For the second time this season, the Minnesota Vikings will get to show off their brand new stadium on national television. They hope the outcome goes as well against the Giants as it did against the Packers, who they beat in Week 2 on Sunday night, the grand opening of U.S. Bank Stadium.
It wasn't all good news in that game for Minnesota, however, as they lost starting running back Adrian Peterson to a torn meniscus, and might not see him play again this year (or ever again in a Vikings uniform potentially).
But the loss of AP didn't derail the Vikes. Instead, they promptly went on the road in Week 3 and hammered the defending NFC champion Panthers in Charlotte.
It was because of their physical, dominant defense, a unit that is allowing just 13.3 points per game (third in the league). That defense will be the biggest test the Giants have to face so far this season, with New York coming in 2-1 thanks to wins over the Cowboys (one point), Saints (three points) and a loss to the Redskins (two points). This will be a big step up in terms of competition.
Minnesota's proven it can hang with anyone, and Mike Zimmer's proven he can coach up a team even when key players go down. The traded for Sam Bradford after Teddy Bridgewater suffered an injury and the team kept rolling despite the loss of Peterson.
How to Watch
- What: New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings
- When: Monday, Oct. 3, 8:30 p.m. ET
- Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: Verizon NFL Mobile App
- Sunday Ticket: DirecTV
- Online: NFL Game Pass (available to watch online after midnight)
- Odds: The Vikings are currently a -5 favorite according to Bovada.
Injury report
Vikings
- David Morgan, TE - Out
- Shariff Floyd, DT - Out
- Zach Line, FB - Questionable
- Alex Boone, OL - Questionable
- Anthony Barr, LB - Questionable
- Jerick McKinnon, RB - Questionable
- Xavier Rhodes, CB - Questionable
- MyCole Pruitt, TE - Questionable
- Stephon Diggs, WR - Questionable
- Jayron Kearse, S - Questionable
Giants
- Nat Behre, S - Out
- Marshall Newhouse, OL - Out
- Robert Thomas, DT - Out
- Darian Thompson, S - Out
- Eli Apple, CB - Doubtful
- Rashad Jennings, RB - Questionable
- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB - Questionable
Prisco's Pick
This is a tough game for the Giants as they face that Minnesota defense. The Giants haven't faced a defense that good this season. The Vikings have given up 16 points or less in eight straight games. Make it nine.
Pick: Vikings 23, Giants 16
