Raiders Eye Season Finale Win Amid NFL’s Worst Record

The Las Vegas Raiders have endured a season marked by struggles and setbacks, with their 2–14 record positioning them at the bottom of the NFL standings. Head coach Pete Carroll, making his highly anticipated return to the league, has yet to find success, and the team’s woes have persisted throughout 2025.

As the season closes at home against a Kansas City Chiefs squad that has also underperformed—losing five straight—the Raiders are focused on ending on a high note. Carroll has emphasized the importance of a win in the season finale, even if it does little to erase the frustrations of fans or reshape the organization’s outlook.

While a victory would provide a morale boost for players and coaches alike, it could have unintended consequences. The Raiders are currently positioned to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a selection that could net them a franchise quarterback and accelerate the team’s rebuild.

A win, however, could drop Las Vegas to 3–14, potentially placing them behind other struggling teams and jeopardizing their top draft position. Balancing the desire to win with the strategic benefits of a loss presents a unique challenge for Carroll and his roster.

1. Draft Implications

The Raiders’ record gives them a prime opportunity to reshape the future of the franchise. Securing the No. 1 pick in April would allow Las Vegas to target top-tier talent, most notably Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana. Mendoza, regarded as one of the most promising signal-callers in college football, could provide a long-term solution at a position that has eluded the Raiders for years. The team’s management is acutely aware that maintaining or improving their draft position is essential to restoring competitiveness. Yet, a win over the Chiefs would complicate those plans. With several other teams entering Week 18 at 3–13, a Raiders victory could mean losing the top selection, forcing the organization to reconsider draft strategy or pursue trades to secure their desired player. This delicate balance between competing on the field and strategically planning for the future has become a central theme for Las Vegas as the season draws to a close.

2. Carroll’s Focus on the Present

Despite the long-term implications, Pete Carroll insists the immediate goal is victory. “There’s nothing more important in the world than winning a game in this division,” he said. “If we could get that done, that would make it just a little sweeter. I’d love to have a locker room where we can have a blast.” Carroll’s perspective underscores the psychological and cultural importance of ending the season on a positive note. After a grueling year, even a single win can provide momentum, reinforce team cohesion, and reward players who have endured a challenging campaign. For a team that has struggled to find consistency, the morale boost from a season-ending win could resonate beyond the scoreboard. Carroll hopes a strong performance against a divisional rival will instill confidence and give players a sense of accomplishment, even if broader organizational goals remain in focus.

3. Historical Context

Winning against Kansas City has historically been a difficult task for the Raiders. Over the last 17 matchups between the two American Football League rivals, the Chiefs have claimed victory in 15 games, highlighting the challenge that awaits Las Vegas on Sunday. Despite the odds, the Raiders aim to defy history and salvage a measure of pride in a season that has largely been defined by losses. Even with a draft strategy in mind, Carroll and the coaching staff are committed to playing competitively and giving fans a reason to cheer. The finale represents more than a single game; it is a chance to set a tone for the offseason, demonstrate growth, and provide the team with momentum heading into a critical rebuild.