To get you ready for week 12, FanHouse is previewing all 16 NFL games. Here is the New Minnesota Vikings/New York Giants preview.2007 Records:
New York Giants: 7-3 (2nd in NFC East)
Minnesota Vikings: 4-6 (t-3rd in NFC North)
Last Game(s):
Giants 16 - Lions 10
Vikings 29 - Raiders 22
When the Vikings have the ball: Minnesota's gameplan is a simple one: run, run and run. They have the best ground attack in the entire league and it doesn't matter who they put back there; both Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor get the job done.
However, they have a bit of a challenge this week. The casual fan may not realize this, but the New York Giants have one of the best rush defenses in the NFL, allowing only 91.3 yards per game. And if they have any chance at winning this game, that unit, led by Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield, will have to step-up huge.
When the Giants have the ball: With Brandon Jacobs out and Derrick Ward unlikely to play, the Giants face a severe mismatch on the ground. They'll be forced to run a series of back-ups (Reuben Droughns and Ahmad Bradshaw) into the heart of Minnesota's entire team -- the league's first ranked rush defense.
Luckily, however, Eli Manning and the Giants passing offense should be able to have a field day against the Viking's secondary, which is the polar opposite of their run defense. Minnesota is currently allowing a league worst 288 per game through the air, and don't think those stats lie. While teams may be forced to pass against the Vikes because of their inability to run, it's not like all those yards are "garbage." Opposing quarterback connect for 65% of their passes against Minnesota with a QB rating of nearly 90.
The Edge: Experts, analysts and fans are always looking for the "edge" and what team has it. So, who has it this week? How could you not go with the New York Giants? They're playing at home and fighting desperately to avoid another second half collapse. I fully expect them to come out swinging this Sunday.
Keep an eye on:
Giants offensive line versus Vikings defensive line - Can Shaun O'Hara and company pave the way for the Giants back-up running backs? Can they keep Manning on his feet? Those are two very important keys to the game.
Vikings offensive line versus Giants defensive line - Steve Hutchinson will be the main man for the Vikings this Sunday. Can he get the push Minnesota will need, or will Barry Cofield eat him for breakfast?
Notes: This is a classic NFL matchup. Both of these teams rely on their front lines to win games, and to watch them clashing should be epic. There's no doubt about it; this game will be won in the bloody trenches.
