Vikings Look to Keep Rolling as They Head to MetLife to Face Struggling Giants
The Minnesota Vikings are hitting the road for the final time this regular season, and they’re doing it with some serious momentum. Winners of two straight, the Vikings are eyeing a third consecutive victory when they take on the New York Giants this Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Minnesota is coming off back-to-back statement wins - a 31-0 shutout against the Commanders followed by a 34-26 primetime win over the Cowboys. That’s not just a hot streak, that’s a team finding its identity at just the right time.
The defense has been flying around, creating pressure, forcing mistakes, and setting the tone early. But the real headline might be the emergence of rookie quarterback J.J.
McCarthy, who’s starting to look like the guy the Vikings hoped he’d become. He’s accounted for three touchdowns in each of the last two games, showing poise, confidence, and a growing command of the offense.
Now they’ll face a Giants team that’s simply trying to get to the finish line. New York enters this matchup at 2-12, riding an eight-game losing streak and firmly in the running for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Since parting ways with head coach Brian Daboll and handing interim duties to offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, the Giants have gone 0-4 - including a home loss to the same Commanders team the Vikings just dominated.
These two teams already saw each other once this season, back in the 2024 opener at MetLife. That day, Minnesota cruised to a 28-6 win - and while a lot has changed since then, the Vikings are hoping for a similar result this time around.
After this road trip, Minnesota will close out the regular season with two home games against NFC North rivals - the Lions on Christmas Day and the Packers in Week 18. Depending on how things shake out over the next few weeks, those games could carry serious playoff implications.
For the first time since their Week 5 game in London against the Browns, the Vikings enter this matchup as betting favorites - currently laying 2.5 points on the road. That’s a nod to their recent form and the direction both teams are trending.
Injury Report: Offensive Line Concerns Mounting
Wednesday’s initial injury reports brought some potential headaches for Minnesota - particularly up front. If you’re keeping track, 60% of the starting offensive line didn’t practice to open the week. That’s not the kind of stat you want heading into a road game, even against a struggling opponent.
Running back Ty Chandler and tight end Nick Bartholomew are both in their 21-day practice windows as they work their way back from injured reserve and the PUP list, respectively. They don’t yet count against the 53-man roster, but with two open spots available following the placement of Jonathan Greenard and Josh Metellus on IR, the Vikings have some flexibility if they want to activate one or both.
The offensive line situation will be one to monitor closely as the week progresses. Protecting McCarthy has been a key part of his recent success, and with the rookie gaining confidence, keeping him upright is priority No. 1.
Kickoff Info
Sunday’s game kicks off at noon Central and will be broadcast on FOX, including KMSP-9 in the Twin Cities. With playoff hopes still alive, the Vikings are heading into New Jersey with something to play for - and a chance to keep building on a late-season surge that’s starting to feel very real.