Bruised, But Not Broken: The Minnesota Vikings Beat the New York Giants 16-13 in Week 16

The Minnesota Vikings extend their winning streak to three games, beating the New York Giants at Met Life Stadium 16-13 in Week 16.

It's getting ridiculous, but it was another weird one. Despite travel complications, cold and windy weather, lousy turf, a myriad of injuries, and referees with main character syndrome, the Minnesota Vikings took care of business on the road at the New York Giants. Minnesota won 16-13 and improved to a 7-8 record with their third straight win.

MN Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy suffered a hand injury in the first half. He was ruled out for the rest of the game.

Vikings' quarterback JJ McCarthy started the day with the same focused, and largely efficient, play that has marked his growth in his last two starts. Although fairly accurate in his throws, drops were still a huge factor for McCarthy and the offense. Wide receiver Jordan Addison dropped a beautiful pass deep-left in the end zone that would have given the Vikings a touchdown on their first possession of the game. Instead, Minnesota settled for a field goal. Addison has eight drops on the season--even more notable when you take into account his three-game suspension. Jalen Nailor also got in on the drop action, deflecting a pass directly into the hands of New York corner Paulson Adebo for an interception.

McCarthy was not the only one showing improvement on the offense, head coach Kevin O'Connell actually dialed up screen passes for wide receiver Justin Jefferson that used his talents in the middle of the field and not just on deep routes--as a result Jefferson had 6 receptions for 85 yards. In this game, Jefferson passed Jarvis Landry for the most receptions by a player through his first six seasons.

Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores dialed up another impressive game plan.

Defensive coordinator Brian Flores' defense has struggled against the run at times this season and, for that reason, the Giants built their offensive game plan around running the ball to help rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. It was an absolute necessity for New York because Flores had Dart baffled and beleaguered on every drop back, ending the day 7/13 for 33 yards and interception on the day. Corner Byron Murphy picked off Dart, giving the Vikings offense possession at the New York 16-yard-line. Minnesota scored five plays later when McCarthy ran it into the end zone from 12 yards out.

Minnesota's defense kept up the pressure on Dart all afternoon, sacking him five times and tipping/batting passes. Not only did the Vikings' defense not allow an offensive touchdown in Week 16, they have not allowed a passing touchdown in the past 6 games.

The Vikings' victory came at a steep injury cost. Running back Jordan Mason sustained an ankle injury and left the Vikings' sideline on a cart. He was ruled out for the rest of the game shortly after. Center Ryan Kelly went down on the field in obvious discomfort. During medical evaluation he was ruled out with a concussion. This is Kelly's third concussion since the start of the season. Aaron Jones suffered an ankle injury and had both ankles taped. Jones was able to finish the game with 21 carries for 85 yards including a 9 yard run on 3rd-8 that iced the game and guaranteed Minnesota the win.

Health has been a concern with JJ McCarthy. He missed the entire 2024 season with a meniscus injury and has dealt with a high-ankle sprain, concussion, and now a hand injury in 2025.

Lastly, JJ McCarthy suffered an injury to his right hand sometime during the first half and was ruled out. He ended the day 9/14 for 108 yards and an interception. According to O'Connell, While the X-rays appear to be negative for a break they will evaluate McCarthy's injury further. McCarthy was seen wearing a fingerless glove on his injured hand after the game. It is unclear whether McCarthy will be able to play on Thursday against the Detroit Lions. Max Brosmer played decently in place of McCarthy goin 7/9 for 52 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions.

Somehow, even without a postseason to play for, the Minnesota Vikings found a way to win a weird one against the Giants. In his post-game speech, coach O'Connell praised the team for the resilient culture they are building and how it could pay dividends that carry into next season. Thursday they face Detroit, a team that made a similar run late in a losing season and learned how to win as a team going into the following season. Can Minnesota do the same?