Giants vs. Vikings: Full Minnesota Game Preview

The Minnesota Vikings first played at TCF Bank Stadium back in 2010 when a massive snowfall caused the Metrodome roof covering Mall of America Field to collapse, forcing the organization to find a new place to host its home games while repairs were made. This specific relationship between team and home field naturally got off to a bit of a rocky start, but the Vikings have since enjoyed plenty of success at the stadium located in the heart of the campus of the University of Minnesota. 

With Minnesota scheduled to move into the nearly completed U.S. Bank Stadium next season, the final chapter in the TCF Bank Stadium saga may potentially be written this weekend when the Vikings host the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football in their last regular-season home game of the year.

After losing its initial home contest to the Chicago Bears by a final score of 40-14 and essentially ending the career of Brett Favre in the process, Minnesota has since ran its career record at TCF Bank Stadium to 10-6. What once represented a temporary inconvenience has evolved into a place that offers a true home-field advantage for the Vikings, as exemplified by their 5-2 win-loss record at home this season.

New York, however, cannot afford to get swept up in this advantage, as a loss on the road this Sunday will officially put an end to its dwindling chances of winning the NFC East.

In addition to playing in a harsh environment, the Giants will also be forced to play their most important game of the season without elite wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. following a Wednesday announcement that his appeal of a one-game suspension stemming from his on-field actions during Week 15 has been denied.

Given these circumstances, Minnesota appears to be in good position to earn home victory No. 6 and clinch a playoff berth this weekend. But New York has a well-documented history of embarrassing Minnesota in prime-time matchups. 

Fortunately for Vikings fans, it does not appear that the organization will be giving Josh Freeman a chance to redeem himself against the Giants his weekend.

Location: TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis

Time: 7:20 CT/8:20 p.m. ET

TV: Channel 11 NBC KARE (Local)

Week 15 Results and Recap

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Following back-to-back losses to the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals, the Vikings returned to TCF Bank Stadium to trounce the Chicago Bears by a final score of 38-17.

Minnesota jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead on its first offensive possession of the game when Teddy Bridgewater connected with Stefon Diggs for a 15-yard touchdown and never looked back.

Following a converted 53-yard Blair Walsh field goal, Jay Cutler forced the Bears to within striking distance when he connected with Alshon Jeffery during the second quarter. But Bridgewater quickly responded with his second touchdown pass of the game, a 17-yard catch-and-run by Jerick McKinnon to send Minnesota into halftime leading 17-7.

Chicago head coach John Fox successfully tricked the Vikings with an onside kick to open the second half, but Brian Robison quickly shifted momentum back into Minnesota's favor with a strip-sack of Cutler.

Bridgewater found Diggs for his second touchdown of the game on the ensuing position, opening up a 24-7 lead on the 33-yard scoring reception. He later added a rushing touchdown and passing touchdown No. 4 to fullback Zach Line to finish off a career day for the young signal-caller and move the Vikings even closer to clinching a playoff berth.

The Green Bay Packers defeated the Oakland Raiders 30-20 to hang onto a slim one-game lead over Minnesota, and the Detroit Lions held on to win a 35-27 contest against the New Orleans Saints during Monday Night Football.

NFC North Standings

1. Green Bay Packers (10-4)
2. Minnesota Vikings (9-5)
3. Detroit Lions (5-9)
4. Chicago Bears (5-9)

News and Notes

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

RB Adrian Peterson Selected to Pro Bowl No. 7; LB Anthony Barr, Others Snubbed

Despite a 9-5 record and being on the brink of a playoff berth, the Vikings only saw one of their players named to the Pro Bowl earlier this week. Adrian Peterson was named to his seventh Pro Bowl, tying him with Ron Yary for the fourth-most in appearances in team history, per the team's official website.

This honor is obviously well-deserved, as Peterson currently paces the NFL in rushing yards with 1,314 and ranks tied for second in rushing touchdowns (9) with DeAngelo Williams.

According to Teddy Bridgewater and Brian Robison, however, Peterson was not the only deserving Viking of a Pro Bowl nod. On Wednesday, the Vikings quarterback nominated center Joe Berger for the part during his press conference, while Minnesota's veteran defensive end had some strong words during an interview with the local media.

"You know man, I'm over the Pro Bowl," Robison said. "The Pro Bowl is a popularity contest. It's just one of those things where you see some guys that make it and they absolutely deserve it and [other] guys that don't make it, and you wonder how the heck they didn't make it."

Pro Football Focus listed Berger in its "10 Biggest Pro Bowl Snubs," and Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com included Linval Joseph, Anthony Barr and Harrison Smith on his list.

The Vikings, however, appear to be taking everything in stride, personifying the level of interest Robison noted in the above quotation. Anthony Barr, for example, joked that he now has something in common with his favorite actor, Leonardo DiCaprio, per Matt Vensel of the Minneapolis Star Tribune:

"

Asked about not making the Pro Bowl, Anthony Barr joked that he can relate to his favorite actor, Leo DiCaprio, who has never won an Oscar.

— Matt Vensel (@mattvensel) December 23, 2015"

Simply, Robison could not have hit this one more on the head: The Pro Bowl is a popularity contest that frequently honors players with name recognition over those who are more deserving.

Being named a first- or second-team All-Pro, though, now that is an honor to hang one's hat on.

Vikings Sign LB Alex Singleton to Practice Squad; Work Out Pair of CFL Wide Receivers

Minnesota promoted defensive end Zach Moore to the 53-man roster this past weekend, freeing up a spot on the team's practice squad. According to Vensel, the Vikings filled this vacancy with rookie linebacker Alex Singleton:

"

The #Vikings have added linebacker Alex Singleton to their practice squad.

— Matt Vensel (@mattvensel) December 22, 2015"

Singleton, who was originally signed by the Seattle Seahawks after going undrafted this past April, hails from Montana State university. After being released by Seattle prior to the beginning of the regular season, Singleton joined the New England Patriots' practice squad.

He has not played in a regular-season game to date, but Singleton does boast rather impressive testing scores, according to Doug Kyed of NESN, which include a 4.65-second 40-yard dash, a 7.13-second three-cone, a 31-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot broad jump.

In addition, Vensel also reported that the Vikings tried out wide receivers Eric Rogers and Terrell Sinkfield on Tuesday:

"

The #Vikings worked out wide receivers Eric Rogers and Terrell Sinkfield yesterday, per a league source.

— Matt Vensel (@mattvensel) December 23, 2015"

Rogers, who played Division III at California Lutheran, has been a top performer in the Canadian Football League. During the 2015 season as a member of the Calgary Stampeders, he posted 87 receptions, 1,448 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns this past season. He has worked out with 14 teams this month, including the Philadelphia Eagles and San Diego Chargers, per ESPN's Adam Schefter:

"

Top CFL prospect Eric Rogers, a 6-foot-4, 215-lb WR, visited Chargers yesterday and visiting Eagles on Friday, per source. 14 visits in all.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 17, 2015"

Sinkfield, on the other hand, is a Minnesota native from Minnetonka. He was undrafted out of Northern Iowa before making stops with the Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills and New York Giants. Like Rogers, he most recently played in the Canadian Football League for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

He possesses blazing speed, posting a 4.19-second 40-yard dash at his pro day held at the University of Minnesota back in 2013.

Bonus News and Notes

The following list is composed of articles containing general team information, updates and matchup-specific statistics related to Minnesota's Week 16 contest with New York:

• Vikings Riding Unselfish Defense — Brian Murphy, Saint Paul Pioneer Press
• Vikings vs. Packers Game Time Could Change — Chris Tomasson, Saint Paul Pioneer Press
• Father of Eli Manning Has History with Vikings — Sid Hartman, Minneapolis Star Tribune
• Bill Parcells: Mike Zimmer's Mentor, Nervous Vikings Fan — Ben Goessling, ESPN
• Teddy Bridgewater Turning it Up in December — Robert Reidell, Bismarck Tribune
• Danielle Hunter Emerging as Key Piece — Cian Fahey, Bleacher Report
• Suspending Disbelief — Eric Thompson, Daily Norseman
• Teddy Bridgewaer Hot at the Right Time — Drew Mahowald, NFC North Barroom
• NFC North Pro Bowl Snubs — Aldo Gandia, NFC North Barroom

Latest Injury News

Tom Dahlin/Getty Images

Vikings' Wednesday Injury Report (9)

Did Not Practice (3)

• RB Adrian Peterson (Ankle/Shoulder)
• TE Rhett Ellison (Ankle)
• CB Josh Robinson (Concussion)

Limited Practice (5)

• NT Linval Joseph (Foot)
  
• DT Sharrif Floyd (Non-Injury Related)
• DE Everson Griffen (Shoulder)
• LB Anthony Barr (Knee)
• FS Harrison Smith (Knee/Hamstring)

Full Practice (1)

• WR Charles Johnson (Ankle)

Key Injuries

Anthony Barr (Knee)

After missing the previous two weeks with injury, linebacker Anthony Barr returned to practice in a limited capacity for the Vikings. In addition, Matt Vensel of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Barr is feeling much better this week:

"

Anthony Barr said he will practice. "This is the best I’ve felt in a while. I’m looking forward to getting back out there today." #Vikings

— Matt Vensel (@mattvensel) December 23, 2015"

There still is a bit of a reason for concern, however. Barr was listed with a different injury this week (knee) than he was last week (groin/hand). Given that he has dealt with knee injuries before, this issue may be worth keeping track of as the Vikings prepare to face the Giants this weekend.

Adrian Peterson (Ankle)

Adrian Peterson missed snaps during last week's game against the Bears after spraining his ankle, so it should come as no surprise that the superstar running back appeared on Wednesday's injury report with the same listed ailment. Fortunately, Mike Zimmer offered optimism regarding the running back's availability this weekend, per Vensel:

"

Mike Zimmer said the outlook is still good for Adrian Peterson to play this weekend.

— Matt Vensel (@mattvensel) December 23, 2015"

In addition, Peterson reaffirmed his coach's sentiment, stating during a Wednesday interview that he intends to play this Sunday, per Vikings.com: "I'm pretty confident I'll be ready to go," he said. "I came back out in the second half, stayed out series, kind of smoothed it around and was able to kind of get back out there. I felt pretty good getting back out there and running on it, so that was a comfortable position for me."

Linval Joseph (Foot) and Harrison Smith (Knee/Hamstring)

Nose tackle Linval Joseph, who has not played since Week 12, and safety Harrison Smith, who has not played since Week 13, both practiced in a limited capacity for the Vikings on Wednesday.

Chris Tomasson of the Saint Paul Pioneer Press reported that Joseph is feeling much better this week and intends to play against his old team this Sunday:

"

Linval Joseph on his health: "I’m feeling good. Best I’ve felt in a long time.'' Expect him back for #Vikings on Sunday vs. his old team.

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) December 23, 2015"

In addition, Vensel reported that Zimmer expects Joseph, Smith and Barr to all play this Sunday:

"

Mike Zimmer said he thinks Linval Joseph, Anthony Barr and Harrison Smith will play this weekend. Said he expects them to practice today.

— Matt Vensel (@mattvensel) December 23, 2015"

While the Vikings did see tight end Rhett Ellison (ankle), Sharrif Floyd (non-injury related) and Everson Griffen (shoulder) all land on the injury report this week as well, it appears as though Minnesota will be much healthier with an imposing offense—with or without Odell Beckham Jr.—invading TCF Bank Stadium this weekend.

Key Matchups

Evan Vucci/Associated Press

NT Linval Joseph vs. Giants Interior Offensive Line

Based on optimistic reports from Wednesday's practice, it is beginning to look like the Vikings will have Linval Joseph back this weekend for the first time in three weeks—and it could not come at a more perfect time.

Prior to signing a five-year, $31.5 million deal with the Vikings, Joseph spent four seasons anchoring the Giants defensive line. His success in New York, which included a Super Bowl championship in 2011, led to the monster contract Minnesota gave him to lure him to the Midwest.

In addition to having an opportunity to face his old team, Joseph will go up against a formidable interior offensive combination of left guard Justin Pugh and center Weston Richburg. According to Pro Football Focus, Pugh and Richburg have allowed a combined 24 quarterback pressures over the course of the 2015 season, which includes just one sack (Pugh).

The Giants offensive line has also done an excellent job clearing rushing lanes for Rashad Jennings in recent weeks, as the veteran running back has totaled 188 rushing yards and one touchdown with a 4.9 yards-per-carry average over the past two weeks.

Returning Joseph to Minnesota's defensive line will not only allow Sharrif Floyd to move back over to his natural "speed" tackle position, but it will also give the team a significant boost as it attempts to put pressure on Eli Manning and slow down Jennings.

LT Matt Kalil vs. DE Jason Pierre-Paul

Matt Kalil has played much better for the Vikings in 2015 compared to the past couple of years, but he has still been a major liability at times. The greatest example of this came against the Arizona Cardinals, when Kalil allowed Dwight Freeney to blow by him and strip-sack Teddy Bridgewater to cost Minnesota a game-tying field-goal attempt.

Despite having his right hand mangled during a fireworks accident this past offseason, defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, Kalil's head-to-head opponent this week, can still rush the passer with the best of them. Since his return in Week 9, Pierre-Paul has recorded 35 quarterback pressures, per Pro Football Focus.

With that said, however, the talented Giants defensive lineman has had issues finishing due to wearing a "club" around his damaged hand, which has led to just one of these pressures amounting to a sack (2.8 percent).

This inability to consistently grab opposing quarterbacks combined with Bridgewater's mobility will allow Kalil some room for error, but Minnesota's offense will need him to contain Pierre-Paul in order to employ deeper drops with the intent of throwing intermediate and deep passes.

Matchup X-Factors

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

Vikings X-Factor of the Week: RB Jerick McKinnon

Jerick McKinnon reminded Vikings fans against Chicago that he is still the dynamic talent who broke onto the scene as a rookie with Adrian Peterson suspended. The former option quarterback out of Georgia Southern posted four receptions, 76 receiving yards and his first professional touchdown against the Bears, which should lead to a larger role moving forward.

Achieving these statistics this past week did not come easily, however, as McKinnon totaled 78 yards after the catch (passes caught behind line of scrimmage) and three missed tackles as a receiver, per Pro Football Focus. While his talent as a rusher could still use some refinement (seven carries, 10 yards during Week 15), McKinnon proved he is a major asset with the ball in his hands despite playing only 19 of a possible 63 offensive snaps.

With Peterson battling a sprained ankle, the Vikings could very well lean on McKinnon more than usual—especially if the Arizona Cardinals defeat the Green Bay Packers, making a win against New York unnecessary to win the division.

He has been extremely efficient when given touches in the past—4.6 career yards per carry; 8.3 yards per reception in 2015—and the only thing suggesting he will slow down is offensive coordinator Norv Turner's inability to involve him more in the offensive game plan.

Giants X-Factor of the Week: WR Rueben Randle

Considering that New York's defense is ranked No. 23 in points allowed, No. 32 in total yardage and No. 27 in efficiency, according to Football Outsiders' DVOA, one would assume its X-factor would be a player on the defensive side of the ball. But given that Odell Beckham Jr. will be sidelined due to a suspension, the Giants will need a player on offense to step up.

Rueben Randle has been a breakout candidate for multiple seasons now, but the fourth-year wide receiver has consistently failed to meet expectations. Randle was originally overshadowed by salsa dancer extraordinaire Victor Cruz when he broke into the league in 2012, and he has since seen himself fall out favor as Beckham has emerged as a bona fide superstar.

Against the the Vikings this week, Randle will have his shot to be Eli Manning's No. 1 target. Not only will New York need him to consistently win routes against Xavier Rhodes, but this also represents a significant opportunity for Randle to earn some money during free agency this offseason.

Minnesota's offense is by no means lethal, but it has been significantly improved in recent weeks, and a matchup against New York is the perfect opportunity to keep this streak of success rolling. With Beckham out, Manning will rely heavily on Randle, veteran Hakeem Nicks and tight end Will Tye for offensive production to keep pace with the Vikings.

Given the uncertainty surrounding Nicks and Tye being a largely unproven talent, the Giants likely cannot win this game without Randle proving he is the wide receiver many have given him credit for being.

Prediction: Vikings 31, Giants 21

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Minnesota has been playing exceptional on both sides of the football over the past two weeks, competing with an outstanding Arizona team until the final snap on the road and blowing the cover off a respectable Chicago team.

With Linval Joseph, Anthony Barr and Harrison Smith all expected to return, the Vikings should be close to full strength this weekend, something that cannot be said about their opponent.

The Giants were already heading into a tough situation against the Vikings on the road, but the loss of Odell Beckham Jr. to suspension makes this team considerably less formidable.

"Outside Eli Manning, he's their best player," Adrian Peterson said of Beckham Jr. on Wednesday while speaking to reporters. "So, it will hurt."

New York does not boast a talented enough defense to compete without putting a high number of points on the scoreboard. The Giants have lost a number of close games this season, making their 6-8 record a bit deceptive.

But the fact that they have also lost four games in which the offense produced 26 points or more—including a 52-49 loss to the New Orleans Saints during Week 8 and 38-35 loss to the Carolina Panthers this past weekend—is far more telling of the Giants' current level of competitiveness. The Vikings have a strong enough defense to hold New York's offense in relative check at full strength, and without Beckham Jr., this game could end up proving to be a blowout.

Minnesota's 3-18 record in prime-time games since 2009 does warrant consideration, and the presence of Eli Manning should keep this contest from getting out of hand. With that said, however, this is certainly a home matchup that a playoff-caliber team should leave with a win.

Expect another strong performance from Teddy Bridgewater against potentially the worst defense the Vikings have faced this season, as they roll to win No. 10 and set up an epic showdown with the Green Bay Packers for the division crown on January 3.

All statistics courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com, unless otherwise noted. Injury report courtesy of Vikings.com.

For more Vikings news, statistics and discussion, find me on Twitter @RobertReidellBT.