The Minnesota Vikings are set to begin the 2024 NFL season with an away game against the New York Giants. Both teams struggled in 2023, finishing with losing records and missing the playoffs. The Vikings are entering a new chapter at quarterback after Kirk Cousins departed for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency. Meanwhile, the Giants are adjusting to life without running back Saquon Barkley, who has signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams are looking to improve their chances of returning to the playoffs, with the Vikings hoping for stability and the Giants aiming for better health at the quarterback position. The opening kickoff for this highly anticipated NFC matchup is scheduled for 1:00 pm EST.
Vikings Transition to Darnold
For the first time in five seasons, the Vikings will enter the season without Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback. The team shifted gears by selecting quarterback JJ McCarthy from the Michigan Wolverines but faced a setback when McCarthy suffered a serious knee injury that will keep him out for the entire season. This paves the way for veteran Sam Darnold to lead the offense as the starting quarterback for the 2024 campaign.
“I think his best football is ahead of him,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell commented about Darnold during the preseason.
With the hope of achieving greater consistency, the Vikings are focused on building a stable offense after a tumultuous 2023 season that included quarterback changes due to injuries. Now with Darnold at the helm and star wide receiver Justin Jefferson returning from injury, the Vikings are optimistic. The addition of running back Aaron Jones from the Green Bay Packers is expected to enhance the offense as well. The team also welcomed kicker Will Reichard to bolster their special teams unit. However, the loss of wide receiver KJ Osborne due to free agency could impact their depth.
Defensively, the Vikings face challenges early in the season due to injuries in their secondary. They brought in cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin, but the departure of key defensive players like Danielle Hunter and Marcus Davenport leaves uncertainty. With several new faces on defense, the Vikings will strive to improve upon their 12th-place finish in scoring defense from last season.
The Vikings aim to surpass last year’s 7-10 record, particularly focusing on their scoring offense, which ranked 22nd. After finishing 29th in rushing offense, the team hopes that Jones’s arrival will help improve their ground game. They performed well in the passing game, ranking fifth despite the quarterback carousel last year, and they believe a full season with Jefferson will enhance their aerial attack. While they ranked solidly in red zone defense, their pass defense was a concern at 24th in the league.
Key Injuries: WR Jordan Addison is questionable. G Dalton Risner and LB Gabriel Murphy are on IR.
Giants Rely on Jones’ Comeback
The New York Giants captured attention in 2022 with their remarkable playoff run, driven by quarterback Daniel Jones. However, the following season unfolded differently, resulting in a disappointing 6-11 finish. Jones struggled early in the season and ultimately missed the remainder of it due to injury, leaving the Giants reliant on third-string quarterbacks. This offseason, the organization made the tough decision to part ways with star running back Saquon Barkley, now with the Eagles, while hoping to rekindle their playoff aspirations with Jones back in action.
“My focus is on helping our quarterback, Daniel Jones, be the best player he can be,” Giants head coach Brian Daboll expressed.
Opting not to draft a quarterback, the Giants are placing their trust in Jones, who will be under considerable pressure to perform. To support him, New York selected LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers with the sixth pick in the draft. Nabers has shown promise in preseason, joining Wan’Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton to form a robust receiving corps. Devin Singletary is set to take on the running back role, bringing a different style to the position compared to Barkley but still expected to be effective.
The Giants’ defense will be under new leadership with defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, who aims to enhance their performance. The defensive lineup boasts talents such as Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Dexter Lawrence, providing a strong foundation for a formidable pass rush. However, the secondary’s lack of depth raises concerns, especially after the departure of cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, leaving Deonte Banks to assume a more prominent role.
In their 100th season, expectations are high for the Giants. Last year, their offense struggled, finishing 30th in the league in scoring. They ranked 16th in rushing yards but found themselves near the bottom at 31st in passing yards. Improvement in these areas is essential for a successful campaign, and the addition of Nabers alongside a healthy Jones could be pivotal. Defensively, the Giants need to address their 26th-place finish in scoring defense and improve against both the run and the pass to compete effectively this season.
Key Injuries: LB Dyontae Johnson and C Austin Schlottmann are on IR. WR Gunner Olszewski is questionable.
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Best Bets for Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Giants
There are concerns about Darnold’s effectiveness, particularly against the Giants’ pass rush, which could exploit his weaknesses under pressure. The Vikings are banking on Aaron Jones to relieve some of that pressure, but his past inconsistency raises questions. The Giants’ defense, under new management, is expected to perform better against the run, making the matchup intriguing.
The true test for both teams will be how well the Vikings’ defense can handle the Giants’ offense. Last season, the Giants struggled significantly, especially early in the year, with Jones facing immense challenges. With the team making efforts to bolster their offense around him, including the addition of Nabers, there is hope for improvement. The revamped offensive line should provide Jones with better protection this year.
On the other hand, the Vikings’ secondary has experienced instability recently, which could give the Giants an advantage. The prediction leans toward the Giants taking advantage of weaknesses in the Vikings’ defense, potentially leading to a narrow victory in this opening matchup.
