Raiders will play everybody, in game that earns them first overall pick if they lose
NBC Sports••general
Key Points:
- The Raiders plan to give significant playing time to backups, including quarterbacks Aidan O’Connell and Kenny Pickett, in their upcoming game against the Chiefs, with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft at stake if they lose.
- Key players like starting quarterback Geno Smith, defensive end Maxx Crosby, and tight end Brock Bowers will not play due to injuries, with Crosby sidelined despite wanting to play through his knee injury.
- The current NFL draft order, which awards the highest picks to the worst teams, incentivizes losing or "tanking," as teams may prioritize draft position over winning late-season games.
- Suggestions have been made to revise the draft order to reward teams with the longest winning streaks
