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Giants at Vikings: Game preview, odds, prediction

By Dan Schmelzer

Dec 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) returns an interception for a touchdown during the second quarter against the New York Giants at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) returns an interception for a touchdown during the second quarter against the New York Giants at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Vikings will host the New York Giants on Monday Night Football in Week 4. Here’s what to watch for in the NFC showdown.

To finish off the NFL Week 4 slate, the Minnesota Vikings will host the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. This match-up between two NFC contenders could have serious post-season implications down the line.

The 3-0 Vikings are coming off of an incredibly impressive 22-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers last week. The Vikings have struggled with injuries this season, losing both starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and star running back Adrian Peterson.

That being said, the Vikings are led by arguably the best defensive unit in the NFL. From Everson Griffen, Linval Joseph, and Danielle Hunter wreaking havoc up front to an incredible linebacker group led by Anthony Barr and a strong and consistent secondary, the Vikings defense is loaded all over the field.

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Eli Manning and Odell Beckham lead a strong Giants offensive attack, but this Vikings defense can stop anybody. This battle between elite units will likely figure the winner of this game.

The Vikings defense is fantastic, but the Giants have greatly improved their defensive unit this season as well. The additions of DE Olivier Vernon, CB Janoris Jenkins, and DT Damon Harrison have significantly improved the Giants defense.

Jenkins has been a big-time playmaker in the secondary for the Giants. Teaming him with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and first-round rookie Eli Apple gives the Giants an incredibly exciting trio of cornerbacks to build around.

Sam Bradford has played well this season, but the Minnesota passing attack may struggle to move the ball through the air against this secondary. On top of that, Harrison is one of the best run defending defensive lineman in the NFL. He has made a significant impact for the Giants this season and will likely only continue to do so.

Vernon was the major free agent addition for the Giants this off-season, and he has made a massive impact for the team both against the run and pass. Vernon is an impact pass rusher who will create pressure on Bradford. Also, Vernon has been an elite run defender from the defensive end position. It will be interesting to see if Bradford and company will be able to move the ball against such an improved Giants defense.

Odds

Line: MIN -3.5

Over/under: 43.5

The Vikings have been incredible this season, making them the unsurprising favorites at home. The Giants are undoubtedly a worthy opponent, but the Vikings look to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender this season. They will be favorites at home against nearly anybody.

Prediction

I have a hard time seeing the Vikings offense putting up a lot of points in this one. That being said, their defense is so good that it is hard to pick against them.

With a strong pass rush and playmakers all over the field, the Giants offense will struggle to move the ball against Minnesota. Manning has always had issues with turnovers and this Vikings defense thrives on big plays.

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I would not be surprised to see the Vikings create a defensive touchdown, or at least an extremely short field or two for their offense.

Pick: Minnesota Vikings 24, New York Giants 17

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