This Sunday morning showdown in Munich, Germany, is about pride for the 2-7 New York Giants and 2-7 Carolina Panthers more than anything else, though, it‘s about the future. Neither team is close to playoff contention, but the outcome greatly affects their positioning in the 2025 NFL Draft. This is a great spot to reshape their rosters or perhaps land their next franchise quarterback.
This game presents a rare problem: both teams desperately need to win, but winning could cost them a prime draft position at the top of the board. While “tanking” is rarely a good idea at this level, the reality is that a loss may ultimately serve their rebuilding plans better than a win. Thus, this game presents a dilemma in which both teams have something to gain from losing, while the will to lose contradicts the need to win.
Giants vs Panthers in Germany: High Stakes Showdown for 2025 NFL Draft Positioning and Future QBs
What’s at Stake is Bigger Than Just a Win
The Panthers, currently picking 4th overall, are desperate to find stability at the quarterback position after investing heavily in Bryce Young as their franchise quarterback. Despite a dramatic comeback win against the Saints last weekend, Young’s rookie season has been full of ups and downs, leaving questions about his future with Carolina and their development. A loss in Munich would solidify their place near the top of the draft order, potentially securing a shot at another top quarterback prospect should they decide to make a change. According to Tankathon, Carolina has 11 selections – eight of which are in Rounds 4-7, in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Currently, the Giants hold the 7th overall pack, hoping to draft high enough to draft their chosen future quarterback. If the Giants lose on Sunday, they should move up in the draft order, possibly even into the top three, at least temporarily, based on the outcomes of other games. A quarterback-heavy draft class might allow the Giants to take a potential heir to Jones. There are multiple high-end quarterbacks in the 2025 class who could represent a major upgrade over Jones. With their spots at the top of the order, the Jets, Browns, Raiders, and Titans are all projected to target a quarterback at the top of the draft as well.
A Win or a Loss: The Giants’ Dilemma Between Draft Position and Short-Lived Hope
As we reach the midway point of the season, seven teams have a record of 2-7 and currently comprise the first seven picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Giants are one of those seven teams with a 2-7 record, but the strength of schedule tiebreaker puts them last among those teams in terms of draft position.
A win would move the Giants to 3-7, which ultimately, regarding a playoff push, would be the same as a 2-8 record following a loss. Winless in the NFC East, they have less than a one percent chance of making the playoffs. Ultimately, a win doesn’t change much in a losing season, except moving themselves out of a top draft pick, at least momentarily. A loss, however, would move the Giants up the draft board, giving them a better shot at drafting the next quarterback of their choice.
However, this method can get a bit dicey when you purposely are trying to lose games. The integrity of the game tends to be lost when you lose games on purpose to secure a better draft pick. It sends an extremely bad message to players, even fans, where the principles of competition and professionalism are jeopardized. Losing will tear away team morale and could damage the long-term prospects of the team. Drafting one player cannot change the outcome of an organization immediately on his own. A high draft pick doesn’t technically guarantee anything. In the end, winning, even during a lost season, develops growth, pride, and accountability. But at what cost?
Main Image: Kevin R. Wexler – USA Today Sports
