Giants vs. Vikings, Week 16: A Battle of Pride, Draft Position, and Kicking Woes
The New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings square off this Sunday at MetLife Stadium, and while the playoff picture no longer includes either team, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing on the line. For the Giants, it’s about salvaging a shred of pride in a lost season-and maybe holding onto the top spot in the 2026 NFL Draft. For the Vikings, it’s a chance to keep building momentum and finish strong.
Let’s break down the key storylines heading into this Week 16 matchup.
Giants Eyeing the No. 1 Pick, Whether They Admit It or Not
At 2-12, the Giants are in pole position for the top overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. That’s not exactly a banner to wave proudly, but it’s the reality.
They’ve dropped eight straight games, and with just three contests left, they’re staring down the franchise’s worst season since 1974-the last time they finished with fewer than three wins. That was back in the 14-game era.
This is a new low in a longer season.
The Giants’ offense has sputtered, the defense has struggled to get stops, and injuries have piled up. But even in a season like this, there are still evaluations to be made, reps to be earned, and jobs to be fought for. And yes, draft position to consider.
Minnesota Playing Spoiler-and Playing Well
The Vikings, sitting at 6-8, are technically out of the playoff race, but they’re not playing like a team that’s packed it in. They’ve won two straight, including a dominant 34-point performance against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15. That kind of offensive output should raise some eyebrows-especially for a Giants defense that just gave up 29 points to a Commanders offense that’s been wildly inconsistent all year.
Two weeks ago, Minnesota blanked that same Washington team, 31-0. That’s not just winning-it’s imposing your will. The Vikings may not be heading to the postseason, but they’re clearly not mailing in December.
Kicking Carousel Continues in New York
The Giants’ placekicking situation has turned into a full-blown revolving door. This week, they’re on to their fourth kicker of the season after waiving veteran Younghoe Koo. Koo missed two 51-yard attempts in Sunday’s loss to Washington, and the week before that, a botched snap led to a missed opportunity-and an injury to holder Jamie Gillan.
It’s been a comedy of errors in the kicking game, but no one’s laughing in East Rutherford. Special teams miscues have cost the Giants dearly in close games, and with the offense already struggling to move the ball consistently, points are at a premium. Whoever lines up for kicks this Sunday will be under the microscope.
Caleb Murphy Claimed Off Waivers
One of the few benefits of holding the league’s worst record? Top waiver priority.
The Giants used it this week to claim outside linebacker Caleb Murphy from the Patriots. Murphy, a 6-foot-3, 254-pound pass rusher, entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023 with the Titans.
Murphy brings some upside as a developmental edge rusher, and with the Giants looking to build depth and identify future contributors, this is exactly the kind of low-risk, high-reward move they should be making. He may not make an immediate impact, but he’s a name to watch over the final few weeks.
Vegas Sees More Pain for Big Blue
The oddsmakers aren’t optimistic about the Giants snapping their losing streak. The Vikings come in as 2.5-point favorites, and given how the two teams are trending, that line feels generous to New York.
Last week’s home loss to Washington featured a half-empty MetLife Stadium and a crowd that reflected the team’s record-disengaged and disheartened. That home-field advantage? It’s more of a myth right now.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t a marquee matchup, and it won’t shake up the playoff picture. But there’s still plenty to watch.
Can the Giants stop the bleeding? Can the Vikings keep building on recent success?
Will the Giants’ kicking game finally stabilize-or cost them again?
And then there’s the draft. Every snap matters when the No. 1 pick is in play.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
For the Giants, it’s another shot to prove they haven’t quit. For the Vikings, it’s a chance to play spoiler and finish strong.
And for fans? It’s one more week of gritty, late-season football where pride, evaluation, and future stakes are all on the table.