Raiders' Rooting Guide for 2022 NFL Draft Implications of Week 10
The Las Vegas Raiders come into Week 10 with little hope that their season will turn around.
Las Vegas is in line to pick second in the 2023 NFL draft, and it may solidify that position over the next few weeks now that Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller are on injured reserve.
The Raiders may have a better chance to win on Sunday than in other upcoming weeks because the Indianapolis Colts are potentially more of a mess after the firing of Frank Reich and the appointment of Jeff Saturday as interim head coach.
If the Raiders win, they can still remain in a high draft position if results elsewhere go their way.
Las Vegas has to be fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions and Houston Texans from now until the end of the season. Any wins by those three franchises could significantly help the Raiders' chances of landing the No. 1 overall pick.
Houston over New York Giants
The Raiders need the Houston Texans to discover some winning ways between now and Week 18.
Houston enters Week 10 as the team positioned to pick first in April's draft. The Texans hold a 1-6-1 record compared to Las Vegas' 2-6 mark.
The Texans face a tough challenge on Sunday at MetLife Stadium against the New York Giants, and while it seems unlikely for them to win, the Raiders still have to root for it.
The good news for Las Vegas' draft hopes is that Houston got extra rest going into Week 10 after its Thursday night loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 9.
The Giants are fresh as well after a bye week, but this could be the perfect time for the Texans to upset them. There is potential for New York to not wake up until the second half when Houston holds a decent-sized lead.
We know we are grasping at straws with the Texans, but the sooner wins come, the better the Raiders' chances of earning the No. 1 overall pick are.
Pittsburgh over New Orleans
If Houston does not win, Las Vegas can still have a successful weekend in the draft order if the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions win.
Pittsburgh and Detroit are the only other two-win teams in the NFL entering Week 10.
The Steelers, who are coming off a bye, are 1-6 in their last seven games, but there is still a reason to believe they can beat the New Orleans Saints.
Pittsburgh should be re-energized out of the bye week, and New Orleans has to play a road game on short rest after losing on Monday night to the Baltimore Ravens.
New Orleans is one of the most injury-riddled teams in the NFL, and it has struggled with Andy Dalton at quarterback. The Saints' only offensive weapon right now is Alvin Kamara. Chris Olave has had a positive few weeks, but his effectiveness is reliant on Dalton throwing out of a clean pocket.
Pittsburgh's pass rush could make it a long afternoon for Dalton, and in turn, help them pick up a much-needed win.
Las Vegas comes into the weekend with a better projected draft spot than Pittsburgh, so even a win by the Raiders over the Colts would keep them in front of the Steelers if they defeat the Saints.
Detroit over Chicago
The Raiders need help from the Detroit Lions for a second straight week.
Detroit surprisingly beat the Green Bay Packers in Week 9 to earn its second win of the season. That result moved the Lions behind the Raiders in the NFL draft order.
The Lions have a winnable game in front of them on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Both NFC North franchises are playing for next season, but they have displayed promise over the last few weeks.
Detroit does not have winnable games left on its schedule, so it is important for the Raiders' sake that Dan Campbell's team picks up a win on Sunday when it is possible.
If the Lions lose and Raiders win, the competition for the No. 1 overall draft pick could come down to Detroit and Houston.
A Raiders loss and a Lions win would insert Las Vegas into the top-pick conversation. That would be a nice consolation prize if the rest of the season goes poorly for Josh McDaniels' team.