NFL 2016 Game of the Week Preview, Week 4: Vikings vs Giants

(photo credit:giantswire.usatoday.com)

The New York Giants (2-1) will travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to take on the Vikings (3-0) at U.S. Bank Stadium on Monday night. New York is coming off a 29-27 loss to the Washington Redskins, while the Vikings defeated the Carolina Panthers, 22-10. These two teams last met in Week 16 last year, and the Vikings crushed the Giants, 49-16. 

Minnesota has shocked the league, as they enter this game without their starting quarterback or running back. Teddy Bridgewater is out for the season, and Adrian Peterson was placed on IR last week. Minnesota acquired Sam Bradford from the Philadelphia Eagles before the season started to be their quarterback, and that has worked out for Minnesota so far. Bradford has completed 67% of his passes, and he’s thrown for 457 yards and three touchdowns this season. 

With Peterson out, Minnesota will rely on Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon to lead their rushing attack. Bradford has made a seamless transition into Minnesota’s offense because he has a budding star at wide receiver. Stefon Diggs has caught 20 passes for 345 yards and one touchdown this season. The offense has been a nice surprise for Minnesota, but the reason they are undefeated is because of their defense. 

Their defense scored two touchdowns in Week 1 against Tennessee, limited the Green Bay Packers to 14 points in Week 2, and most surprising of all, they sacked reigning NFL MVP Cam Newton eight times last week. A defense that dominated New York last season, the Giants will have a tough task on Monday. With a high-powered offense, New York might be able to score enough points to beat Minnesota. New York is led by quarterback Eli Manning, who has thrown for 925 yards and four touchdowns this season. 

Running back Rashad Jennings is questionable, which means Orleans Darkwa and Paul Perkins will see more carries on Monday. Even with an unsettled rushing attack, Manning has a plethora of receivers that can make up for the rushing attack. It all starts with Odell Beckham Jr., who hasn’t caught a touchdown this season, but he’s caught 25 touchdowns in his young career. 

Another receiver Manning can look for is rookie Sterling Shepard, who’s caught 16 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns. With Victor Cruz returning to full health, Minnesota will have their hands full. The game starts at 8:30 p.m., and will be broadcasted on ESPN.