It’s time for the NFL playoffs. The tournament of 16 teams has arrived, as the old sports cliches go. And the teams that didn’t make it are pondering why their seasons were complete disasters, while also positioning themselves for the NFL Draft the playoffs are here. Among the 16 teams that will play for the Super Bowl and Lombardi are the New York Giants.
The New York Giants are coming into the tournament for the first time since 2016, and are looking for a magical run. New York look to upset the Minnesota Vikings Sunday for their first playoff win since 2012. The Giants with their strong running game and stout defense hope to take down the Vikings in this potentially close game. With Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley leading the charge, the Giants hope they still have some magic left from their championship teams.
GridironHeroics previews all of the NFL teams that open postseason play, and we’ll continue it through the entire playoffs.
NFL TEAM: New York Giants
2022-23 RECORD:9-7-1
WEEKEND OPPONENT: Minnesota, Sunday, 4:15 P.M.
NFL WEEK ONE POSTSEASON SCHEDULE: Who is playing where and when?
TRENDING?: The New York Giants had an inconsistent second half going 3-6-1 and lost to the Vikings in week 16. New York while trending down is a pick for an upset due to the Vikings defensive issues and negative point differential.
WHAT IS GOING RIGHT?: The Giants have a stout defense with Dexter Lawerence leading the charge. New York’s rushing attack led by Saquon Barkley could weaken the Vikings terrible defense.
WHAT IS GOING WRONG?: The Giants weak secondary could fall apart against the Vikings strong receiver core, especially against Justin Jefferson. Daniel Jones turned the ball over at the worst time with either an interception and or a fumble. Even if Jones and the defense stay put, the team will fall over on a final drive for a game-winning field goal from Greg Joseph that could send them home.
SURPRISE STAR THIS WEEKEND?: Kayvon Thibodeaux has been showing improvement on the defensive front with a sack in his last two games. With the Vikings offensive line being weak, Thibodeaux can do great things to pressure Kirk Cousins. Thibodeaux has shown promise when the Giants drafted him and could be an x-factor in this wild card game.
THE KEY MATCHUP THIS WEEKEND?: The New York Giants are 2-1 against the Vikings in the playoffs, with the most recent one being in 2000 with a blowout victory against them. The Giants lost their regular season match against the Vikings in a game-winning field goal by Greg Joseph.
THE SUMMARY::The New York Giants this year have exceeded expectations by hiring head coach Brian Daboll. In the last five seasons, the Giants were below .500, with two head coaches having below 7 wins. New York can upset the Vikings due to both teams being good in close and ugly games. The Giants have a strong chance to win against the Vikings but will need to do everything right to win. New York also has a stout defense that can turn the ball over, and win this game, unlike the Vikings defense. With the Giants game plan revolving around covering Justin Jefferson, the Vikings will need to use their other receivers who could be covered along too.
THE PICK: Minnesota by 3. WHY?: New York will play a close game but Daniel Jones as QB can bring concerns. If the offense turns the ball over, it can kill drives for them and Jones is a concern. Along with the passing offense is the secondary being weak and could give Justin Jefferson no trouble. The game will end in a field goal and the Vikings are a better team in close games.