Published on: December 27, 2025, 05:05h.

Updated on: December 27, 2025, 05:13h.

• Raiders announce Pro Bowler DE Maxx Crosby will be sidelined due to injury
• New York Giants are favored against the Raiders in Las Vegas tomorrow
• NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights resume play tonight against the Avalanche post-Christmas

In a significant update from the Las Vegas professional sports betting scene, the NFL’s Raiders have decided to bench Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby for the crucial matchup against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium due to a knee injury.

According to Jay Glazer, Crosby was visibly upset with the decision to bench him, stating that he “strongly disagreed” and left the Raiders’ facility. The outcome of tomorrow’s game could impact which team finishes last in the NFL, granting the loser the first overall pick in this spring’s NFL Draft.

Las Vegas Betting Insights: Quest for the Bottom

Fans tracking the Raiders this season are well aware that a quarterback is desperately needed, with Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza waiting to be picked first.

Raiders’ head coach Pete Carroll addressed the media, saying: “[Crosby’s] been battling this issue for nine weeks, putting in an extraordinary effort to play despite his condition. After our evaluations this week, it just became evident that he couldn’t continue.

If it were up to him, he would play, and he would have jumped at the chance. He’s been incredibly determined throughout this ordeal. However, given his current state, he expressed a desire to leave, and I supported his decision. It is critical for his health, and to ensure we made the right choice for his long-term recovery.”

Carroll expressed confidence that this decision would not strain the team’s relationship with Crosby and left open the possibility of his return for the last game of the season against Kansas City. Crosby, in his seven-year tenure with the Raiders, is a five-time Pro Bowler, recording 73 tackles and 10 sacks this season, and recently signed a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension.

Giants as Slight Betting Favorites

Speculation surrounding the Raiders intentionally losing to improve their draft position started to circulate alongside discussions about Crosby’s future with the team, with the Bears and Bills mentioned as landing spots.

“I don’t care about the draft pick,” Crosby stated earlier this week. “My responsibility is to perform as the best defensive end possible. I focus on being an effective leader and impacting my teammates. Whether we get the number one pick or not is irrelevant to me.”

The kickoff for the Giants (2-13) versus the Raiders (2-13) is set for 4:05 p.m. EST tomorrow. Betting odds reveal DraftKings’ money line for the Giants at -142, with the Raiders at +120. The spread is Giants -2.5 (-112) and Raiders +2.5 (-108). FanDuel lists the ML as Raiders -148 and +126 for the Giants, while BetMGM shows Giants at -115 (53% of bets and 62% of handle), and Raiders at -105.

Injury Report

Other than Crosby, OT Kolton Miller has been ruled out due to an ankle injury. TE Brock Bowers remains on injured reserve with a knee issue, while RB Raheem Mostert (ankle/knee) and WR Jack Bech (back) are listed as questionable for the Raiders.

For the Giants, DL DJ Davidson (neck), OL Evan Neal (neck), S Tyler Nubin (neck), T Andrew Thomas (hamstring), and WR Beaux Collins (neck) are all sidelined. C John Michael Schmitz (finger), CB Cordale Flott (knee), DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches (ankle), and OL Joshua Ezeudu (calf) are questionable for tomorrow’s game.

Avalanche Set to Face Golden Knights

In NHL news, the strong-performing Colorado Avalanche visit T-Mobile Arena tonight to compete against the Golden Knights as teams return from the holiday break. The Avalanche, on a six-game winning streak, are -145 favorites at BetMGM, while the Golden Knights are at +120.

The Avalanche boast a record of 27-2-7, placing them first in the Central Division, while Vegas stands at 17-8-10, leading the Pacific Division.

Las Vegas Sports Betting: Injury Updates

No injuries have been reported for either team. Colorado has excelled with a 12-2-5 record on the road and a 27-2-7 tally overall. Vegas has achieved an 8-4-5 record at home. Former Maple Leaf Mitch Marner has been impressive for Vegas, with four goals and nine assists in the last ten games.

In their last ten games, Vegas has posted a 6-2-2 record while averaging 3.3 goals, 6.3 assists, 2.8 penalties, and 6.4 penalty minutes per game, allowing 2.5 goals. The Avalanche hold a record of 8-1-1, averaging 3.6 goals, 6.8 assists, 3.2 penalties, and 6.7 penalty minutes, allowing just 2.2 goals per game.