The New York Giants planned a big celebration for the 2024 season, which would be their 100th as an active NFL franchise. Whether it was flashy throwback jerseys or an appearance on the offseason version of Hard Knocks, the Giants planned to make themselves a prominent part of the story of the 2024 season.

However, John Mara’s team has become a prominent story for all the wrong reasons. New York’s 2-13 start is on pace for its worst season since 1965, the last time the Giants went first in the NFL Draft. While foggy weather today will prevent banner planes from flying over their final home game against the Indianapolis Colts, the Giants could still find a way to make the situation worse in the future.

Thanks to the Las Vegas Raiders’ victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, the Giants are in possession of the top pick in the draft as they are the only NFL team to record two wins. However, there are still two chances for New York to improve this position, as their opponent’s schedule is the strongest of all teams fighting for the top spot with two weeks to go.

A win over the Colts — who are trying to stay alive for the playoffs with backup Joe Flacco under center — would drop the Giants from the first pick to the sixth pick, according to Tankathon. While the strength of the schedule metrics fluctuate from week to week, the Giants’ numbers will only get stronger with a seven-win Colts team and a 12-win Eagles team available in the final two weeks of the regular season.

Even if the Giants lose to the Colts, they could find themselves in a situation where they face a Philadelphia team in Week 18 that is resting its starters, increasing the chances that they could pull out a win there too. Losing both games is crucial for the future of the franchise as the Giants are finally in a position to have a selection of potential franchise quarterbacks in the draft, a position that will be lost if they lose again by winning.