Updated 2026 NFL Draft Order
Aside from tonight’s Rams-Falcons game, Week 17 is in the books. Most of the playoff field has been set in both conferences, but there is still plenty to be determined regarding the first-round draft order.
By virtue of their loss on Sunday, the Raiders are now in pole position to secure the No. 1 pick. Vegas sits at 2-14 on the year, with four teams sporting a record of 3-13. Only one of those, however – the Giants – is still in contention to land the top selection. Vegas will play against Kansas City in Week 18, while New York’s season will end against Dallas.
Fernando Mendoza looms as the projected top quarterback option in the 2026 class, with the futures of Dante Moore and Ty Simpson still uncertain. Demand usually outweighs supply at the top of the draft when it comes to signal-callers, and scarcity at the position could very well come into play in April. Mendoza may find himself on the radar of teams not immediately in need of a quarterback depending on how things play out.
For non-playoff teams, the draft order is determined by the inverted 2025 standings plus a series of tiebreakers, starting with strength of schedule. Playoff squads are slotted by their postseason outcome and the reverse order of their regular season record.
Here is an updated look at the first-round order:
- Las Vegas Raiders (2-14)
- New York Giants (3-13)
- New York Jets (3-13)
- Tennessee Titans (3-13)
- Arizona Cardinals (3-13)
- Cleveland Browns (4-12)
- Washington Commanders (4-12)
- New Orleans Saints (6-10)
- Kansas City Chiefs (6-10)
- Cincinnati Bengals (6-10)
- Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons)
- Miami Dolphins (7-9)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- Dallas Cowboys (7-8-1)
- Detroit Lions (8-8)
- Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Minnesota Vikings (8-8)
- New York Jets (via Colts)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)
- Dallas Cowboys (via Packers)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-4)
- Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
Steelers TE Darnell Washington Suffers Fractured Arm
The Steelers were unable to win on Sunday, meaning they have not clinched top spot in the AFC North. Week 18’s winner-take-all game against the Ravens will see Pittsburgh shorthanded on offense. 
Tight end Darnell Washington exited today’s loss against the Browns and was unable to return. Once the game was over, his arm was in a sling (h/t Mike DeFabo of The Athletic). Head coach Mike Tomlin has since announced (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor) Washington suffered a fractured arm in Week 17.
The injury does not have a firm timetable at this point, but it all-but ensures he will not be available next week. Washington has emerged as a notable figure in Pittsburgh’s passing game this season, his third in the NFL. The 24-year-old was limited to two catches prior to exiting today’s game, but that brought his total in 2025 to 31, a career high. His absence will be felt presuming Washington is unable to suit up against the Ravens.
A lack of pass-catching production proved to be an issue throughout Week 17 for the Steelers. D.K. Metcalf served the first of his two-game suspension, while fellow receiver Calvin Austin was inactive as well. Pittsburgh struggled on offense for much of the day and wound up scoring just six points against Cleveland. A rebound on offense will be needed next week, but being without Washington while Metcalf serves the final game of his ban will leave the Steelers thin on targets.
Pat Freiermuth looms as a tight end option for Pittsburgh to close out the season, although his lack of usage on offense has been a talking point for much of the year. Offseason trade acquisition Jonnu Smith has chipped in during his latest season working with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, and he will also look to fill in while Washington is absent. It remains to be seen how long that stretch will be – and a recovery timeline will of course become relevant if the Steelers reach the playoffs – but in any event Pittsburgh is set to remain shorthanded at the skill positions for the final week of the regular season.
Steelers’ T.J. Watt To Play In Club’s Next Meaningful Game
DECEMBER 28: There is good news on the Watt front. Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network (video link), Watt is in a “very good place” in terms of his health and is expected to play in the Steelers’ next meaningful game. If they defeat the Browns in Week 17 and clinch the AFC North as a result, Watt will sit out the regular season finale against Baltimore. If Pittsburgh loses to Cleveland, thus setting up a Week 18 bout with the Ravens for the division title and a playoff berth, Watt will suit up.
DECEMBER 27: The Steelers have ruled out Watt for Week 17. While Mike Tomlin said the Ravens’ result Saturday would affect his approach for Sunday’s Browns matchup, as the Steelers would be guaranteed the AFC North title with a Baltimore loss in Green Bay, Watt will not play regardless of outcome.
DECEMBER 24: Watt returned to practice on Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. His participation alone is a good sign for his health and indicates that he could play again this season, though the Steelers will understandably be cautious before exposing Watt to full-contact action. Also back at practice was third-year edge rusher Nick Herbig, per Pryor, who missed Sunday’s win over the Lions with a hamstring injury,
DECEMBER 22: Steelers star T.J. Watt has missed the past two games while recovering from surgery on a partially collapsed lung. Unfortunately, it doesn’t sound like he’s any closer to a return.
[RELATED: Steelers’ T.J. Watt Undergoes Surgery On Partially Collapsed Lung]
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the pass rusher’s return to play “remains murky and uncertain.” At the moment, Watt’s focus is solely on his recovery, with his potential return to field being considered “secondary.”
Of course, as the Steelers push for a playoff spot, Watt’s potential return will still command attention. Per Schefter, doctors will continue to monitor how Watt feels this week to determine if it’s even possible for him to suit up for Sunday’s matchup against the Browns. However, the ideal path would see Watt garner “more time to recover.” The former Defensive Player of the Year is expected to make a full recovery.
Watt was admitted to the hospital earlier this month with a lung injury. It was later determined that the collapsed lung was a result of a common dry needling procedure that he underwent at the team facility. He was quickly released from the hospital, but he’s yet to take the field since his injury.
The NFLPA was subsequently in contact with the player’s camp, although it’s uncertain if they’ll take any action against the Steelers franchise. Tyrod Taylor famously suffered a punctured lung while receiving a pain-killing injection in 2020; he later sued the Chargers for medical malpractice. After Watt inked a three-year extension this past offseason that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, it’s uncertain if he would look to take such a drastic stance against the franchise.
While the off-the-field narrative is worth watching, the Steelers are currently focused on their on-the-field product. Despite Watt being out of the lineup, the Steelers have won each of their past two games to take a two-game lead in the AFC North. A Watt-less defense would surely impact the team’s ability to make noise in the playoffs, but the Steelers can rest easy about their postseason chances regardless of the pass rusher’s status.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/27/25
Here are today’s minor moves and standard gameday practice squad elevations for the penultimate weekend of the regular season:
Baltimore Ravens
- Activated from IR: LB Jay Higgins IV
Buffalo Bills
- Signed from practice squad: TE Keleki Latu
- Elevated: K Michael Badgley, DE Andre Jones Jr.
- Waived: WR Mecole Hardman Jr.
Chicago Bears
- Activated from IR: G Luke Newman
- Elevated: CB Dallis Flowers, WR JP Richardson
- Waived: DT Jonathan Ford
Cincinnati Bengals
- Elevated: DT Howard Cross III, CB Bralyn Lux
Cleveland Browns
- Elevated: TE Sal Cannella, QB Bailey Zappe
Green Bay Packers
- Elevated: TE Drake Dabney, QB Clayton Tune
Indianapolis Colts
- Activated from IR: WR Ashton Dulin
- Signed from practice squad: DT Chris Wormley
- Elevated: C Jimmy Morrissey, G Josh Sills
- Placed on IR: WR Anthony Gould, TE Andrew Ogletree
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Elevated: G Jerome Carvin, S Juan Thornhill
Miami Dolphins
- Activated from IR: OL Andrew Meyer
- Signed from practice squad: WR Theo Wease Jr.
- Placed on IR: WR Dee Eskridge, CB Isaiah Johnson, DT Benito Jones
- Elevated: LB Derrick McLendon, OL Josh Priebe
New Orleans Saints
- Elevated: WR Ronnie Bell, TE Treyton Welch
New York Giants
- Signed from practice squad: DE Elijah Chatman, C Bryan Hudson, S Raheem Layne, K Ben Sauls
- Elevated: TE Zach Davidson, RE Dante Miller
New York Jets
- Signed from practice squad: CB Tre Brown, G Marquis Hayes, WR Quentin Skinner
- Elevated: QB Hendon Hooker
Philadelphia Eagles
- Elevated: CB Brandon Johnson
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Elevated: T Jack Driscoll, CB D’Shawn Jamison
San Francisco 49ers
- Elevated: LB Eric Kendricks, TE Brayden Willis
Seattle Seahawks
- Elevated: RB Cam Akers, T Amari Kight
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Elevated: OLB Jason Pierre-Paul
Tennessee Titans
- Elevated: CB Kemon Hall
- Placed on IR: CB Marcus Harris
With Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox both dealing with injuries, the Bills add Latu to the 53-man roster for depth. To make room, Buffalo has parted ways with the veteran, Hardman, just a week after activating him from injured reserve.
A number of players are being called up as standard gameday practice squad elevations for the third and final time on their current contracts. This is the case for Flowers in Chicago, Zappe in Cleveland, Sills in Indianapolis, Driscoll in Pittsburgh, and Kight in Seattle. If their respective teams wish to see them appear in another game this year, they will need to be signed to the 53-man roster, as was done with Wormley in Indianapolis and Chatman in New York this week after they exhausted their three elevations already this year.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/25/25
A few NFL teams made transactions on Christmas. Here are the latest updates:
Baltimore Ravens
- Designated for return from IR: DT Taven Bryan
Denver Broncos
- Signed from practice squad: TE Marcedes Lewis, OL Calvin Throckmorton
- Elevated: LB Levelle Bailey, WR Michael Bandy
- Waived: RB Cody Schrader
Kansas City Chiefs
- Elevated: WR Jason Brownlee, OL Matt Waletzko
- Placed on IR: WR Nikko Remigio
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: CB Tre Flowers
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/24/25
NFL minor moves this Christmas Eve:
Arizona Cardinals
- Activated from IR: DE L.J. Collier
Atlanta Falcons
- Designated for return from IR: CB Clark Phillips
Cincinnati Bengals
- Designated for return from IR: C Matt Lee
Cleveland Browns
- Signed off Steelers’ practice squad: G Kendrick Green
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed from practice squad: CB Corey Ballentine
- Elevated: LB Justin Barron
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: OL Kingsley Eguakun, TE Giovanni Ricci
Indianapolis Colts
- Designated for return from IR: WR Ashton Dulin
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed from practice squad: S Terrell Edmunds, WR Shedrick Jackson
Los Angeles Rams
- Designated for return from IR: CB Roger McCreary
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed from practice squad: G Henry Byrd
- Elevated: LB Sione Takitaki
- Placed on IR: TE Gavin Bartholomew, C Ryan Kelly
New York Jets
- Claimed off waivers (from Rams): S Chris Smith
Washington Commanders
- Signed from practice squad: QB Sam Hartman
- Elevated: DT Ricky Barber, WR River Cracraft
A month after coming off injured reserve, Kelly is headed right back to the injured list. Kelly was initially placed on IR after two concussions limited him to only three games in the early stages of the season. It is unfortunately a third concussion this season — and the sixth of his career — that will end his 2025 campaign. This will conclude the first half of Kelly’s two-year deal with the Vikings, who will once again turn to backup Michael Jurgens in his absence.
Also in Minnesota, Byrd’s contract to join the 53-man roster will not just be a two-week deal. According to a post from the X account of his agency, JL Sports, Byrd is joining the active roster on a two-year contract.
In Detroit, these will be the third and final standard gameday elevations for Eguakun and Ricci. If the Lions want to see them in the regular season finale, they will need to sign them to the 53-man roster. That’s what Dallas is doing with Ballentine, who exhausted his third elevation last week.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/24/25
Here are today’s practice squad transactions:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: QB Logan Woodside
- Released: S Patrick McMorris
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: OL Richard Gouraige
Chicago Bears
- Signed: TE Thomas Gordon
- Placed on practice squad/injured list: TE Qadir Ismail
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: LS Luke Elkin, T Joshua Miles
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: C Josh Kaltenberger
- Released: TE Tanner McLachlan
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: WR Brandon Johnson
- Released: DT Kyler Baugh
Steelers “Reaffirmed Their Commitment” To D.K. Metcalf
D.K. Metcalf‘s two-game suspension was upheld earlier this evening. While the ban will obviously keep the Steelers receiver off the field for the rest of the regular season, it will also have an impact on his cap outlook moving forward.
[RELATED: Steelers WR D.K. Metcalf Issued Two-Game Suspension]
As noted earlier tonight, the suspension also voided the $45MM in guaranteed money that was remaining on the player’s contract. That includes the $25MM that was fully guaranteed for next season. Metcalf will also forfeit $555K in salary. The 28-year-old inked a five-year, $150MM extension with the franchise following his offseason trade from Seattle.
Of course, this wrinkle would only be notable if the Steelers suddenly wanted out of their commitment with the player. It doesn’t sound like that’s the case, at least for the time being. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the team “reaffirmed their commitment” to Metcalf for 2026 and beyond. The two sides plan to move forward “together,” following Mike Tomlin‘s vote of confidence from earlier today.
“He did explain to me why he did what he did. And I certainly don’t condone the behavior, but I support DK,” Tomlin said (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor). “And I really don’t have a lot to add other than what I just told you.”
The suspension stemmed from Metcalf’s altercation with a fan in Detroit on Sunday. Meanwhile, Pelissero reports that neither the NFL nor the Lions plan to take action against the other individual because “there was no violation of the fan code of conduct.”
Metcalf’s suspension was upheld by commissioner Roger Goodell’s designee, former NFL coach Chris Palmer (per ESPN’s Adam Schefter). Former wideout Jordy Nelson has served in a similar role for a handful of suspensions during the 2025 season, including Denzel Perryman‘s recent appeal.
Steelers WR D.K. Metcalf Issued Two-Game Suspension
TODAY: Metcalf’s suspension has been upheld, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The wide receiver will officially miss the final two games of the regular season. Notably, Metcalf will also see $45MM in future guarantees voided, including the $25MM that was fully guaranteed for the 2026 season.
DECEMBER 22: D.K. Metcalf‘s interaction with a fan during the first half of yesterday’s Steelers-Lions game led to the widespread expectation it would result in league discipline. After a league review, a suspension has been handed down. 
Metcalf has received a two-game suspension, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports. That would keep the Pittsburgh wideout unavailable for the remainder of the regular season if upheld. Per Pelissero, Metcalf plans to appeal. As things stand, he is set to lose just over $555K in pay.
Metcalf grabbed and then released the shirt of a fan in the stands who has since identified himself as Ryan Kennedy (video link via ESPN’s Adam Schefter). No flags were thrown as a result of the incident, and the Steelers did not take any action stemming from it. Metcalf declined to speak to reporters after the game.
Earlier today, Pelissero was the first to report that Metcalf and Kennedy have a history with one another, with Metcalf having reported Kennedy to security last year while he was playing for the Seahawks. A verbal exchange between the two sparked yesterday’s incident. Metcalf has alleged Kennedy used derogatory language toward himself and his mother. Kennedy “categorically denies” doing so, as noted in a statement issued by his attorneys. According to Kennedy, the incident stemmed from Metcalf taking issue with being called by his full name.
With no penalty being issued, the league office was not allowed by rule to direct an ejection in this case. Nevertheless, it comes as little surprise a suspension has been issued given the NFL’s policy regarding altercations with fans. Metcalf ultimately made four receptions during Sunday’s win, three of which came after the incident.
Pittsburgh wound up winning in Week 16, moving the team’s record to 9-6. With Baltimore losing shortly after that contest ended, the Steelers are in a commanding position regarding the AFC North standings. A Ravens loss in Week 17 (Saturday against the Packers) or a win by Pittsburgh one day later (against the Browns) would be enough to clinch the division. Pending the outcome of the appeal, though, Metcalf will be unavailable for the Cleveland matchup and a Week 18 Baltimore game which could prove to be pivotal.
The offseason trade acquisition has been hot and cold in terms of production this season with the Steelers playing through inconsistency on offense. In all, Metcalf has totaled 850 yards and six touchdowns on 59 receptions during his debut Pittsburgh campaign. He comfortably leads the team in yardage, especially when compared to the Steelers’ other receivers. The remainder of that group will be tasked with filling in over a brief period, though.
Updated 2026 NFL Draft Order
Several dominoes have fallen so far in Week 16 with respect to the NFL’s playoff picture. The Cowboys have been eliminated while the Patriots, Seahawks, Bears, Eagles and 49ers have locked in a postseason berth.
The final two weeks of the campaign will determine the remaining playoff spots, but they will also sort out the top of the draft order. Six teams remain within striking distance of the No. 1 pick, although the Titans’ win on Sunday greatly weakened their chances of landing the top selection for the second year in a row. One contest in particular will be worth monitoring next week with respect to draft positioning.
The Giants and Raiders each sport a record of 2-13. They will play each other in Week 17, meaning the loser of that contest will have the inside track for the No. 1 pick. New York already has a head coaching vacancy while Pete Carroll is in danger of going one-and-done in Vegas. Plenty of incentive for winning will exist for Carroll in particular, but the outcome of that game will have major implications on the draft order.
For non-playoff teams, the draft order is determined by the inverted 2025 standings plus a series of tiebreakers, starting with strength of schedule. Playoff squads are slotted by their postseason outcome and the reverse order of their regular season record.
Here is an updated look at the first-round order:
- New York Giants (2-13)
- Las Vegas Raiders (2-13)
- Cleveland Browns (3-12)
- New York Jets (3-12)
- Arizona Cardinals (3-12)
- Tennessee Titans (3-12)
- Washington Commanders (4-11)
- New Orleans Saints (5-10)
- Cincinnati Bengals (5-10)
- Miami Dolphins (6-9)
- Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons)
- Kansas City Chiefs (6-9)
- Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1)
- Baltimore Ravens (7-8)
- Minnesota Vikings (7-8)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8)
- Detroit Lions (8-7)
- New York Jets (via Colts)
- Carolina Panthers (8-7)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6)
- Dallas Cowboys (via Packers)
- Philadelphia Eagles (10-5)
- Houston Texans (10-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-4)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-4)
- San Francisco 49ers (11-4)
- Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-4)
- Chicago Bears (11-4)
- New England Patriots (12-3)
- Denver Broncos (12-3)
- Seattle Seahawks (12-3)