Are Raiders hurting Maxx Crosby relationship in potential tanking effort?

The most consequential game on the Week 17 NFL schedule might involve two teams nowhere near the playoffs. The Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants enter their head-to-head game with the two-worst records in the NFL, while also owning matching nine-game losing streaks. 

So why is it meaningful?

The loser of the game will enter Week 18 in position to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft with another loss to close out the regular season. 

Both teams might also be maneuvering their rosters for the best possible chance at accomplishing that. The Giants already ruled out starting offensive tackle Andrew Thomas and a handful of other players, while the Raiders have reportedly shut down superstar Edge rusher Maxx Crosby for the remainder of the season.

That move, however, could have significant ramifications for the relationship between Crosby and the Raiders.

He is not happy about it, and wanted no part in any tanking discussion earlier this week.

Maxx Crosby reportedly disagrees with decision to be sat down

Anytime a discussion about tanking for draft position comes into play, it is important to keep one thing in mind: Players do not tank. Every player on the field on Sunday is going to be doing everything in their power to win that football game. They do not care about a draft pick they may never be teammates with. They do not get to the big leagues (in any sport) by having a mindset that it is okay to lose for any reason. They are simply not wired that way. 

The coaches are going to be doing the same. 

Everybody is playing for a job, whether it be with their current team or a future team. It was only a few years ago that the Houston Texans, when coached by Lovie Smith, angered their fans by going for a two-point conversion and the win late in the season, robbing them of the No. 1 overall pick. They ended up taking C.J Stroud No. 2 overall, and everybody has turned out to be pretty happy about it. 

Front offices and organizations, however, might do things that could strategically lessen the chances of a win when a draft pick is on the line.

Sitting a team's best player (in this case, Crosby) would be a good way to go about doing that. 

The Raiders' position is that they are sitting Crosby due to a knee injury. But Crosby has been playing injured all season and wants to continue playing. According to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer, he disagreed with the decision so much that he actually left the team facility and it could put his future with the team in question.