The New York Giants close out their 2025 road schedule Sunday afternoon with a Week 17 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, a game that may not carry postseason implications but still holds real significance for both franchises.
For the Giants, this contest represents another opportunity to evaluate their young core under real NFL pressure. For the Raiders, it is a chance to regain footing after an uneven season defined by offensive struggles and injuries.
Kickoff is set for 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS.
Growth Remains the Priority for New York
While the Giants enter Week 17 with a record that reflects rebuilding rather than contention, their progress—particularly on offense—has been tangible. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart has emerged as one of the league’s most productive first-year signal-callers, combining poise in the pocket with an ability to extend plays using his legs.
Dart has completed 172 of 277 passes for 1,835 yards and 13 touchdowns through 12 games, while adding 407 rushing yards and seven rushing scores. His 20 total offensive touchdowns rank third among rookie quarterbacks in Giants franchise history, trailing only Charlie Conerly and Daniel Jones.
The Raiders present a favorable matchup on paper. Las Vegas enters the week ranked last in the NFL in total offense and scoring offense, while also struggling to sustain drives and control time of possession. If Dart and the Giants can control tempo early, opportunities to dictate the game flow should follow.
Ground Game Could Be the Key
New York’s offense has found its greatest consistency on the ground. The Giants rank among the league’s top rushing teams, leaning heavily on rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Dart’s mobility.
Tracy has been particularly effective late in the season, averaging nearly 100 scrimmage yards per game since Week 11. His ability to contribute both between the tackles and in the passing game gives the Giants flexibility against a Raiders defense that has been inconsistent in critical situations.
Las Vegas’ defensive outlook may hinge on health. Star edge rusher Maxx Crosby has been limited by a knee injury, while several offensive starters are also dealing with ailments. If Crosby is not at full strength, New York’s offensive line may find more favorable matchups, particularly in early-down rushing situations.
Giants Defense Looks to Set the Tone
Defensively, the Giants have leaned on pressure and disruption rather than perfection. Linebacker Brian Burns enters Week 17 among the NFL’s sack leaders, while rookie Abdul Carter has quickly become one of the most disruptive first-year defenders in football.
The Raiders’ offense, led by veteran quarterback Geno Smith, has struggled to generate explosive plays consistently. Las Vegas ranks near the bottom of the league in both rushing and passing production, placing added pressure on Smith to convert third downs behind an offensive line that has battled injuries and inconsistency.
If the Giants’ front seven can control early downs and force Las Vegas into predictable passing situations, the advantage tilts clearly toward New York.
Injury Watch: Depth Will Be Tested
The Giants’ injury report is significant heading into Sunday. Key contributors along the offensive line and in the secondary are questionable or unlikely to play, forcing New York to rely on depth and adaptability.
How the Giants manage those absences—particularly in coverage—will be critical against a Raiders team that may attempt to exploit matchups through the tight end position and play-action concepts.
What to Watch Sunday
• Can Jaxson Dart continue his historic rookie season on the road?
• Will Tyrone Tracy Jr. control tempo against a struggling Raiders offense?
• Does Maxx Crosby’s health shift the balance up front?
• Can the Giants finish drives more efficiently in the red zone?
Final Word
This game is not about standings—it is about substance.
For the Giants, Week 17 offers another measuring stick in a season defined by growth, resilience, and evaluation. A road win in Las Vegas would not rewrite 2025, but it would reinforce the belief that the foundation being built—led by Dart, Tracy, and a disruptive defense—is one worth investing in moving forward.
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