The Giants finally came away with a win on Sunday against the Dolphins -- their first victory since September -- which brought their season record to 3-11. It was good to see Big Blue snap its franchise-tying nine-game losing streak, and Eli Manning capturing a win in what could be his last home start of his Giants career.
But that win also set the table for what could be a big change in the 2020 NFL Draft order this upcoming week.
To understand what I mean, here's a look at how the top six picks shake out at the moment with each team's strength of schedule (which is the deciding factor when teams own the same record at the end of the season):
- Bengals: 1-13, .565 SOS
- Giants: 3-11, .473 SOS
- Dolphins: 3-11, .493 SOS
- Redskins: 3-11, .493 SOS
- Lions: 3-10-1, .507 SOS
- Cardinals: 4-9-1, .540 SOS
At the moment, the Giants' strength of schedule has them in great draft position with that No. 2 overall pick. But it just so happens that New York has to play one of those 3-11 teams in the Redskins in Week 16.
So the draft order will be shifting in some sort of way, and it may not work in the Giants' favor. Before defeating the Dolphins, the Giants' last win came against Washington in MetLife Stadium back in Week 4. If the same result occurs -- and we make an educated guess to say the Dolphins defeat the Bengals -- the Redskins would move into the No. 2 slot while the Giants fall to No. 3.
But there is also the case where the Dolphins and Redskins both lose as well as the Lions, who face the Broncos on the road this week. With the Giants being the only winning team there, New York could fall three spots down to No. 5.
Could the Giants regain their draft position if they do fall down the ladder? It doesn't look like it based off each team's final regular season game. Here's what they would be looking at:
- Giants vs. Eagles
- Redskins at Cowboys
- Dolphins at Patriots
- Lions vs. Packers
Those are tough matchups for all teams involved, which could result in losses across the board. If it works out that way, the Giants would have their 2020 pick locked at No. 5. That's less than ideal following this horrific season.
But, of course, the Giants are not going into these final two games looking to tank. They want to finish the season on a high note and carry that into the 2020-21 season.
However, the prize of Chase Young (if he decides to leave Ohio State for the Draft) would most likely be squandered at No. 5. At the moment, mock drafts have the Giants taking the stud defensive end at No. 2.
So, though the Giants aren't fighting for playoff hopes like some teams in Week 16, their draft stock is on the line whether they like it or not.