Week 14 brought a thrilling cinematic scene as the chase for the first selection heated up with an exchange of leadership. Can the former holders rein it back in after a shock victory over another chase contender? Will the new owners hold onto it through a manageable slate to close out 2025? Six teams remain in the first pick hunt through 14 weeks of the season as they race to a fitting end to a sinful season of consistent losing. Who will come out on top in week 15?
Chase For the First Pick In the 2026 Draft: The Sinful Six Await
1. New York Giants (2-11)
SOS: .537
Week 15 Opponent: HOME vs. Washington
New York saw its claim to the first selection restored with the Titans’ shock victory over the Browns while the Giants had their bye week. With the pick secure for at least another week, could the G-men make a surprise hire to jumpstart their rebuild? The Giants have their quarterback of the next three or so years locked in and a terrifying defensive front. How will they proceed to rebuild the rest of the roster? Week 15 promises to be an epic showdown between two teams battling for tank supremacy. New York hosts the reeling Commanders, who have lost eight consecutive contests, including a baffling shutout loss to embattled J.J. McCarthy and Minnesota.
2. Las Vegas Raiders (2-11)
SOS: .551
Week 15 Opponent: AWAY @ Philadelphia
The Raiders frittered away another chance to right the ship with a desolate loss to the AFC West champion hopeful Broncos on Sunday. Pete Carroll has already fired his offensive coordinator and special teams coach before Christmas. Is he next on the chopping block after a challenging season that has the Raiders on the brink of the first pick? Las Vegas has an excellent opportunity to climb into the first selection with a visit to the flailing Eagles on deck. Philadelphia seriously needs a get right game after looking completely inept on offense during the majority of the season. Vegas’ horrendously awful defense will be tested repeatedly in the pugnacious confines of “The Linc” on Sunday.
3. Tennessee Titans (2-11)
SOS: .571
Week 15 Opponent: AWAY @ San Francisco
Tennessee defeated the Browns in a largely dull affair but made it interesting late by allowing a stirring comeback attempt from Cleveland. As a result, they lost their elusive hold on the first overall selection and slipped to third based on opponent’s SOS. The Titans won but at what cost? If they cannot rise back up into the top two, it’s highly possible that they lose out on an opportunity to gather more resources via trade down. Fortunately for Tennessee, a rested San Francisco is ready to send them back to Nashville with a loss. The 49ers needed the break to recover from a litany of devastating injuries. Can the Titans build upon their unexpected win by the Bay and pull off another shock upset?
4. Cleveland Browns (3-10)
SOS: .486
Week 15 Opponent: AWAY @ Chicago
Cleveland tried desperately to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat on Sunday before a series of baffling decisions doomed them. Shedeur Sanders has earned more trust and will look to ward off any interest the Browns have in pursuing a new quarterback. The fifth-round selection looks like a rookie quarterback at times, a veteran looking to make big league throws at other times. Cleveland’s defense strikes terror in opposing offenses through the irascible yet amiable Myles Garrett. The superstar pass rusher took aim at the single-season sack record against the Titans, but managed only one sack. They travel to the Windy City to take on a Bears squad looking to lick its wounds after a devastating loss to the Packers.
5. New Orleans Saints (3-10)
SOS: .498
Week 15 Opponent: HOME vs. Carolina
New Orleans fell from the depths of a potential top-three selection after pulling off the upset over the flailing Buccaneers in Week 14. Tyler Shough looked impressive, leading multiple scoring drives with his legs. Perhaps Tampa Bay is too injured to be beyond repair this season, but the Saints needed a win as proof of concept. Bryce Young and the well-rested Panthers come to the Superdome after a bye in Week 15. Can the Saints pull the upset once again to climb out of the NFC South basement? Head coach Kellen Moore needs another feel-good victory after a trying season of close calls with a rookie quarterback.
6. Washington Commanders (3-10)
SOS: .514
Week 15 Opponent: AWAY @ New York Giants
The Commanders suffered the ignominy of making the inconsistent J.J. McCarthy look like a finished product in their shutout defeat to the Vikings. Washington’s humiliation didn’t end there, as the injuries to Jayden Daniels and Zach Ertz forced them into a longer day at the office. Daniels hurt his elbow after being shoved to the ground by a defender in an attempt to chase after an interception. Why Dan Quinn chose to bring him back when he isn’t healthy is a mystery that scientists will solve years from now. At any rate, the Commanders’ season is fruitlessly lost, and they play the similarly terrible Giants in Week 15. The Meadowlands is an unforgiving beast and should make for an interesting Hard Knocks episode next week.
Main Photo Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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