The Stakes: More Than Just a Game
The outcome of this game carries a paradoxical weight. A victory, while providing a momentary morale boost, could cost a franchise a generational talent at the top of the draft. The No. 1 overall pick represents a cornerstone player capable of altering a team's trajectory for years to come. For two organizations mired in disappointing seasons, securing that pick is arguably the most valuable outcome of Week 17. This creates a fascinating subtext where conventional competitive instincts are juxtaposed against long-term franchise building, a scenario rarely seen in professional sports where winning is always the explicit goal.
Analyzing the Offensive Struggles
Betting analyst Will Hill's primary expectation for this game is an "ugly, low-scoring" affair, leading him to recommend betting the Under on the point total. This prediction is rooted in a comprehensive analysis of both teams' profound offensive deficiencies.
New York Giants' Offensive Woes
The Giants' offense has regressed significantly since the mid-season firing of head coach Brian Daboll. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who showed flashes of potential earlier in the year, has struggled mightily. As noted in the analysis, Dart has become unwilling to run, neutralizing a key aspect of his dual-threat capability that made him dangerous. His performance hit a low point in Week 16, managing only 33 passing yards and 7 rushing yards against the Vikings. Compounding the issue, the Giants are without their top offensive weapons, wide receiver Malik Nabers and running back Cam Skattebo, both sidelined with injuries.
Las Vegas Raiders' Scoring Drought
The Raiders present an even bleaker picture on offense. They rank dead last in the NFL in scoring, averaging a meager 14 points per game. Their attack has failed to find consistency or explosiveness throughout the season. A critical blow came with the loss of star tight end Brock Bowers, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury. Bowers was the focal point of their passing game, and his absence leaves a massive void in an already anemic unit. Without a reliable playmaker, the Raiders' offense has little hope of imposing its will on any opponent.
The Betting Perspective: Why the Under is the Play
Given the contextual factors, the betting angle becomes clear. The point total for the game is set at 41.5 points combined. Will Hill's pick of the Under is a direct reflection of the statistical reality and situational context. The Giants rank 23rd in scoring (under 21 points per game), while the Raiders are last. Both starting quarterbacks are struggling, both teams are missing their primary offensive talents, and the overall motivation surrounding the game is unconventional. When two inefficient offenses meet, especially under these circumstances, a defensive slog is the most likely outcome. This isn't a bet on defensive excellence but rather a wager against offensive competence.
Conclusion: A Unique NFL Spectacle
The Giants-Raiders matchup transcends a typical late-season game between losing teams. It is a stark illustration of how NFL fortunes can pivot, where a single loss can yield a greater reward than a win. For fans, it's a curious spectacle—a game to watch not for highlight-reel plays, but for its impact on the future draft landscape and the sheer novelty of its stakes. For the teams involved, Sunday represents a final, awkward step in a long season, one that will conclude with the "winner" facing a bittersweet reality and the "loser" securing a golden opportunity for renewal. As Will Hill summarizes, in a battle of two-win teams, expecting an ugly, low-scoring game is not just logical; it's practically inevitable.
