Giants-Vikings Week 16 Preview: Momentum shifts as Minnesota visits New Jersey

The New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings will meet in Week 16 at MetLife Stadium, a late-season showdown that carries outsized implications for both franchises despite divergent records. New York stands 2-12 and is out of playoff contention, while Minnesota sits 4-10 but has stringing together a pair of wins and a string of points in recent weeks. The game is part of a Sunday slate that could influence offseason discussions as both teams seek to finish the season on a more competitive note.

Minnesota's offense has begun to click, scoring 65 points across consecutive victories after weeks of stagnation. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy has helped drive the uptick, using mobility to extend plays and keep drives alive. The Vikings have also shown punch near the goal line, ranking sixth in red-zone rushing efficiency. That efficiency places pressure on a Giants defense that has struggled financially with points and yards all season, a trend New York has not yet managed to reverse consistently. On the other side, the Giants have leaned on rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, whose mobility and growing touch have provided some bright moments, but the team as a whole has not sustained reliable scoring drives through the majority of games.

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From a market perspective, Minnesota’s offense carries the clearer ceiling in this matchup. The Vikings are favored by about 2.5 points, reflecting a belief that their late-season momentum and improved scoring efficiency will outpace a Giants squad that has struggled to constrain opponents and convert on opportunities. New York’s defense has yielded points and yards at a high rate, and their red-zone defense has been especially leaky, a vulnerability Minnesota hopes to exploit with McCarthy under center and efficient running from its backfield. Dart’s development will be tested by a pressure-heavy Vikings front, and how well he can translate improvisation into consistent drives could determine whether the Giants stay within the spread or fall behind early.

MetLife Stadium will serve as a stage for a late-season contest that could shape how both clubs approach the offseason. Minnesota will try to sustain the momentum that has characterized its recent performances and push toward a more favorable playoff posture, while New York will be looking for a victory that could provide a sliver of momentum as it reassesses personnel and schemes for 2026. Injuries, roster depth, and in-game adjustments will all play a substantial role in determining the final result in New Jersey.