Titans Lead 2026 NFL Draft Race, Raiders and Saints Lurk Behind

The race for the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is heating up as the Tennessee Titans hold a commanding lead, followed closely by the Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints. As of Week 13, these three teams are battling for the prime selection, amidst a backdrop of disappointing seasons and coaching changes.

While the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots are making strides under new head coaches in the NFC and AFC, respectively, the focus shifts to the bottom of the standings. The Titans, with a record of 1-11, are currently the only team with just one win, and their trajectory suggests they are well on their way to securing the first overall pick for the second consecutive year.

Tennessee Titans: Struggling Yet Strategic

The Titans’ recent form has been bleak, having lost six straight games since the firing of head coach Brian Callahan in October. Their latest defeat against the Jacksonville Jaguars kept them winless at home this season, but it also strengthened their chances of landing the top draft pick to over 50 percent.

Quarterback Cam Ward, the Titans’ first-round selection last year, has had a rocky rookie season, completing 59.4 percent of his passes with seven touchdowns and six interceptions. Despite these struggles, the Titans’ position in the draft race is strong, particularly with an upcoming matchup against the Saints that could be pivotal.

Remaining schedule: at Cleveland Browns, at San Francisco 49ers, vs. Kansas City Chiefs, vs. New Orleans Saints, at Jacksonville Jaguars.

Raiders and Saints: Pursuing the Top Spot

The Las Vegas Raiders are not far behind, currently holding a 2-10 record. Under head coach Pete Carroll, the Raiders have struggled offensively, ranking among the bottom three teams in the league for yards and points per game. Their recent loss to the Los Angeles Chargers further diminished their chances, raising their odds for the top pick to approximately 18 percent.

The Raiders face a daunting remaining schedule, which could impact their draft positioning significantly. It includes games against challenging opponents such as the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Remaining schedule: vs. Denver Broncos, at Philadelphia Eagles, at Houston Texans, vs. New York Giants, vs. Kansas City Chiefs.

The New Orleans Saints mirror the Raiders’ struggles with a matching 2-10 record. After a recent loss to the Miami Dolphins, the Saints were officially eliminated from playoff contention, but their chances for the top pick have risen to about 14 percent. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has taken over the starting role, seeking to prove his worth following a rocky beginning to the season.

The Saints also face a crucial game against the Titans in Week 17, which could dramatically alter their draft fortunes. A loss in that game could potentially double their odds for securing the first overall pick.

Remaining schedule: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, vs. Carolina Panthers, vs. New York Jets, at Tennessee Titans, at Atlanta Falcons.

New York Teams: Giants and Jets

The New York Giants and New York Jets are not completely out of the running, but their chances are slim. The Giants sit at 2-10 and have about a 4 percent chance of obtaining the top pick as they prepare for a crucial “Monday Night Football” matchup against the Patriots. A loss would slightly boost their odds, while a win would likely eliminate them from consideration.

Remaining schedule: at New England Patriots, vs. Washington Commanders, vs. Minnesota Vikings, at Las Vegas Raiders, vs. Dallas Cowboys.

The Jets, currently at 3-9, had hoped for a better outcome this season. A recent victory over the Atlanta Falcons improved their draft positioning somewhat, but they still face a challenging road ahead. Trading away key defensive players indicates a focus on rebuilding for the future.

Remaining schedule: vs. Miami Dolphins, at Jacksonville Jaguars, at New Orleans Saints, vs. New England Patriots, at Buffalo Bills.

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the race for the top pick remains competitive. The Titans currently hold the lead, but the Raiders and Saints are lurking closely behind, while the Giants and Jets look to improve their standing in the final weeks of the season.