NFL Wildcard Weekend: Giants at Vikings Prediction
NFL WILDCARD WEEKEND: GIANTS AT VIKINGS PREDICTION - The New York Giants are looking for revenge this weekend against the Minnesota Vikings in a crucial NFC playoff wildcard matchup Sunday at 4:30 ET.
I'm pumped for a healthy Giants team to seek revenge against a streaky Vikings club. Let's get to my analysis and prediction.
The Odds
Matchup |
Open |
Spread |
Points |
Moneyline |
Giants(9-7-1) |
+3 |
+3 |
o48 |
+135 |
Cowboys(10-4) |
u47.5 |
-3 |
u48 |
-155 |
Kickoff
When:Â Sunday, January 15th at 4:30 pm EST
Where:Â US Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
How to Watch: FOX
Public Bets:Â Giants, 54%
Public Money:Â Giants, 91%
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of January 14th, 2023
Three Keys to Success
The Dominant Giants Pass Rush
While the Vikings offensive line has been struggling recently, the Giants will have their defensive line at full strength. Their pass rush has been thriving this season, ranking 6th in league in rushing the passer with a win rate of 45%.
The Passing Game
The Vikings rank 31st in the league in passing defense and there is no denying that Daniel Jones has improved this season.
With a very poor WR core, Jones has been able to put up solid stats in the air and on the ground, ranking 7th in QBR.
Saquon Barkley has also been a huge factor in the passing game. He has caught 57 of his 76 targets this season and he has 338 receiving yards, averaging 5.9 yards per play this season in the passing game. He's a factor.
Stopping Justin Jefferson:
Giants CB Fabian Moreau couldn’t contain Justin Jefferson on Christmas Eve. Jefferson had 12 Catches, 133 receiving yards, and a TD in that game, including the crucial screen play that set up the Vikings game winning field goal.
The great news for the Giants is they will have CB Adoree’ Jackson and FS Xavier McKinney back in the secondary for this game. Both players were out on Christmas Eve due to injury and will be Major factors on containing Justin Jefferson for this Sunday’s game.
Crucial Matchups
Justin Jefferson Vs Adoree’ Jackson
Jackson’s play could very well determine the outcome of this game alone with how explosive Jefferson can be.
Dexter Lawrence Vs Garret Bradburry
The 2nd team all-pro defensive tackle, Dexter Lawrence, will be going against center Garrett Bradbury, who’s dealing with a back injury. Bradbury play against the Giants this Sunday, so look for Dexter to get to Kirk Cousins a few times in this game.
Saquon Vs. Vikings Rushing Defense
Saquon Barkley has had an incredible comeback year and against the Vikings 20th ranked rushing defense Saquon is absolutely a player to keep an eye on. The Vikings allow on average 123 rushing yards per game.
Injury Report
The Giants are going into this matchup at full strength, while the Minnesota Vikings have CB Cam Dantzler, S Harrison Smith, and RB Kene Nwangwu, listed as questionable.
The Vikings biggest loss heading into this week's matchup is franchise offensive tackle, Brian O’Neil, who partially tore his Achilles, He will not be playing this Sunday.
O’Neil is a massive loss for the O-line and was a huge factor when they played the giants on Christmas Eve. Holding star edge-rusher, Kayvon Thibodeaux, to zero sacks in that one.
Prediction
Daniel Jones and the Giants are heading into this game at full strength with revenge on their minds. They can absolutely pull off the upset at Minneapolis. Saquon Barkley will have a huge game and the Giants come away with the victory here.
Amazing go Gman….