Are the Raiders tanking to get the #1 draft pick?

[True Dough]

Last edited Sat Dec 27, 2025, 09:13 AM - Edit history (1)

The 2-13 Raiders are sitting Brock Bowers and Maxx Crosby this weekend because both have been playing through knee injuries. But they still suited up.

The Raiders take on the Giants this Sunday, also a 2-13 team.

Do you think the black and silver are trying their damnedest to lock up the first pick in the 2026 draft?

8 votes, 0 passes | Time left: Unlimited
	No doubt about it, the Raiders are in a strategic nosedive.
	7 (88%)
	The injuries are legit, and the hapless Raiders should get the benefit of the doubt.
	1 (13%)
	0 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided.
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[Bristlecone]

1. They are horrible with or without Max Crosby or Brock Bowers

And between themselves, the Giants, and Tennessee there is some competition for that bottom spot.

[True Dough]

2. Right. So that takes us back to my question

because the Raiders are surely worse without their two star players. Are they keeping them off the gridiron due to their desire to lose?

[Bristlecone]

3. They play the Giants this weekend, so I guess it makes more sense in that light

Loser “earns” the worst record.

Lots of performance incentives play into it though for players at the end of the season. It’s hard to tell someone not to punch in a touchdown if it gets them to a bonus number. That cash can be super lucrative.

Mark Davis is not above pushing the idea though, his bangs tell me so.

[lastlib]

4. No, I think they are just that bad.

Even if they play at their peak, they'll get crushed. A coach past his sell-by date, management that can't get out of its own way---they just suck.

Which makes this KC Chiefs fan very happy.

[Tbear]

5. Who's the projected #1 pick?

Anybody generational like Andrew Luck/Peyton Manning?
I still remember the Colt’s “suck for Luck” campaign.

[True Dough]

6. All the details can be found here:

https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/positions/ALL/1/2026

[Tbear]

7. Thanks

Top ranked five: Number 1and 2 are a DE and a safety, respectively. #3 is Dante Moore QB from Oregon, a DT, then Heisman winner Mendoza, Indiana QB , at #5.

Can’t see tanking for any individually, but you could trade down.
I would be happy to take Mendoza at #2 or 3.

[Angleae]

8. Yes they are. Unfortunately so are the Giants and Chiefs, their next two opponents.

This sunday vs the Giant will be ... "special."

[Auggie]

9. I'd like to thank SF Bay Area television ...

for NOT airing this Raiders at Giants game. We're getting Philly at Buffalo instead.

Before the Raiders sleezy departure from Oakland this would have been the default local match-up.

We've been seeing less and less of them, too. Good riddance.

[calguy]

10. I was a Rabid Raider Rooter back in the John Madden - Daryl Lamonica - Ken Stabler era

I lived 70 miles from Oakland back in the day. The Raiders were rockin’, and the 49ers sucked. The Raiders were my home team, until they left me when they moved to LA. Coincidentally, it was about that time when Eddie DeBartello bought the Niner franchise and hired Bill Walsh, ushering in the Joe Montana joy ride to four Super Bowls.
It was easy to forget about the Raiders, and I haven’t given two squats about them since.

[Auggie]

11. Same here, about. I began my career in SF in 1979 ...

and immediately attached myself to the Raiders. Then Davis traded Stabler for Dan Pastorini of Houston in a swap of QBs. I was heartbroken. Meanwhile, 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo hired Bill Walsh in early 1979, Walsh drafted Montana, and suddenly the 49ers became rather intriguing. I became a believer, along with everybody else, in that magical 1981 season.

[calguy]

12. Not only did he trade Stabler, but Dave Casper also went to Houston

Without Snake and Ghost, the Raiders never were the same.