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Raiders Now Favored for Top Pick in 2026 NFL Draft After Week 14 Shakeup

Las Vegas, NV – The Las Vegas Raiders are now the frontrunners to secure the coveted No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to projections from The Athletic’s NFL simulator. A Week 14 loss combined with key wins by other struggling teams have significantly altered the draft landscape.

The Raiders, currently sitting at 2-11, have seen their odds of landing the top pick surge to over 40%. Their remaining schedule, which includes matchups against the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, New York Giants, and Kansas City Chiefs, presents a challenging path that could further cement their position atop the draft order. A Week 17 clash with the fellow two-win Giants is expected to be a pivotal game in determining the draft’s top selection. The last time the Raiders held the top pick was in 2007 when they selected JaMarcus Russell.

The Tennessee Titans’ surprising 31-29 victory over the Cleveland Browns dramatically impacted the odds. Tennessee, which entered the week as the favorite for the No. 1 pick, saw its chances slashed after the win, despite Tony Pollard’s standout performance.

Several other teams remain in contention, including the New York Jets, whose playoff hopes were officially extinguished after a loss to the Miami Dolphins. The Cleveland Browns, despite the poor showing against the Titans, along with the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints, and Arizona Cardinals are also mathematically in the mix.

The final weeks of the season promise intense competition not only for playoff positioning but also for the chance to secure a potentially franchise-altering player at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft.

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