Thanksgiving football is a feast for fans, but the action doesn’t stop there. This year’s “Black Friday” game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs carries major implications—not just for playoff hopefuls but for the race to secure the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The draft order has shifted dramatically after a wild Week 12, and Week 13 promises even more chaos.
Let’s dive into how this crucial matchup—and others—might shape the top of the draft board.
The Raiders’ Slippery Slope: Injuries And Odds For The No. 1 Pick
The Raiders are in a precarious position. After Sunday’s loss to the Denver Broncos, they sit at 2-9, tied with the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Giants at the bottom of the standings. However, their path forward just got trickier. Starting quarterback Gardner Minshew suffered a season-ending collarbone injury, leaving backup Desmond Ridder to steer the offense. Minshew had been one of the few bright spots for the struggling Raiders, so his absence makes their odds of winning even slimmer.
Friday’s showdown with the Chiefs could cement the Raiders’ fate as frontrunners for the top draft pick. Another loss would strengthen their chances, but a surprise win could shake things up, especially with Kansas City fighting to regain its form after a narrow victory over the Panthers.
Kansas City’s Christmas Wish: Isiah Pacheco’s Return?
The Chiefs, who barely edged out Carolina last week, might be getting a boost in time for the Raiders game. Running back Isiah Pacheco could return after being sidelined since Week 2. If Pacheco suits up, his presence could be a nightmare for a Raiders defense that has struggled against the run all season.
A Chiefs win could help the Raiders stay locked into a prime draft spot, but if Las Vegas finds a way to steal a victory, it would send shockwaves through the current draft order.
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The Current Top 10 Draft Order (After Week 12)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)
- New York Giants (2-9)
- Las Vegas Raiders (2-9)
- New England Patriots (3-9)
- Carolina Panthers (3-8)
- Tennessee Titans (3-8)
- New York Jets (3-8)
- Cleveland Browns (3-8)
- New Orleans Saints (4-7)
- Cincinnati Bengals (4-7)
The Jaguars currently hold the No. 1 spot, but with multiple teams just a game or two behind, every win—or loss—counts.
Also Read: 10 CRAZIEST Steals In The NFL Draft Of All-Time
What Happens If The Raiders Pull Off An Upset?
A Raiders win would be shocking but not impossible. Desmond Ridder, now tasked with leading the offense, faces a Chiefs defense that has sometimes been inconsistent. If the Raiders manage to win, it could knock them out of the top three, depending on how the Giants and Jaguars perform this weekend.
This scenario would also impact the Chiefs, who are in a tight race to secure a high playoff seed. The stakes are high on both sides, which makes this matchup more intriguing than it looks on paper.
Other Key Games In The Race For The Top NFL Draft Pick
Giants At Cowboys
The Giants, fresh off a brutal loss to Tampa Bay, are hanging on to the second pick in the draft. Despite their struggles, this rivalry game could bring out the best in head coach Brian Daboll’s squad. Rookie wideout Malik Nabers might see more involvement in the offense as the Giants try to salvage pride against Dallas.
A win would hurt New York’s draft position, while a loss could solidify their spot near the top of the order.
Texans At Jaguars
Jacksonville’s bye week came at the perfect time. Doug Pederson’s team has been reeling, scoring just 13 points in their last two games combined. They face a Texans team also struggling, with quarterback C.J. Stroud in the middle of a rough stretch. Stroud’s inconsistency could give the Jaguars an opening for an upset, but Jacksonville’s defense, ranked near the bottom of the league, must step up to make it happen.
A win could loosen the Jaguars‘ grip on the top pick, while a loss would tighten their hold on the No. 1 spot.
Buccaneers At Panthers
This divisional clash is one to watch. The Panthers had a solid showing last week, with Bryce Young delivering his best game of the season. If Carolina builds on that momentum and beats Tampa Bay, they could slip further away from the top of the draft order.
Running back Chuba Hubbard will be key to Carolina’s chances. Hubbard has been a workhorse this season, ranking fifth in the NFL in rushing yards.
Colts At Patriots
The Patriots are in the thick of the No. 1 pick race after falling to 3-9. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye continues to develop, showing flashes of leadership and skill despite the team’s overall struggles.
Conversely, the Colts have stumbled after a strong start, largely due to Anthony Richardson’s erratic play. If the Patriots lose, they could climb closer to securing a top-three pick.
What’s At Stake For The 2025 NFL Draft?
The stakes in Week 13 are immense for teams at the bottom of the standings. While the Raiders-Chiefs “Black Friday” game is the centerpiece, every matchup involving these struggling franchises has ripple effects on the draft order.
With prospects like Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. headlining the 2025 class, securing the No. 1 NFL draft pick could change a franchise’s trajectory. Will this Friday’s showdown in Kansas City be the game that tips the scales? Time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—every loss counts in the race to the top of the draft.
Also Read: Re-Drafting These 10 HUGE MISTAKES From The 2024 NFL Draft Class
