Get to Know the Vikings Opponent: Week 16 vs. New York Giants

Get to Know the Vikings Opponent: Week 16 vs. New York Giants
Dec 18, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

After defeating the Indianapolis Colts by completing an historic 33-point comeback, the Minnesota Vikings now take on the New York Giants on Christmas Eve. Meanwhile, these Giants are coming off a big Sunday Night victory against their division rival Washington Commanders. Before the two teams meet on December 24th, let’s get to know the Vikings Week 16 opponent a little more.

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Recent Schedule

Dec 18, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; New York Giants linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) celebrates with Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) after their game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 11 vs. Detroit Lions: Loss, 18-31
  • Week 12 @ Dallas Cowboys: Loss, 20-28
  • Week 13 vs. Washington Commanders: Tie, 20-20
  • Week 14 vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Loss, 20-45
  • Week 15 @ Washington Commanders: Win, 20-12

Stat Leaders

Nov 13, 2022; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants safety Dane Belton (24) intercepts a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (4) as cornerback Adoree’ Jackson (22) helps during a game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Passing

  • Completions: Daniel Jones (268)
  • Pass Attempts: Daniel Jones (406)
  • Passing Yards: Daniel Jones (2694)
  • Passing TDs: Daniel Jones (12)
  • Interceptions: Daniel Jones (4)

Rushing

  • Rushes: Saquon Barkley (269)
  • Rushing Yards: Saquon Barkley (1170)
  • Rushing TDs: Saquon Barkley (9)

Receiving

  • Targets: Two Tied (62)
  • Receptions: Saquon Barkley (47)
  • Receiving Yards: Darius Slayton (631)
  • Receiving TDs: Richie James (3)

Defense

  • Tackles: Julian Love (114)
  • Solo Tackles: Julian Love (73)
  • Tackles for Loss: Jihad Ward (7)
  • Sacks: Dexter Lawrence (6.5)
  • Interceptions: Julian Love (2)
  • Pass Defenses: Fabian Moreau (10)

Kicking

  • Field Goals Made: Graham Gano (24)
  • Field Goal Attempts: Graham Gano (27)
  • Longest Field Goal: Graham Gano (57 yards)
  • XPs Made: Graham Gano (25)
  • XP Attempts: Graham Gano (27)

Punting

  • Total Punts: Jamie Gillan (64)
  • Punt Yards: Jamie Gillan (3023)
  • Yards per Punt: Jamie Gillan (47.2)
  • Net Yards per Punt: Jamie Gillan (40.5)
  • Longest Punt: Jamie Gillan (69 yards)

Storylines to Watch

Oct 30, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; New York Giants cornerback Adoree Jackson (22) celebrates following a fumble recovery against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field. New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) joins Jackson at left. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Possible Playoff Preview?

When the dust settles from the 2022 regular season, there is a decent chance that the NFC playoff bracket could feature another matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants in the Wild Card round. As of now, the Vikings hold the No. 2 seed in the NFC while the Giants are in the No. 6 spot.

If the Vikings fall to the No. 3 seed, which is a possibility with another loss, the two teams would find themselves on a collision course for a part-two meeting at U.S. Bank Stadium in a few short weeks. Saturday will determine whether or not Vikings fans should be concerned about such a possibility.

A Look at Two Top-10 Picks

Believe it or not, just a few short months ago, the New York Giants found themselves with a pair of top-10 picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, in part because of their own poor record. With those picks, they selected EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux with the fifth overall pick and Evan Neal with the seventh overall pick.

Thibodeaux is the reigning NFC Defensive Player of the Week, meaning this will be a showdown between he and Kirk Cousins, who won the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his 460-yard 4-TD effort in Week 15. Meanwhile, Neal has been a stalwart at offensive tackle protecting Daniel Jones and providing run support for Saquon Barkley.

Dalvin Tomlinson Revenge Game

For the first time since leaving New York in free agency, Dalvin Tomlinson will face off with his former team this weekend. Tomlinson was selected by the Giants in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft and was taken 55th overall.

In four years with the Giants, Tomlinson did not miss a single regular season game, starting all 64 games. In those 64 starts, he recorded 207 tackles, 21 TFLs, 20 QB hits, 8.0 sacks, 5 pass defenses, and a forced fumble. Now, he gets a chance to go up against the team that drafted him and jump-started his NFL career.

Editor’s Note: Stats from Pro-Football-Reference helped with this piece.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. He also earned minors in History, Human Biology, and Journalism. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys marathon training, playing video games, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. For more of his opinions, check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.

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