The New York Football Giants control their own destiny. With three games left in the regular season, Big Blue can clinch a playoff spot with a win over the Vikings on Saturday. Other scenarios must also occur, but we won’t focus on that too much. After all, it’s best to only focus on what you can control.
Minnesota is no pushover. They have hovered around the top of the NFC for weeks now, and are nearly unbeatable at home. Quarterback Kirk Cousins and Co. have surprised many by earning an 11-3 record. Facing off against a seventh-ranked passing offense will not be easy, especially with New York’s injuries in the secondary.
But, this Giants team has shown they are not a pushover this year. So, how exactly can the Giants upset the Vikings in their stadium?
Letting Anyone Else But Justin Jefferson Beat You
You have to give respect when it’s due. The Vikings’ star wide receiver has been phenomenal this year, leading the league in receiving yards and receptions.
Cousins has depended on Jefferson more than ever this year. The wideout has ten games with double-digit targets, including four straight with at least 11 looks.
It will be tough to limit Jefferson, but it is not impossible. The Eagles, Cowboys, Lions, and Jets have all been able to limit him to under 50 receiving yards. We know New York won’t have cornerback Adoree Jackson once more. So, Fabian Moreau will be tasked with guarding the star receiver. Shadowing him with safety Julian Love may also prevent big plays down the field.
But, let’s keep this in mind. Guess who is sacked the fourth most this year? Yup, Minnesota’s very own Captain Kirk.
The Vikings have allowed defenses to sack their signal caller 40 times. Add in the fact that Minnesota won’t have starting center Garrett Bradbury available, and we should expect Wink Martindale to draw up blitzes and make Cousins’ day miserable.
We just saw the Giants’ defensive line fully healthy last week against Washington. Kayvon Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari, Leonard Williams, and Dexter Lawrence wreaked havoc against Taylor Heinicke. The Colts sacked Cousins seven times last week. Believe me when I say he will be shivering in his boots.
Daniel Jones Could Have A Field Day
Minnesota’s offense has been phenomenal this season. Their defense is the complete offense. In fact, they allow the most yards to offenses with 399.2 per game.
Points per game is another category to note. Minnesota has allowed 39, 34, 27, 33, and 40 points in their last five games respectively. If there was any game where the New York Giants could score 30 points for the first time in forever, this is it.
Although they are average against the run, they allow the second-most passing yards to opposing quarterbacks. Daniel Jones could potentially have the game of his life, regardless of who’s playing wide receiver.
Matter of fact, the guys Jones is throwing to are slowly getting better. Darius Slayton has been capable of being Jones’s favorite target at times, and Isaiah Hodgins is slowly becoming a steal from the Bills’ practice squad. Slot man Richie James has put his two punt return fumbles behind him and made key plays last week against Washington.
We saw Danny Dimes throw for over 300 yards against the Lions in week 11 this year. Another performance like that could present itself on Saturday.
Also, let’s not forget about Saquon Barkley. Minnesota allowed 171 rushing yards to a team without Jonathan Taylor. The Giants running back is due for a game with more than 100 yards rushing.
Score Prediction: New York Giants 29, Minnesota Vikings 21
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