The Giants take on the Vikings on Christmas Eve at 1 p.m. The Vikings are a confounding team. They have the second-best record in the NFC at 11-3 but have only outscored their opponents by a cumulative two points this season. Much like the Giants, they have excelled in close games, going 10-0 in one-possession contests. They are coming off the biggest comeback victory in NFL history, overcoming a 33-0 deficit to beat the Colts, 39-36, in overtime last Saturday afternoon.
When the Vikings have the ball…
Numbers to Know
-2.9%: Offensive DVOA – 20th in the NFL
The Vikings can best be described as a high-volume offense. Their efficiency stats, such as DVOA, aren't great, but they average 25.1 points per game, which ranks eighth in the NFL. No team has had more than the Vikings' 168 offensive possessions and they rank fifth in the NFL in first downs per game. They rank seventh in passing yards per game (259.7) but only 15th in passing yards per play (6.53).
63.5%: Red zone touchdown rate – 7th best in the NFL
This is a big reason why the Vikings' scoring numbers outdo their efficiency numbers. When they get the ball in the red zone they tend to score touchdowns more often than other teams. The Vikings have 52 red zone drives this season, which is tied for second in the NFL. The Vikings are eighth in scoring at 25.1 points per game.
35.4%: rush rate – 3rd lowest in NFL
The Vikings are a passing team ranking in the bottom quarter of the league in rush rate on first downs and in the first halves of games. They only average 95.4 rushing yards per game, which is the fifth-lowest in the NFL. Kirk Cousins ranks fourth in passing attempts.
5.29: yards per first down – 22nd in the NFL
40%: 3rd down conversion rate – 16th in the NFL
These two numbers are great examples of the middling efficiency numbers that the Vikings have that show why they have been unstoppable offensively at times, but also inconsistent. The Vikings are excellent on third downs between 4-6 yards, converting 51.4% of the time, which is sixth in the league. They struggle on 3rd- and 4th-and-1, converting just 60% of the time (22nd).
36.7%: Pressure rate allowed (28th in the NFL)
The Vikings' offensive line has allowed 41 sacks this year, which is the sixth-most in the NFL. Christian Darrisaw has been one of the best left tackles in football this year, and Brian O'Neill has been good at right tackle. Garrett Bradbury is undersized but solid at center. Guards Ezra Cleveland and rookie Ed Ingram have combined allowed 45 and 55 pressures each this season, to top the Vikings, according to Pro Football Focus. They have tracked Ingram with allowing nine sacks.
Players to Watch
Kirk Cousins: Cousins is putting together another productive season. His 3818 passing yards ranks sixth. He does most of his damage through the air, averaging only 4.56 yards after the catch per reception, which is the sixth-lowest rate among qualifying quarterbacks. He has 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions to go along with five fumbles.
The Vikings are tied for the 12th-most completions of 20+ yards in the league with 43. The Vikings have a 101.8 quarterback rating on pass attempts that travel 20+ yards in the air. The Vikings run play-action on 29.3% of their dropbacks (12th in the league according to PFF), to help set-up chunk plays down the field.
According to Pro Football Focus, Cousins has not fared well against the blitz this year. Amongst the 23 quarterbacks that have at least 100 dropbacks against the blitz this year, Cousins has the lowest quarterback rating (75.6) and third-lowest PFF passing grade (54.0). He ha completed 75 of 143 passes for six touchdowns, two interceptions and six turnover-worthy throws vs. four big-time throws.
Dalvin Cook: Cook already has eight rushing touchdowns and 1,045 yards on 4.54 yard per carry. He has 27 runs of 10+ yards, which is tied for ninth in the NFL, according to PFF. He also has 33 catches for 265 yards.
The Vikings are an extremely heavy zone run concept team. According to PFF, of their 331 rushing attempts this season, the Vikings have 192 using outside zone and inside zone. 134 of those are outside zone plays. Dalvin Cook has terrific speed and Alexander Mattison may be one of the best backup running backs in the league but has 52 carries this season.
Key Matchup: Justin Jefferson vs. Fabian Moureau and Darnay Holmes
Justin Jefferson has been the best wide receiver in football this season, leading then NFL in targets (158), receptions (111) and yards (1,623). He has a legitimate chance to go over 2,000 yards with three games remaining. He is tied for the seventh in receiving touchdowns with seven.
Fabian Moureau has taken the other team's top wide receiver when he is lined up outside, but Jefferson spends anywhere from 12-25 snaps per game in the slot, where he would likely be covered by Darnay Holmes. Both cornerbacks, along with Nick McCloud will have their hands full with a receiver that has no obvious weaknesses. He has excellent hands, can win contested catches, is one of the best route runners in the league, and has the speed to run by defenders.
Keys for the Giants' defense
* Pressure Cousins up the middle
* Be gap-disciplined and set the edge vs. the outside zone to prevent big plays to Dalvin Cook
* Don't let Justin Jefferson wreck the game
View rare photos from the all-time series between the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan is interviewed by Terry Bradshaw after winning the NFC championship game against the Minnesota Vikings Jan. 14, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Vikings 41-0. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giant's quarterback Fran Tarkenton looks for a down-field receiver as he gets set to pass while being chased by Minnesota Viking's Jim Marshall in first half of National Football League game in Twin Cities on Sunday, Nov. 5, 1967 in Minneapolis. Tarkenton threw three touchdown passes to give him total of 19 touchdown passes for the season, best in the NFL. (AP Photo)
Vikings running back Oscar Reed, 32, is stopped on the two yard line by N.Y. Giants line backer Jim Files, 58, and defensive tackle Jim Kanicki, 73, during third quarter action at New York's Yankee Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 31, 1971. (AP Photo/ Harry Harris
Fran Tarkenton, N.Y. Giants' quarterback, begins first quarter completed pass to fullback Allen Jacobs in NFL exhibition game against the Vikings, Aug. 22, 1967 in New Haven, Ct. The Vikings are Tarkenton?s former team. (AP Photo)
Vikings tight end John Hilton (85) misses a long pass from quarterback Gary Cuozzo, not shown, during third quarter action at Yankee Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 31, 1971, New York. Defending for the N.Y. Giants are defensive back Carl Lockhart (43) and Scott Eaton (20). (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Minnesota Viking?s pass receiver Bill Brown (30) holds hands out but ball bounces off his helmet as New York Giant?s defender Bill Swain (52) watches Brown during first half of National Football League game in Twin Cities at Minneapolis, on Sunday, Nov. 5, 1967. Viking quarterback Joe Kapp attempted the pass. Minnesota downed New York, 27-24. (AP Photo/RW)
Minnesota Vikings Herschel Walker rushes for yardage against the New York Giants in the first quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Oct. 30, 1989. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Minnesota Vikings running back Herschel Walker (34) leaps over a fallen teammate during an NFL football game against the New York Giants in November 1989. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants end Leonard Marshall celebrates his second quarter sack of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tommy Krammer in Monday's 24-14 win at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Oct. 31, 1989. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor, left, hugs backup quarterback Jeff Hostetler after Hostetler handed off for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of their 24-14 win over the Minnesota Vikings at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Oct. 31, 1989. The two were instrumental in the come-from-behind win. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler rushes for yardage as he is tackled by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Mike Merriweather in the third quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey Monday, Oct. 31, 1989. Hostetler came off the bench to substitute for injured Phil Simms to lead the Giants over the Vikings 24-14. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) calls signals at the line of scrimmage during a 17 - 10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the 1993 NFC Wild Card Playoff Game on Jan. 9, 1994 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms looks to handoff during the Giants 17-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the 1993 NFC Wild Card Playoff Game on January 9, 1994 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Warren Moon, left, fights New York Giants right end Michael Strahan, center, after Moon fumbled during first period action of their NFL game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Monday, Oct. 10, 1994. Giants cornerback Phillippi Sparks (22) is at right. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) is seen in action during a post season NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings Dec. 27, 1997, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms sets to pass during the Giants 17-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the 1993 NFC Wild Card Playoff Game on January 9, 1994 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Minnesota Vikings running back Terry Allen (21) is set to recover a fumble by Vikings quarterback Warren Moon, right, as New York Giants left end Keith Hamilton (75) watches during first period action of their NFL game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Monday, Oct. 10, 1994. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Minnesota Vikings Cris Carter laterals the ball as he is hit by New York Giants Everson Walls, left, and Myron Guyton in the third quarter of play at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 9, 1990. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants head coach Dan Reeves, left, congratulates linebacker Lawrence Taylor after the last defensive series of the NFC playoff win over the Minnesota Vikings at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, Sunday, Jan. 9, 1994. The Giants won 17-10 and will face the San Francisco 49ers next. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) is seen in action during a post season NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings Dec. 27, 1997, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) is seen in action during a post season NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings Dec. 27, 1997, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) is seen in action during a post season NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings Dec. 27, 1997, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) intercepts a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter (80) during an 2000 NFC Championship NFL game on January 14, 2001. The Giants defeated the Vikings 41-0. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants fullback Greg Comella (34) celebrates with wide receiver Ike Hilliard (88) after making a touchdown during an NFL playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings Jan. 14, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Vikings 41-0. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Joe Jurevicius (84) catches a pass for a touchdown during an NFL playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings Jan 14, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Vikings 41-0. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) carries against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Championship game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Sunday January 14, 2001. The Giants meet the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XXXV Sunday Jan. 28, 2001 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cris Carter is stopped by New York Giants linebackers Mike Barrow, left rear, and Jessie Armstead (98), and safety Shaun Williams (36) during the fourth quarter of the NFC championship Sunday, Jan. 14, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants reached their first Super Bowl in a decade with a 41-0 romp past the Vikings, the biggest rout in NFC championship history. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper (11) is sacked by New York Giants' Cedric Jones (94) during the second quarter of the NFC championship Sunday, Jan. 14, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants wide receiver Ike Hilliard (88) leaves behind Minnesota Vikings cornerback Denard Walker, left, and linebacker Greg Biekert (54) as he runs into the end zone on a 19-yard touchdown pass from Giants quarterback Kerry Collins during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2003. At rear is Giants tackle Ian Allen. (AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, left, throws the ball as he is pressured by New York Giants' Bryan Kehl, left, Dave Tollefson (71) and Jerome McDougle (95) during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
New York Giants linebacker Kevin Lewis (59) fends off Minnesota Vikings running back Mewelde Moore, left, as he returns a fumble by Moore for 16 yards during the first quarter in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004. The Giants beat the Vikings 34-13. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) finds his way through a pack of players on a 5-yard touchdown run during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
New York Giants wide receiver Willie Ponder (87) evades Minnesota Vikings linebacker Raonall Smith, left, and cornerback Brian Williams (29) on a 3-yard gain during the first quarter in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
Minnesota Vikings' Brian Russell (27) and Chris Claiborne tackle New York Giants tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (82) as he pulls in a five-yard pass from Kurt Warner. The catch set up a two-yard touchdown run by Michael Cloud in the fourth quarter Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004 in Minneapolis. The Giants beat the Vikings 34-13. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Laroni Gallishaw, left, holds on to the towel of New York Giants running back Tiki Barber as he slips past in the third quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) breaks a tackle by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Ralph Brown as he gains 48 yards on a pass play during the second quarter Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) pulls in a 23-yard pass from quarterback David Carr in front of Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield, left, during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Minneapolis on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008. The Vikings beat the Giants 20-19. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning runs upfield for a 14-yard gain in the first quarter as the Minnesota Vikings' C.J. Mosley, left, and Spencer Johnson, right, defend at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The New York Giants' Damane Duckett, top center, gets a hand up to block a kick by the Minnesota Vikings' Paul Edinger at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brad Johnson, right is pressured by New York Giants defensive tackle Fred Robbins during the fourth quarter Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Vikings beat the Giants 24-21. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants cornerback Will Allen, left, breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Minnesota Vikings' Randy Moss, right, in the first quarter Monday night, Nov. 19, 2001 in Minneapolis. Allen was charged with pass interference, setting up Moss for a 28-yard touchdown pass from Vikings Daunte Culpepper on the next play. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Monday October 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. New York won 23-7. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Monday, Oct. 3, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
The New York Giants and the Minnesota Vikings meet during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Monday, Dec. 13, 2010. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) is brought down by New York Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty (99) in the first half of their NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Monday, Dec. 13, 2010. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
The Minnesota Vikings offensive line lines up against the New York Giants defensive line during an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 49-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Benny Sapp (22) pulls on New York Giants wide receiver Ramses Barden's (13) jersey during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. The Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7. (AP Photo/Hannah Foslien)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 3: Defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka #94 of the New York Giants jumps on running back Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings for a tackle at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on January 3, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 3: Defensive end Osi Umenyoira #72 of the New York Giants runs in pursuit against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on January 3, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. The Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7. (AP Photo/Hannah Foslien)
New York Giants linebacker Danny Clark (55) celebrates after tacking Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson in the first quarter during an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) greets Minnesota Vikings Brett Favre after the Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7 in an NFL football game in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Andy King)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Asher Allen, right, brings down New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon, left, on a kick return during an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw runs into Minnesota Vikings safety Jamarca Sanford, right (33), and Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield in the second quarter as Minnesota Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7 in an NFL football game in Minneapolis Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010.(AP Photo/Andy King)
New York Giants running back Danny Ware (28) carries the ball during the fouth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 against Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. The Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7. (AP Photo/Hannah Foslien)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Freeman during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Minnesota Vikings' Chris Cook (20) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) avoids Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) and Josh Robinson (21) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) during a week 7 football game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) points out defensive players during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Minnesota Vikings during a week 7 football game on October 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara (20) breaks up a pass to Minnesota Vikings' Jerome Simpson (81) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants middle linebacker Jon Beason (52) leaps on the back of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) as he runs the ball for a fourth quarter first down during the NFL week 7 football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J.. The Giants won the game 23-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Minnesota Vikings' Chris Cook (20) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Peyton Hillis (44) rushes as Minnesota Vikings strong safety Andrew Sendejo (34) trails the play during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) leaps and makes a one handed interception of a third quarter pass intended for Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) during the NFL week 7 football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J.. The Giants won the game 23-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants tight end Bear Pascoe (86) leaps over Minnesota Vikings' Jamarca Sanford (33) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) takes part in a week 4 regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Sunday October 6th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
The New York Giants defense takes part in a week 4 regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Sunday October 6th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
WR Sterling Shepard (87)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) makes a touchdown catch in a week 4 regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Sunday October 6th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
WR Sterling Shepard (87)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) takes part in a week 4 regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Sunday October 6th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (82) catches a 2 point conversion during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Landon Collins (21), Brian Daboll Head Coach
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants safety Landon Collins (21) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
When the Giants have the ball…
Numbers to Know
399.2: Yards allowed per game by the Vikings defense – most in the NFL
The Vikings' defense gives up a lot of yards. Their 5.94 yards allowed per play is the second-highest in the league. They especially struggle against the pass, allowing the second-most passing yards per game (278.8 yards) and the third-most passing yards per play (7.49). No one has allowed more than the 190 first downs the Vikings have allowed via the pass.
53: 20+ yard completions allowed – 3rd most in the NFL
The Vikings have fallen victim to the big play often this season. Only one team has allowed more than their 62 overall plays of more than 20 yards. The Vikings have also allowed more scores to originate from outside the red zone than any other NFL team (129 points). Only one team has allowed more air yards on pass plays (1841). The Vikings plays two-high safety zone coverage about 50% of the time, with Cover-3 (single-high safety zone with three deep) sprinkled in just under 30% of the time, according to Pro Football Focus. They do not play man defense much, with just 15% of their snaps in Cover-one, Cover-0 or 2-man.
33.1%: Pressure rate – 18th in the NFL
The Vikings have 33 sacks this year, which is ranked 17 in the NFL. Their 21.6% blitz rate is the 22nd-most frequent in the NFL.
55.8%: Red zone touchdown rate allowed
38.3%: 3rd down conversion rate allowed
The Vikings are solid with their situational football, which is one reason they only allow 24.9 points per game, which ranks fifth. They struggle a bit more on first downs, where they allow 5.75 yards per carry (24th) and their 19% twist/stunt rate is the sixth-lowest in the NFL.
+4: Turnover ratio
The Vikings have 21 takeaways this season, which is tied for eighth-highest in the NFL.
Players to Watch
Za'Darius Smith: Za'Darius Smith lines up all over the field, so it will the job of the entire Giants' offensive line to slow him down. He will take snaps over the right tackle, left tackle, and they will even stand him up over the guard or center to rush the passer. Smith leads the team with 10 sacks, 21 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and 15 tackles for loss. PFF has tracked Smith with 76 pressures this year, second to only Nick Bosa (77). Smith (6-4, 272) has the ability to win in a lot of different ways.
Danielle Hunter: Hunter will also play both sides of the defensive line. He is second on the team with 8.5 sacks, 16 quarterback hits, and 12 tackles for loss.
Patrick Peterson: At 32 years old, Peterson no longer has the 4.31 speed he flashed when he was drafted fifth overall in 2011, but he is having one of his best coverage seasons in years. He has three interceptions and a team-leading 13 pass break-ups. According to PFF, he has allowed 38 catches for 440 yards and two touchdowns. He plays almost exclusively at left cornerback.
Eric Kendricks and Jordan Hicks: Kendricks and Hicks lead the Vikings in tackles with 119 and 112, respectively. Kendricks has eight tackles for loss and five passes defended, while Hicks has nine passes defended, three sacks and two tackles for loss. They rarely leave the field as the two primary linebackers.
Key Matchup: Harrison Smith vs. Daniel Jones: A 2012 first round pick, Harrison Smith, now 33 years old, is still one of the smartest safeties and best ball hawks in the NFL. He leads the Vikings with five interceptions and is second with 10 passes defended. Smith will split his time between playing near the line of scrimmage and as the team's deep safety, but spends more time further away from the line of scrimmage.
Keys for the Giants' offense
* Generate big plays in the passing game
* Know where Za'Darius Smith is lined up at all times
* Be careful throwing in the direction of Patrick Peterson and Harrison Smith
