Vikings vs. Giants: Minnesota Looks to Keep Momentum Rolling in Week 16 Clash at MetLife
The Minnesota Vikings are heading to the East Coast with something they haven’t had all season-momentum. After stringing together back-to-back wins for the first time this year, the Vikings are starting to find a rhythm, and they'll look to keep it going Sunday against a struggling New York Giants team that’s endured a brutal stretch.
Kickoff Details:
- Matchup: Minnesota Vikings (6-8) at New York Giants (2-12)
- Time: Noon CT
- Location: MetLife Stadium, New York
- Watch: FOX 9, FOX ONE
Before kickoff, fans can catch Vikings GameDay Live from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on FOX 9 or stream it on the FOX LOCAL app, FOX9.com, or your mobile device. Postgame coverage continues with Vikings Postgame Tonight at 10:35 p.m. and the Vikings Now podcast, available on all major platforms and streaming on FOX LOCAL and YouTube.
Vikings Riding a Wave
For the first time all season, Minnesota has stacked two wins in a row-and it’s not just the results, it’s how they’re getting them. Rookie quarterback J.J.
McCarthy is starting to look more comfortable under center, and it showed in a breakout performance last week against Dallas. McCarthy threw for a career-high 250 yards and accounted for three total touchdowns in a 34-26 primetime win.
In three of his four wins this season, McCarthy has delivered a consistent formula: two touchdowns through the air and one on the ground. It’s the kind of dual-threat production that energizes an offense and gives defenses headaches. He’s not just managing games anymore-he’s starting to take control of them.
The offense will be hoping for the return of left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who missed last week with a knee injury. His presence on the blind side would be a major boost, especially with edge rusher Jonathan Greenard now officially out for the season. Greenard is set to undergo surgery on his left shoulder, a tough blow to a defense that’s leaned on his pass-rushing ability.
Giants in Freefall
The Giants, meanwhile, are in a much different place. They’ve dropped eight straight and come into this game at 2-12, with a roster that’s been hit hard by injuries and instability.
Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart is now at the helm, trying to navigate a tough situation after the team parted ways with head coach Brian Daboll earlier in the season. It’s been a trial by fire for Dart, who’s had to step in behind a shaky offensive line and without his top weapon, wide receiver Malik Nabers. Nabers is out for the season after tearing his ACL, removing one of the few bright spots from New York’s offense.
What to Watch For
This game is a tale of two teams heading in opposite directions. The Vikings are still clinging to playoff hopes and developing a young quarterback who’s showing real signs of growth. The Giants, meanwhile, are deep into evaluation mode, looking to see what pieces might be part of the rebuild.
If McCarthy continues to progress and the Vikings can protect him-especially if Darrisaw returns-Minnesota has a real chance to keep building toward a strong finish. For the Giants, it’s about finding any spark they can to stop the bleeding and give their fans something to cheer for in the final stretch.
Sunday’s game may not carry national playoff implications, but for the Vikings, it’s a chance to keep the arrow pointing up. And for McCarthy, it’s another opportunity to prove he’s not just the quarterback of the future-he’s the quarterback of right now.