Whether you agree with the controversial practice or not, it’s obvious that both the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants are going all in on the “Tank Bowl.”
The Raiders and Giants meet this week in a rare late-season matchup with unusually high stakes: positioning for the No. 1 overall pick. It is not often that two teams this deep into the year find themselves effectively competing for draft order, but that is the reality this Sunday.
As always, we serve as your single stop for injury updates, fantasy angles, gambling insight and everything else you need to know before kickoff. Let’s get started.
Vibes
The vibes in this matchup are unusual. No team will ever admit to tanking for the No. 1 pick, but it is rare for two franchises to confront that reality this directly. At this stage of the season, there is little to gain from a late win, and doing so all but guarantees falling out of position for the top selection.
That matters because at least one, and possibly both, of these teams needs that pick to secure a franchise quarterback in a class that may produce only two or three legitimate long-term options. Winning here could mean going from choosing your quarterback to missing out entirely.
That context helps explain the flurry of roster moves both teams have made this week.
“Injury” News
“Injury” is a flexible term this week. Both teams are resting players who are hurt but clearly capable of playing, a predictable development given the stakes. For Las Vegas, the most notable moves were placing tight end Brock Bowers and safety Jeremy Chinn on injured reserve. Maxx Crosby has also been told his season is over, a decision he is reportedly unhappy about.
The Giants followed a similar script, ruling out left tackle Andrew Thomas and safety Tyler Nubin. What we have here is the opposite of an arms race.
Fantasy Focus
It’s difficult to identify reliable fantasy options in a game where neither team appears eager to score. Still, Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty remains a safe play against a porous Giants run defense. Beyond that, Giants running back Tyrone Tracy and wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson profile as low-end flex options.
If you are streaming defenses, you could do worse than either unit. A low-scoring game should create opportunities on both sides.
Gambling Corner
I actually like the Raiders on the money line this week at -102. They looked competent against Houston, and winning their final two games would be entirely on brand for this team. Beyond that, the under on 41.5 total points is the strongest play. It is difficult to envision either offense clearing 20.
For a long-shot bet, rookie Jack Bech to score his first NFL touchdown at +475 offers value. With Brock Bowers out, Bech—not Michael Mayer—may be the pass catcher who benefits most.
Expectations
Raider Nation should still expect the players who are active to show plenty of fight. Where that urgency has been all season is anyone’s guess. But this is exactly the moment when the Raiders tend to deliver just enough inspired football to miss out on a quarterback—and, in the process, give Pete Carroll another year.
Final Prediction: Raiders 21, Giants 13
*Top Photo: Getty Images