The New York Giants entered a Week 16 game against the Minnesota Vikings with an opportunity to secure their first playoff berth since 2016.
All they had to do was upset the Vikings and get a little help around the league. And while that help came, the Giants failed to do their part.
Turnovers, penalties and drops cost the Giants on several offensive drives, while the defense came up just short on several potential interceptions of their own. That combination ultimately spelled disaster and was more than New York could overcome.
Still, New York pushed the game to the limits and brought it all the way down to the final moments. They were undone with a last-second 61-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Giants fall to 8-6-1 on the season. They will have another chance to punch their playoff ticket next Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.
Final score: Vikings 27, Giants 24
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final | |
| Giants | 0 | 7 | 6 | 11 | 24 |
| Vikings | 7 | 3 | 0 | 17 | 27 |
Keys to the game
- The Giants were penalized seven times for 63 yards (Vikings two for 14 yards)
- New York lost time of possession, 30:47 to 29:13.
- The Vikings were +2 in turnover differential.
- The Giants dropped three-plus passes.
- New York’s defense allowed 5.0 yards per play.
It was over when...
Vikings kicker Greg Joseph connected on a 61-yard field goal as time expired. It was both a career-long and all-time Minnesota record.
Players of the game
- WR Isaiah Hodgins (8 rec. for 89 yards, 1 TD)
- QB Daniel Jones (368 total yards, 1 TD, 1 INT)
- NT Dexter Lawrence (6 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 PD, 1 QB hit)
Injuries
Early in the first quarter, cornerback Darnay Holmes injured himself by hitting quarterback Kirk Cousins on a blitz. Holmes was slow to get up and immediately headed into the blue medical tent. He later returned.
Late in the second quarter, edge rusher Azeez Ojulari was carted into the locker room while the Giants’ offense was on the field. Ojulari had sacked Cousins to end the Vikings’ previous drive. He was listed as questionable to return with an ankle injury and later downgraded to out.
With minutes remaining in the third quarter, defensive lineman Leonard Williams hit the turf and appeared to injure his left arm. He was in obvious pain and ushered into the locker room. He returned to start the fourth quarter.
What's next?
Head coach Brian Daboll will hold a Zoom call with the team’s beat writers on Monday afternoon before a few players are also made available.
Big Blue will return to practice on Wednesday ahead of a Week 17 game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, January 1 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Kickoff is 1:00 p.m. ET.
