The Las Vegas Raiders are 2-13 and going into a pivotal Week 17 game against the New York Giants, who are also 2-13.
While a matchup of last-place teams isn’t exciting, this game could mean the loser earns the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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The Raiders have not played well in Pete Carroll’s first year in Las Vegas, and the Giants fired head coach Brian Daboll earlier in the season.
There haven’t been many positives for Las Vegas this season, although rookie running back Ashton Jeanty has played well as of late and is coming off a 128-yard rushing performance in the Week 16 loss to the Houston Texans, also had two total touchdowns .
Another bright spot has been star pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
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Crosby has 45 solo tackles with 10 sacks and an interception, and he was named to the AFC Pro Bowl team.
Las Vegas Raiders DE Maxx Crosby.Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Unfortunately, Crosby is out for Week 17, as Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on Friday.
“Sources: #Raiders star Maxx Crosby was informed that he’ll be out Sunday vs. the #Giants because of the knee injury he’s been battling since October. LV made the decision with Crosby’s best interest in mind, though the Pro Bowler has been fighting to play and wants to play.”
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Jay Glazer of Fox Sports added that he was told Crosby is now out for the final two games.
“Scoopage: Raiders told Maxx Crosby they want to shut him down last two games. Crosby, who has played with injuries for much of the year, vehemently disagreed and has left the building @nflonfox has learned. This could lead to questions on his future in Vegas.”
Before the 2025 NFL season, Crosby signed a massive three-year, $106.5 million contract extension, which made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history at that time.
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However, Glazer added that it could lead to questions about Crosby’s future, so that will be something to watch this offseason.
Crosby turns 29 years old in August of next year, but playing for a winning team could be on Crosby’s mind.
Nonetheless, he is out for the final two games.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.