The Raiders ended a 3-14 season with a 14-12 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium, but the real prize came before kickoff: the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
New York’s win over Dallas ensured Las Vegas would have the top selection, setting the stage for a potential franchise quarterback. The Raiders now face a pivotal offseason with decisions on a new coach and roster overhaul.
Daniel Carlson’s 60-yard field goal with eight seconds left provided a fitting end. The kicker, who becomes a free agent, proved his leg strength after earlier concerns. “It would be a blessing to (return),” Carlson said. “It has been the joy of my life.”
Quarterback Aidan O’Connell praised coach Pete Carroll’s leadership despite the losing record. “A win was great for a lot of reasons,” O’Connell said. “To play and practice hard. The wins didn’t come but it’s good to end with one.”
Carroll, whose future is uncertain, called this his hardest coaching season. The Raiders never improved as hoped, but Sunday’s double win—on the scoreboard and in the draft order—offered a sliver of hope.
