Vikings Preview Against the Giants

The Minnesota Vikings have had a great season, finishing with a 13-4 record and hosting a home playoff game this weekend. They take on a Giants team that they beat just a couple weeks ago in a tough one. Now they have to meet again in what should be a good battle. 

1. The first key for Minnesota to pull out the win against the Giants is getting the offense in a rhythm. Typically Kirk does best when the game is smooth and the best way to do that is keep him protected and get him connecting with Jefferson and Hockenson early. Jefferson and Hockenson combined for over 225 yards against the Giants last time and they will need to do that again if they want to win. 

2. Stop the Giants‘ running game. The last time these two teams met Saquon had a big game and got the game-tying touchdown on a 4th and short run. The Vikings need to take the Giants best offensive weapon out of the game and force Daniel Jones to pass the ball. It will be his first playoff game and in Minnesota it will be important to get him rattled. 

3. Pick up the Giants’ blitz defense and come in with a good game plan. Since they met fairly recently, each team has a good sense of what they like doing. For the Giants, one of the things they like to do is blitz. With the injuries to Brian O’Neill on our offensive line we are going to need to make sure Kirk is protected. Whether that is blocking tight ends or shorter routes, we need to go in with a good game plan against a well-coached Giants team. 

4. Most importantly, just find a way to win. The Vikings won a lot of close games this year: they are 11-0 in one possession games. It doesn’t matter how you win, as long as you win. Just find a way like we have all season.