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The Giants Game Is a Quiet Measuring Stick for the Vikings
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- The Giants Game Is a Quiet Measuring Stick for the Vikings
Kevin O’Connell Distills the Quarterback Debate Down to a Single Word
The Minnesota Vikings have won two games in a row and knocked off NFC East opponents in each of their past two games. The Washington Commanders are easily among the worst teams in the NFL, and a victory over the Dallas Cowboys was a fun way to all but end their season. Travelling to New York , Kevin O'Connell's squad can make it three in a row against the division.
The opponent isn't imposing, which is exactly the point: if the Vikings are serious about January, they handle business and keep building on McCarthy's trajectory.
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Although the Vikings lost earlier this year to the Philadelphia Eagles , they would certainly take a 3-1 record against the NFC East. If they don't win on Sunday, though, it's worth questioning whether or not they'll have another one on the ledge the rest of the way.
What the Vikings Still Need to Prove in New York
New York is quite simply not a good team. Russell Wilson flopped as a starter, and Jameis Winston showed nothing as a backup to be a legitimate threat. Jaxson Dart has infused excitement into the franchise, but there's just not much around him.
Oct 19, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) makes a pass during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The team started with a three-game losing streak before winning two of their next three. Unfortunate for Giants fans, they haven't won since. Currently rocking an eight-game losing streak, there would be zero excuse for Minnesota not to push the mark to nine. The Vikings are just three-point favorites, but J.J. McCarthy 's development should continue with another big win.
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Regardless of the result in New York, it's worth wondering if this isn't Minnesota's last chance to tally a win this season. The game this weekend is scheduled for Sunday, but it's a short turnaround before hosting the Detroit Lions for a Thursday afternoon Christmas Day game. Dan Campbell's team is hardly the unit it was a season ago, but they'll come in motivated and looking to exact revenge after being beaten at home by McCarthy.
On Sep 14, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) took the field before kickoff against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. The highly anticipated matchup marked another chance for the young passer to display poise and growth under center as fans filled the stadium with anticipation. McCarthy's entrance reflected the energy and optimism surrounding Minnesota's evolving offensive identity. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
In the final week of the season, Minnesota squares off against the Green Bay Packers . That contest could have playoff implications, especially in a division so tightly contested at the top. Jordan Love still has yet to prove he's an elite talent, but there's no reason to believe that Matt LaFleur's team won't look to finish their season by sweeping the top rival.
At 6-8 currently, it would be nice to see McCarthy's development drive positive momentum in 2026. That materializes in wins against tough opponents. Going 0-3 the rest of the way would be nothing short of a disaster. Handling the Giants is a must, and then looking competent even through losses could be something that fans stomach.
