The Las Vegas Raiders have arguably been the league’s biggest disappointment this season, and their struggles continued in Week 17. Facing a 2-13 New York Giants team with a similarly poor record, Las Vegas delivered another lifeless performance, managing just 10 points in a lopsided 34–10 loss.
The defeat only fueled frustration surrounding the franchise, especially after the Raiders made the controversial decision to bench star pass rusher Maxx Crosby. Following the embarrassing loss, one prominent NFL draft analyst didn’t hold back, openly criticizing the organization for a season riddled with questionable decisions.
Raiders’ Questionable Decisions Under Fire After Week 17 Collapse
In a game dubbed the “Tank Bowl,” the matchup was nowhere near as competitive as expected for two teams with equally poor records. The Raiders were thoroughly outclassed, struggling badly in both the passing and running games in a lopsided loss to the Giants.
Following the defeat, NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah offered a blunt assessment of what has gone wrong in Las Vegas this season.
“Having a bad team with a bunch of young players gaining experience & growing sure beats having a bad team with a bunch of washed up veteran guys hogging reps,” he wrote.
The comment appeared to be a direct dig at the Raiders’ decision to acquire 35-year-old quarterback Geno Smith, who has struggled mightily this season. Smith has thrown only two more touchdowns than interceptions and currently ranks 34th in PFSN’s QB Impact metric, making him one of the league’s least effective starters.
Las Vegas also passed on the opportunity to draft a young quarterback with the No. 6 overall pick, instead selecting Ashton Jeanty. While the rookie has shown flashes, he has yet to break out, totaling 888 rushing yards and five touchdowns while averaging just 3.7 yards per carry.
Last season followed a similar pattern of disappointment. Rather than fully committing to a youth movement, the Raiders once again leaned on veteran experience, and it backfired. Brock Bowers, now in his second season, was one of the few bright spots, but injuries limited him to just eight starts, stalling his momentum.
The Raiders failed to learn from that lesson. Opting for experience over development at the most important position on the field has left them with the second-worst offense in the league, according to PFSN’s Offensive Impact metric.
If there was one silver lining from Sunday, it’s that Las Vegas now sits alone near the bottom of the standings, putting them in prime position for the top overall draft pick. If the franchise has learned anything, it should be clear: drafting Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza must be the priority, followed by using remaining draft capital to surround him with legitimate playmakers.
After all, no Raiders receiver has topped 700 yards this season, a clear indicator that this offense needs a full reset.
