Did the New York Giants finally break their brutal nine-game losing streak in the 2025 NFL season? Absolutely, with a commanding 34-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on December 28, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium. This lopsided matchup in the AFC-NFC interconference battle showcased the Giants’ defensive prowess and rookie quarterback magic, while burying the Raiders deeper into draft lottery territory. Here’s a full post-game recap, packed with score breakdowns, pivotal moments, star players, and the bigger picture for playoff hopes—or lack thereof—in the National Football League.
Score Summary
The Giants built a steady lead throughout, outscoring the Raiders in every quarter except a brief third-quarter push by Las Vegas. Final score: New York Giants 34, Las Vegas Raiders 10.
| Quarter | Giants | Raiders | Key Scoring Plays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7 | 0 | Devin Singletary 1-yard rushing TD (following Bobby Okereke’s 48-yard INT return setup) |
| 2nd | 10 | 3 | Giants FG (details not specified); Raiders FG to avoid shutout half |
| 3rd | 10 | 7 | Jaxson Dart rushing TD; Raiders TD pass from Geno Smith to Tyler Lockett (narrowing to 17-10); Giants FG |
| 4th | 7 | 0 | Deonte Banks 95-yard kickoff return TD; Jaxson Dart second rushing TD |
The Giants amassed 34 points through a balanced attack, including two interceptions and a special teams score, while holding the Raiders to just 10 points on limited drives.
Turning Points
Several momentum-shifting plays defined this NFL Week 17 showdown, turning a competitive start into a Giants rout:
- Early Defensive Standout: In the first quarter, Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke intercepted Raiders QB Geno Smith in the red zone, returning it 48 yards to flip field position and set up the game’s opening touchdown—a one-yard plunge by Devin Singletary. This pick marked the Giants’ seventh interception of the 2025 season and stifled Las Vegas’ initial drive.
- Third-Quarter Response: After the Raiders clawed back with a Smith-to-Lockett touchdown pass late in the third, making it 17-10, cornerback Deonte Banks electrified the game with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown—the Giants’ first such score since 2024. This play ballooned the lead to 24-10 and deflated the Raiders’ comeback hopes.
- Fourth-Quarter Seal: Safety Dane Belton’s interception of Smith early in the final quarter—his first of the year—led to more Giants points, including rookie QB Jaxson Dart’s second rushing touchdown. Smith’s subsequent high ankle sprain exit handed the reins to backup Kenny Pickett, but the damage was done.
These moments highlighted the Giants’ opportunistic defense and special teams, which capitalized on Raiders miscues in a game riddled with turnovers and penalties.
Standout Performances
In a game loaded with individual brilliance, several players etched their names into the 2025 NFL highlight reels:
- Jaxson Dart (Giants QB): The rookie sensation was a dual-threat force, completing 22 of 30 passes for 207 yards while rushing for 48 yards and two touchdowns. His performance pushed his season totals to 22 touchdowns (13 passing, 9 rushing) in just 11 starts, ranking third all-time for rookie QB rushing TDs. Dart’s mobility and poise were key in sustaining drives against a struggling Raiders secondary.
- Wan’Dale Robinson (Giants WR): Tied his career-high with 11 receptions for 113 yards, eclipsing 1,000 receiving yards for the first time and becoming the shortest player (5-foot-8) to hit that milestone since 1989. His sure hands provided reliable targets in critical third-down situations.
- Brian Burns (Giants OLB): Added 1.5 sacks to reach 16.5 for the season, tying a franchise record and earning his third Pro Bowl nod. Burns terrorized the Raiders’ offensive line, contributing to three team sacks.
- Deonte Banks (Giants CB): Beyond solid coverage, his 95-yard kickoff return TD was a game-changer, showcasing elite speed in special teams.
- Geno Smith (Raiders QB): A mixed bag with 176 passing yards, one TD, but two costly INTs and a high ankle sprain that knocked him out. His league-high 17 interceptions this season underscore the Raiders’ offensive woes.
- Ashton Jeanty (Raiders RB): The rookie was contained to 73 yards on 18 touches after a 188-yard explosion the prior week, highlighting the Giants’ run defense led by Abdul Carter (0.5 sack, two TFLs, four QB hits).
The Giants’ defense as a unit shone, holding the Raiders to minimal yards and forcing turnovers, while Las Vegas’ offense sputtered without rhythm.
What the Result Means for Playoff Chances
With the 2025 NFL regular season winding down, neither team is sniffing the postseason—both the New York Giants (now 3-13) and Las Vegas Raiders (2-14) were long eliminated from playoff contention. However, this outcome shakes up the draft landscape heading into the final week:
- For the Giants, the win snapped a nine-game skid and a 13-game road losing streak dating back to 2024, providing a morale boost under interim coach Mike Kafka. But it comes at a cost: Improving to 3-13 likely drops them out of the No. 1 draft pick race, potentially settling for a top-5 selection instead. They face the Dallas Cowboys (7-8-1) at home next, where another win could further harm their rebuild but build momentum around young stars like Dart.
- The Raiders’ 10th straight loss cements their dismal campaign, positioning them for the top overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft—especially if they fall to the Kansas City Chiefs in their finale and with Smith sidelined. This defeat highlights ongoing issues with turnovers and injuries, signaling a full rebuild ahead.
In the broader AFC West and NFC East pictures, this result has minimal ripple effects, but it underscores the parity (or lack thereof) in a season dominated by quarterback injuries and rookie emergences. For NFL fans tracking draft order, mock drafts, and free agency buzz, keep an eye on how these bottom-dwellers finish.
