Giants vs. Vikings Point Spread: Sunday Night Football

The New York Giants are still in the hunt to win the NFC East and a win against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football would do a lot to help their chances. Without a division title, the Giants won’t make the playoffs, but the Vikings need a win to both hold on to the second Wild Card spot in the NFC and could have a chance at the NFC North pending how the last two weeks of the season play out. With the point spread favoring Minnesota at -6, things aren’t looking good for the Giants.

Sunday Night Football: New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings

Point Spread: Vikings -6
Over/under: 45.5
Date: Sunday, December 27, 8:30pm ET
Location: TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN

New York Giants

Odell Beckham, Jr has the third most yards in the NFL on the season at 1,396 and is tied for first with move touchdown passes at 13. That type of production sure would be useful down the stretch when a playoff berth is at stake, but Beckham finds himself appealing a one-game suspension after his match up against Carolina’s Josh Norman. If his suspension is upheld, New York’s offense will look drastically different and could see their playoff hopes evaporate in the cold Minnesota air.

There’s little consolation on the defensive side of the ball as the +6 underdog Giants are ranked dead last in total defense, giving up a whopping 423 total yards per game. The secondary has been most susceptible and faces quarterback Teddy Bridgewater as he’s begun to heat up as the season progresses. Add in the leagues leading rusher in Adrian Peterson and this looks like a truly over-matched defense that could find itself on the wrong side of a lopsided score quickly.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings have had trouble dominating teams that struggle offensively, so this game against the Giants is a chance to make the right statement heading into their Week 17 showdown against the Packers. With New York’s best player potentially sidelined, Minnesota can allocate more resources on defense to making Eli Manning uncomfortable in the pocket. Without much of a threat in the running game, the Vikings can help put this one out of reach for the offense early.

When you’re facing one of the worst passing defenses in the league, it’s time to take some shots downfield. Bridgewater has lacked big play ability down field all season, but with a bad Giant’s secondary, it might be time to get some confidence throwing deep. With Peterson forcing defenses to play honest, Minnesota should test rookie speedster Stefon Diggs go-route. If they can get their passing game to the same level as the running game, they’ll roll.

Sunday Night Football Prediction

The Giants always find a way to make thing interesting week after week but don’t have the closing ability to win a game against the Vikings. Their playoff hopes will take a big hit, while the Vikings will clinch their spot in the post-season with a win over New York.

Vikings, 27-20