The Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants kick off the playoffs this Sunday with a huge game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Cameron Dantzler and Kene Nwangwu DOUBTFUL for Vikings vs. Giants
The Giants head out on the road in this one, having sputtered in the final weeks but still managing to claw their way back into the playoff picture.
The Vikings were able to get back on track for the most pivotal stretch of the season after a victory in the season finale.
This is the rematch from Christmas Eve, when the Vikings won by a touchdown margin. That one was decided at the last second, and there’s no reason to think this one won’t be, too.
There will be a lot of people watching, and since the game will be played in Minnesota once more, it has a chance to be fantastic.
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- THE VIKINGS
The surprising success of the Minnesota Wild this season means that the team will be happy to play its first postseason game in its own stadium.
The Vikings know they can’t afford another slow start like they had in December’s loss to the Giants in this very stadium.
In the first matchup, they were nearly defeated due to being outrushed, so they will likely prioritize running the ball and maintaining possession from the opening whistle in this game.
The Vikings have one of the best home-field advantages in the National Football League, with a record of 8-1 at home this season.
Injury Report
| PLAYER | POSITION | UPDATED | INJURY | INJURY STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kene Nwangwu | RB | Fri, Jan 13 | Illness | Did Not Practice on Friday. Questionable for Wild Card vs N.Y. Giants |
| Akayleb Evans | CB | Mon, Jan 9 | Concussion | IR. Injured Reserve. Expected Return – Week 19 |
| Ben Ellefson | TE | Mon, Jan 9 | Groin | IR. Injured Reserve. Expected Return – Week 19 |
| Cameron Dantzler | CB | Mon, Jan 9 | Ankle | Questionable for Wild Card vs N.Y. Giants |
| Harrison Smith | FS | Mon, Jan 9 | Knee | Limited Practice on Friday. Questionable for Wild Card vs N.Y. Giants |
| Brian O’Neill | OT | Fri, Jan 6 | Achilles | IR. Injured Reserve |
| Austin Schlottmann | C | Tue, Jan 3 | Lower Leg | IR. Injured Reserve |
| Andrew Booth Jr. | CB | Wed, Nov 30 | Knee – Meniscus | IR. Injured Reserve |
| Lewis Cine | SAF | Tue, Nov 29 | Lower Leg | IR. Injured Reserve |
| Kenny Willekes | DE | Tue, Oct 4 | Undisclosed | IR. Injured Reserve |
| Bisi Johnson | WR | Tue, Sep 20 | Knee – ACL | IR. Injured Reserve |
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- THE N.Y GIANTS
The Giants would give anything to win the most important game of the season after losing a heartbreaker to the Vikings a few weeks ago.
Although the Giants have struggled on the road, I believe they will be well prepared for the rematch against the Vikings after having already traveled to Minnesota.
Only two victories out of a possible seven leaves a lot to be desired. Considering how many key players they were missing, the loss in the championship game wasn’t too concerning.
The fact that the Giants outgained the Vikings in the first meeting should serve as additional motivation. Many of New York’s players are playing in their first postseason game ever, and that’s a big deal.
The fact that they were able to rest a lot of players last week should help them out greatly, especially since they might need their full roster for this game.
Injury Report
They are going to need every player on the field to win this game, so it is encouraging to see that none of their superstars are listed as being injured.
| PLAYER | POSITION | UPDATED | INJURY | INJURY STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joshua Ezeudu | OG | Mon, Jan 9 | Neck | IR. Injured Reserve. Expected Return – Week 19 |
| Shane Lemieux | OG | Thu, Dec 29 | Toe | IR. Injured Reserve |
| Wan’Dale Robinson | WR | Sun, Dec 18 | Knee – ACL | IR. Injured Reserve |
| Elerson G. Smith | LB | Thu, Dec 15 | Achilles | IR. Injured Reserve |
| Aaron Robinson | CB | Sun, Dec 11 | Knee – ACL + MCL | IR. Injured Reserve |
| Collin Johnson | WR | Wed, Dec 7 | Achilles | IR. Injured Reserve |
| Marcus McKethan | OG | Wed, Nov 30 | Knee – ACL | IR. Injured Reserve |
| Nick Williams | DE | Tue, Nov 8 | Biceps | IR. Injured Reserve |
| Sterling Shepard | WR | Sun, Oct 30 | Knee – ACL | IR. Injured Reserve |
| D.J. Davidson | DT | Tue, Oct 11 | Knee – ACL | IR. Injured Reserve |
| Darrian Beavers | LB | Tue, Aug 23 | Knee – ACL | IR. Injured Reserve |
