The New York Giants shocked everyone with their performance this season. Almost everyone believed this would be a rebuilding season for Big Blue and they would be near the top of the 2023 NFL Draft. Instead, they are one of 14 teams that have advanced to the playoffs after earning a Wild Card spot.
That performance earned them a rematch with the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon. The Vikings ran away with the NFC North title this year, finishing the season with a 13-4 record. They finished as the No. 3 seed in the conference and will be hosting the Super Wild Card Weekend matchup.
The first game between these two teams on Christmas Eve was a competitive one. The Vikings won 27-24 on a 61-yard walk-off field goal by Greg Joseph, which was a career and franchise-best number. 28 out of the 51 points were scored in the fourth quarter of what was a back-and-forth contest.
Will we get a similar performance Sunday afternoon? Football fans can only hope so. Here are five bold predictions for the Giants at the Vikings game this weekend.
5. Saquon Barkley Has a Huge Day
The key to success for the Giants’ offense this season has been running back Saquon Barkley. When he is on, they can move the ball with some success. Daniel Jones can play off of that with play-action and RPO actions, taking advantage of his own rushing ability.
However, when Barkley is slowed down, things get ugly for the Giants. In losses, Barkley averaged only 76 total yards from scrimmage per game. In victories, Barkley averaged 123.7 total yards from scrimmage. In the game against the Vikings, he had 133 total yards, putting the team in a position to win.
On Sunday, he will once again find success. Barkley will shine in his playoff debut, rushing for at least 100 yards and finding paydirt at least once. To take pressure off of Jones and the relentless Vikings pass rush, he will also finish the game with at least 30 receiving yards.
