The New York Giants are the 3rd NFC East team to make the playoffs this season and travel to Minnesota (-3) in the wildcard round. In a weekend filled with storylines, this game feels the most overlooked. Many are disbelievers in Minnesota due to their uncanny ability to win close games this season and their less than stellar defense. Since meeting on Christmas Eve where Minnesota won 27-24, the Vikings have gotten more banged up. They are down to their 3rd string Center and backup Right Tackle. The Giants on the other hand have gotten healthier. Xav ier McKinney and Adoree Jackson will be back; both missed the Christmas Day game. This game is the one I feel least certain in the outcome all weekend. The Giants have the potential for an upset and Minnesota can jump out early, leaving New York with a lopsided offensive attack that they have not been able to execute much all season. I'll leave my heart out of this one and go with Minnesota Vikings win, 31-20.
Greg Joseph (MIN) over 1.5 Fields Goals Made (-105)
In the playoffs, points are at a premium. You see teams test the waters on 4th down inside their own 20 very often in the regular season, but the mentality becomes much more conservative in the playoffs. The Giants red zone defense strengthened over the last 3 games, allowing a touchdown in 45% of the time. New York's defense has gained two key pieces in Xavier McKinney and Adoree Jackson should help limit TJ Hockenson. I wouldn't dare suggest that Jackson could limit Justin Jefferson, but his presence can only help.' In addition to the secondary help, DL Leonard Williams and OLB Azeez Ojulari will return for Big Blue this weekend, after Williams missed the Christmas Eve game and Ojulari left early.
Kicker Greg Joseph attempted 2+ FGA in 11 of 17 games this season, netting 2 in 8 contests. While Joseph has not been perfect this season, his troubles stem beyond that 50-yard mark. Within 50 yards, Joseph is 22/23 on the season. The angle behind this play is that the game is indoors, and Minnesota will take the points whenever they present themselves. Minnesota is 22nd overall in 4th down conversions on the season (47%) and converting only 33% over the last 3 games. 1U