As the 2024 NFL season kicks off, the Week 1 matchup between the New York Giants and the Minnesota Vikings promises a battle of contrasting styles and dynamic playmakers. Under head coach Brian Daboll, the Giants are expected to continue their innovative, balanced attack that mixes Daniel Jones' dual-threat abilities with the sixth-overall pick WR out of LSU, Malik Nabers.
The Vikings, led by the offensive-minded Kevin O'Connell, will look to stretch the field with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson and lean on veteran QB Sam Darnold to dissect defenses as rookie QB J.J. McCarthy is sidelined.
On the defensive side, the Giants will look to their star edge rusher to disrupt the Vikings' rhythm, while Minnesota’s defense aims to stifle the Giants' rushing efforts with their versatile and aggressive front seven. Coaching will play a pivotal role, as both teams feature seasoned leaders known for their tactical acumen.
Giants’ head coach Brian Daboll will seek to leverage his offensive schemes to maximize his team’s strengths. In contrast, Vikings’ head coach Kevin O’Connell will aim to outwit his counterpart with innovative play-calling and strategic adjustments. As these two teams clash, fans can expect a chess match of football strategy, star power, and high-stakes drama.
Kayvon Thibodeaux has become a dominant edge rusher, anchoring a stout Giants defense alongside Dexter Lawrence. Minnesota’s defensive backfield will be a crucial storyline, especially with the emerging star safety Lewis Cine providing physicality and versatility.
Coaching adjustments will be crucial, as Daboll’s ability to adapt in-game and O’Connell’s offensive ingenuity will likely shape this opener. With both teams looking to make a statement, fans can expect a hard-fought battle filled with highlight plays and momentum-shifting moments.
Game Info:
Date: Sunday, September 8
Start Time: 1 P.M. Est.
Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey
Stadium: MetLife Stadium
TV Info: Fox Network
Giants Uniform Info: Century Red
Opposing Team Statistical Rankings (Vikings 2023)
Points Per Game: 20.2 (22nd)
Points Allowed Per Game: 21.3 (19th)
Offensive Yards Per Game: 347.8 (11th)
Passing/Rushing Yards Per Game: 256.4 (5th)/ 91.4 (29th)
Defensive Yards Allowed Per Game: 333.2 (16th)
Passing/Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: 234.5 (24th)/ 98.7 (6th)
Players Already Ruled Out Before Sunday
Vikings: Dalton Risner (G), Jordan Kunaszyk (LB), T.J. Hockenson (TE)
Giants: Dyontae Johnson (LB)
This is a rematch of the 2022 Wild Card Playoffs matchup between these two teams, but the teams are drastically different from two seasons ago. The Vikings no longer employ Kirk Cousins; that title goes to the Falcons. With rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy on the shelf, the Vikings turn to Sam Darnold to lead the charge.
The Vikings' leader is veteran Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith, who's looking to statistically bolster a defense in the league's bottom half last season. Within the 3-4 defense, the Vikings performed in the top 10 in rushing defense last season due to guys like DE Jerry Tillery and DT Harrison Phillips. Look for them to capitalize on the Giants' new-look rushing attack and try to exploit Daniel Jones's arm.
Justin Jefferson was ranked as the No. 1 WR to throw to by NFL quarterbacks, and for good reason. Despite injury, Jefferson has never ceased to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark every year of his career. With TE T.J. Hockenson out, who's been an integral part of the Vikings' offensive attack, they likely lean on WR Jordan Addison and new addition RB Aaron Jones more to balance and alleviate Jefferson.
The Giants are entering the post-Saquon Barkley era and the Malik Nabers era. They're also entering their 100th season and looking for it to be unique, returning to the success of Head Coach Brian Daboll's first season with the Giants making the playoffs.
The Giants are replacing Barkley with Devin Singletary, and Tyrone Tracy Jr. Malik Nabers is poised to be an immediate threat. A second-year jump from WR Jalin Hyatt can be on the lookout. The Giants' calling card will be their defense. DT Dexter Lawrence is one of the league's biggest forces to be reckoned with, and the big-name acquisition of DE Brian Burns will help him.
Edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux had 11.5 sacks last season, putting him in the upper echelon of pass rushers. To his inside, there's Pro Bowl MLB Bobby Okereke. The Giants will be looking to maximize their youthful talent on the defensive side of the ball.
Betting Info
Points Spread: NYG +1.5 (-110) | MIN -1.5 (-110)
Moneyline: NYG (+100) | MIN (-120)
Over/Under: O 41.5 (-105) | U 41.5 (-115)
Lines via ESPN BET as of Friday, September 6
Minnesota was 8-7-2 against the spread last year. The Vikings went 3-4-1 ATS as 1.5-point favorites or more last year. Minnesota had seven of its 17 games go over the point total last year. New York had eight wins in 17 games against the spread last year. The Giants were 8-7-1 ATS last year when playing as at least 1.5-point underdogs. New York had six of its 17 games go over the point total last season.
Some Picks that can be parlay builders are:
Justin Jefferson- 90 yards (+112)
Malik Nabers- Player to record 20-yard reception (+200)
Aaron Jones- 40 yards (-260)
Prediction
Although not one of the marquee matchups of opening week, Look for some excitement to come out of the home opener for the Giants. Malik Nabers makes his Giants debut to open up the Giants' 100th season against one of the league's most dynamic players, Justin Jefferson. The QB play of Darnold and Jones may vary and be wary, but both have a multitude of weapons at their disposal. Ultimately, the defense that shows up more will win the game. We predict a low-scoring effort. Due to the element of surprise, we don't know what Nabers have up their sleeve as they're a young core but mixed with some veterans such as Singletary and Burns to even it out.
Final Score: Giants 20, Vikings 13
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