The New York Jets, with matchups against the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills to close out the regular season, are very likely heading towards a 3-15 record.
While the Jets ideally lose out to secure a better draft pick, the Week 17 matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Giants is the most important game of the rest of the year for the Jets.
The question for Jets fans is, who should they be rooting for in this matchup? There's a clear answer, as Jets fans should be rooting for the Raiders to win this Week 17 tank bowl.
Jets have clear rooting interest for Raiders-Giants tank bowl in Week 17
Jets fans should be pulling for the Raiders to win this matchup. According to Tankathon.com, the Raiders and Giants are in lockstep, but whoever loses this matchup will take the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Raiders, with a clear need at quarterback, would be a huge hurdle for the Jets in their pursuit of the top quarterback in the upcoming draft class.
Fernando Mendoza is the top option, and beyond him, there are a lot of unknowns at the QB spot. With the Raiders likely to consider taking a QB, a win for Las Vegas in Week 17 would guarantee they don't get the top spot.
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The Giants losing in Week 17 and "winning" the tank bowl would all but ensure they land the top draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Jaxson Dart being on the roster means the Giants would be open to trading down, opening the door for the Jets.
While the Jets will need to pay a premium to make such a trade, it's a significantly better scenario than if the Raiders lost, as, barring a win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18, the Raiders would have the top pick.
Jets fans should be rooting for the Raiders to win this Week 17 matchup against the Giants. While the Jets landing the top pick in the NFL draft is very unlikely, the Raiders or another QB-needy team getting it would be the worst-case scenario.
A Raiders win in Week 17 would all but guarantee the Raiders cannot land the top pick, which would be great news for the Jets.
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