The New York Giants finally found their spark, snapping a nine-game losing streak with a resounding 34-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on December 28, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium. In a matchup dubbed by many as the "Tank Bowl," both teams entered Week 17 with identical 2-13 records, their eyes trained as much on the 2026 NFL Draft as on the scoreboard. But for the Giants, this afternoon was about more than draft positioning—it was about pride, milestones, and a glimpse of hope heading into the season finale.
From the opening whistle, the Giants looked like a team determined to shake off the weight of a lost season. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart set the tone early, connecting with wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson on the game's first play. For Dart, it was a far cry from last week's sluggish start, when he didn't complete a pass until late in the first half. This time, the rookie was sharp and poised, finishing 22-of-30 for 207 yards and adding two rushing touchdowns to his growing highlight reel.
"We wanted to come out aggressive, set the tempo, and give our fans something to cheer about," Dart said after the game, beaming with the confidence of a young quarterback finding his stride. His performance was more than just efficient—it was historic. Dart now has 22 total touchdowns (13 passing, nine rushing) in just 11 starts, trailing only Charlie Conerly (27 in 1948) and Daniel Jones (26 in 2019) for the most total touchdowns by a Giants rookie quarterback. According to NFL Research, Dart also surpassed Buffalo's Josh Allen for the third-most rushing touchdowns by a rookie quarterback in NFL history, sitting just behind legends Cam Newton and Billy Kilmer.
The Giants' offense wasted no time capitalizing on opportunities. After linebacker Bobby Okereke picked off Raiders quarterback Geno Smith and returned it 48 yards, running back Devin Singletary punched in the game's first points with a one-yard touchdown run on the final play of the first quarter. Singletary's score capped a drive that showcased the Giants' resilience up front, even as they played without key starters Andrew Thomas and John Michael Schmitz due to injuries. Rookie Marcus Mbow stepped in at left tackle, anchoring a patched-up line that held its own against the Raiders' pass rush.
Robinson, meanwhile, chased down a personal milestone that had eluded him all season. Entering the game needing 99 receiving yards to reach 1,000 for the first time in his career, the fourth-year pro delivered in style. He hauled in 11 catches—matching his career high—for 113 yards, becoming the 13th player in franchise history to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in a single season. "It's something I've worked for since I got to New York," Robinson shared postgame. "To do it in a win makes it even sweeter."
The second quarter saw the Giants extend their lead with a 12-yard touchdown scamper from Dart, making it 14-3. The Raiders managed to get on the board with a 42-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson, but the Giants answered with a Ben Sauls 32-yard field goal as time expired in the half, sending New York into the locker room up 17-3.
The Giants' defense, led by Okereke and outside linebacker Brian Burns, continued to frustrate Smith and the Raiders' offense. Burns, who was recently voted to his third career Pro Bowl and first with New York, recorded 1.5 sacks to bring his season total to 16.5—tying Jason Pierre-Paul for fourth-most in a single season in Giants history. The pass rush was relentless, with rookie Darius Alexander and Abdul Carter also registering sacks. Safety Dane Belton added a fourth-quarter interception, his first of the season, as the Giants' secondary capitalized on Smith's errant throws—Smith entered the week tied for the league lead in interceptions and added two more to his tally.
On special teams, Deonte Banks electrified the crowd with a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown in the waning moments of the third quarter. The play came just after the Raiders had cut the deficit to 20-10 on a four-yard touchdown pass from Smith to Tyler Lockett. Banks' return was the Giants' first kickoff return touchdown since late 2024, instantly swinging momentum back to New York and putting the game out of reach.
Sauls, the Giants' fourth kicker of the year, continued his perfect run by converting field goals of 32 and 23 yards, plus four extra points, providing stability to a position that had seen its share of turnover throughout the season.
For the Raiders, the loss extended their misery to an 11-game losing streak and all but cemented their position at the top of the draft order. Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, who had exploded for 188 yards from scrimmage the previous week, was held in check by the Giants' front seven, managing just 73 yards on 18 touches. The Raiders' offense, despite flashes of promise, couldn't overcome turnovers and the relentless pressure from Burns and company.
"We just didn't execute when we needed to," Smith admitted, frustration etched across his face. The Raiders' lone touchdown drive required three fourth-down conversions, and their only other points came from Carlson's early field goal. Injuries continued to plague Las Vegas, with key contributors like Maxx Crosby and Brock Bowers sidelined.
The Giants, now 3-13, will wrap up their season at home against the Dallas Cowboys. Interim head coach Mike Kafka notched his first win at the helm, and the locker room buzzed with relief and optimism. "This group never quit," Kafka remarked. "They fought for each other, and today it showed." The victory not only snapped a daunting losing streak but also gave the Giants something to build on as they prepare for a pivotal offseason.
For both teams, the focus now shifts to the future. With the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft all but secured for the Raiders, and the Giants showing signs of life behind their rookie quarterback, Sunday's result may have lasting implications well beyond this season. But for one afternoon in Las Vegas, it was the Giants who celebrated, their long-awaited victory echoing through Allegiant Stadium and offering a glimpse of better days ahead.
