The New York Giants will look to string together wins for the first time since Weeks 7 and 8 when they take on the Minnesota Vikings — the current No. 2 seed in the NFC — at U.S. Bank Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Both clubs were involved in one-score games last week, but the Vikings’ contest was far more dramatic, as they completed a 33-point comeback against the Colts, the largest in NFL history.
What will Minnesota do for an encore? Find out in our free NFL picks and predictions for Giants vs Vikings on Saturday, December 24.
Giants vs Vikings best odds
Giants vs Vikings picks and predictions
The Minnesota Vikings are fresh off one of the most dramatic wins of the season by any team, meaning they’re in a prime “letdown” spot. Bettors will want to side with the New York Giants for more than that reason alone though.
Minnesota is clearly a pass-first club, as it ranks seventh in yards per game through the air (259.2) and 28th in yards per game on the ground (95.4). But New York figures to make things difficult for quarterback Kirk Cousins, as they’re third in the NFL in opponent completion percentage (60.7%).
Big Blue’s stoppers have also done well in terms of forcing turnovers of late, recording seven since their Week 9 bye, a span of six games. The Vikings’ defense has not done as well in this category of late, forcing only three turnovers in the five games following a four-turnover performance against Buffalo.
Meanwhile, like most teams that have faced the Vikings this year, the Giants will have their choice in how they want to attack. Minnesota ranks last in the NFL in total defense (399.2 yards allowed per game), 31st in pass defense (278.8 yards allowed per game), and 18th in run defense (120.4 yards allowed per game).
Saquon Barkley’s carries have dried up since an eye-popping 35-attempt day against the Texans in Week 10, as he’s averaged only 14.2 carries in five games since. Though he’s tallied three touchdowns and exits an 87-yard evening against the Commanders – his finest effort in that span. It’s clear that the Giants are relying more on Daniel Jones.
Jones has been moderately successful on a personal level in his role as game manager – as he’s gone four straight games without tossing an interception – but the results have been lacking for the Giants until last Sunday.
However, this is a very easy assignment for him and his away splits are not bad at all, as his road passer rating falls but just a point compared to his home figure of 90.9.
Getting at least a field goal with the G-Men looks like a winning play.
My best bet: Giants +4.5 (-110 at DraftKings)
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Giants vs Vikings spread analysis
The Vikings have already snatched victory from the jaws of defeat once this year when they rallied from 17 points down at halftime to beat the Bills in overtime in Week 10. One Sunday later, they were on the losing end of one of the biggest thrashings of the 2022 season – a 40-3 triumph for the Cowboys.
We’re not calling for a blowout in favor of the Giants, especially considering that they’ve peaked at 27 points this year, but it’s not difficult to envision New York taking advantage of some sloppy play by Minnesota, and then moving the chains methodically and killing time.
There are plenty of trends to indicate that Big Blue is a solid bet this Saturday. The Giants are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games and 6-2 ATS in their last eight games against teams with winning records.
They’ve also covered in each of their last four Saturday games. Meanwhile, the Vikings are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games played in December and 1-4 ATS in their last five Saturday games.
Giants vs Vikings Over/Under analysis
The Vikings have been an Over bettor’s best friend this season and have now exceeded the total in four straight games. However, the Giants have been just the opposite, posting a 4-8-2 Over/Under record in 2022. Since I’m expecting New York to prevail in this one (or at least cover), it’s only logical to like the Under as well.
The Giants have gone below the total in five of their last seven road games, and the Under is 7-3-1 in their last 11 games played in December. Big Blue has been a boon for Under players for multiple seasons now, posting a 15-33-3 Over/Under record in their last 51 games overall.
Though Minnesota typically scores points aplenty, I expect the Giants and Vikings to play to an Under for the fifth time in six meetings on Saturday afternoon.
Giants vs Vikings betting trend to know
The Vikings are 6-15 ATS in their last 21 games after accumulating more than 250 yards passing in their previous game. Find more NFL betting trends for Giants vs. Vikings.
Giants vs Vikings game info
| Location: | U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN |
| Date: | Saturday, December 24, 2022 |
| Kickoff: | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FOX |
| Opening odds: | Vikings -3, Over/Under 47.5 |
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