Raiders vs. Giants Week 17 Recap: Jaxson Dart Shines as New York Snaps Streak
The Week 17 matchup between the New York Giants and the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium provided a surprising turn of events for two teams looking toward the future. In a game that many viewed through the lens of draft positioning, the Giants delivered their most dominant performance of the year, securing a 34-10 victory. This win not only snapped a devastating nine game losing streak for New York but also marked the first victory for interim head coach Mike Kafka.
From the opening kickoff, the Giants appeared more prepared and energetic than their AFC counterparts. The Raiders, currently enduring a ten game skid of their own, struggled to find any rhythm on either side of the ball. For fans looking for the best Raiders vs. Giants highlights, the story was defined by a rejuvenated New York offense and a defensive unit that relentlessly pressured the Raiders’ backfield.
First Half: Giants Establish Dominance
The Giants’ offensive strategy was clear from the start: establish the run and allow rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart to utilize his mobility. After an early defensive stop, the Giants marched down the field, capped by a one yard touchdown plunge by Devin Singletary. The veteran running back found plenty of room to run, finishing the first quarter with 33 yards on the ground.
The momentum shifted even further in New York's favor when linebacker Bobby Okereke intercepted a Geno Smith pass and returned it 47 yards, setting up the Giants in excellent field position. Jaxson Dart capitalized on the turnover, showcasing his dual threat capability with a 12 yard rushing touchdown. By halftime, the Giants held a commanding 17-3 lead, while the Raiders’ only response was a 42 yard field goal from Daniel Carlson.
Second Half: Special Teams and Defensive Sacks
Any hopes of a Raiders comeback were quickly extinguished in the second half. One of the primary Full Game Highlights occurred on special teams. Following a brief Raiders scoring threat, Giants return man Deonte Banks found a seam in the coverage and sprinted untouched for a kickoff return touchdown. The play electrified the Giants' sideline and effectively sucked the air out of Allegiant Stadium.
The Giants' defense, led by Brian Burns and rookie Abdul Carter, made life miserable for Geno Smith. Burns recorded 1.5 sacks on the day, moving him into 5th place on the Giants' all time single season sack list with 16.5. The relentless pressure eventually forced Smith out of the game in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury, leading to the entrance of Kenny Pickett.
Milestone Performances
Despite the lopsided score, several players achieved significant personal milestones:
Wan’Dale Robinson: The shifty receiver caught 11 passes for 113 yards, officially crossing the 1,000 yard receiving mark for the season. He becomes the first Giants receiver under 5 foot 8 to achieve this feat in the modern era.
Jaxson Dart: The rookie finished with 207 passing yards and two rushing touchdowns. His performance suggests that he is increasingly comfortable at the helm of the offense, despite the mid season coaching changes.
Michael Mayer: For the Raiders, the young tight end was a lone bright spot, hauling in a career high 9 receptions for 89 yards in the absence of the injured Brock Bowers.
Game Implications and Draft Fallout
While the players celebrated the victory, the win had massive implications for the 2026 NFL Draft. By winning, the Giants’ odds for the No. 1 overall pick dropped significantly, handing the pole position to the Raiders. Las Vegas now controls their destiny for the top pick, which many believe will be used on Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza.
The Giants (3-13) will wrap up their season against the Dallas Cowboys next week. While the playoffs are out of reach, coach Mike Kafka emphasized that the team is playing for "each other" and building a culture for the 2026 season. For the Raiders (2-14), the focus shifts entirely to their Week 18 clash with the Kansas City Chiefs and the subsequent offseason rebuild.
Final Box Score Summary
Total Net Yards: Giants 343, Raiders 231
Turnovers: Giants 0, Raiders 2
Time of Possession: Giants 30:48, Raiders 29:12
Third Down Efficiency: Giants 46%, Raiders 23%