The Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants will face off on Sunday in NFL action at MetLife Stadium. This matchup brings two teams looking to bounce back from underwhelming 2023 seasons, setting the stage for an interesting Week 1 showdown.
Minnesota Vikings Betting Preview
The Vikings are looking to turn things around after a disappointing 7-10 finish last year, placing them third in the NFC North, ahead of only the Chicago Bears. Minnesota began the 2023 season with promise, going 6-4, but managed just one win in their final seven games.
On a positive note, the Vikings had a strong preseason, winning all three of their games. They defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 24-23, followed by a 27-12 win over the Cleveland Browns, and capped off with a 26-3 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles.
New York Giants Betting Preview
The Giants also had a challenging 2023 season, finishing 6-11 after a 9-7-1 record the year prior. They placed third in the NFC East and missed the playoffs. Injuries, including one to quarterback Daniel Jones, heavily impacted their season.
New York started their preseason with a 14-3 win against the Detroit Lions, but their offense struggled in the subsequent games, scoring just 16 points combined in losses to the Houston Texans (28-10) and New York Jets (10-6).
Total Points Facts
- The Giants’ last 10 home openers have all gone under the total points line.
- The Vikings’ last six games as favorites have gone under the total points line.
- Three of the last four Sunday games at MetLife Stadium have gone over the total points line.
New York Giants Player Prop Facts
- Daniel Jones has scored at least one touchdown in each of his last two home games against NFC North opponents.
- Wan’Dale Robinson has recorded 47+ rushing and receiving yards in four of the Giants’ last five games as home underdogs against NFC opponents.
- Daniel Jones has recorded 217+ passing yards in each of his last five games as an underdog against NFC North opponents.
- Devin Singletary has recorded 11+ receiving yards in each of his last four games as an underdog.
- Daniel Jones has recorded 34+ rushing yards in each of his last five games against NFC North opponents.
- Daniel Jones has completed 21+ passes in seven of his last eight games as an underdog against NFC North opponents.
- Kayvon Thibodeaux ranked T3rd in the NFL for quarterback hurries (18) last season.
Minnesota Vikings Player Prop Facts
- Aaron Jones has scored two or more touchdowns in three of his last four September games as a favorite.
- Aaron Jones has scored at least one touchdown in seven of his last eight September games as a favorite.
- Aaron Jones has recorded 108+ rushing yards in each of his last five appearances.
- Justin Jefferson has recorded 85+ rushing and receiving yards in seven of his last eight regular-season games as a favorite against NFC opponents.
- Aaron Jones has recorded 17+ receiving yards in each of his last seven regular-season games against NFC East opponents.
- Nick Mullens threw the most interceptions in a single game last season (4 vs. Lions, Week 16).
Matchup/League Facts
- The Giants ranked 32nd in the NFL in Q1 points per game (1.5) last season.
- The Giants ranked 31st in the NFL in passing yards per game (169.8) last season.
- The Vikings ranked 1st in the NFL in forced fumbles (22) last season.
- The Vikings ranked T30th in the NFL in H2 win percentage (23.5) last season.
New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings Prediction
I’m leaning toward the Giants at home, though this game could go either way. Both teams are predicted to struggle in 2024, making for what could be a closely contested matchup.
Offensively, there are questions on both sides. With the departure of Saquon Barkley in free agency, the Giants will need to find new ways to generate offensive production. Meanwhile, the Vikings have a defensive line that could make things difficult for New York.
Overall, I don't anticipate a high-scoring game. The under is a popular play, given the defensive capabilities and offensive uncertainties of both teams. This matchup looks like it could go either way, making it a coin flip for bettors when considering the spread.