Vikings vs. Giants Week 1 Predictions & Betting Picks | Jay Horne

Minnesota Vikings (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS) vs. New York Giants (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS)

NFL Football Week 1

Date/Time: Sunday September 8th, 2024. 1:00 PM (EST)

Where: MetLife Stadium East Rutherford, NJ

TV: FOX

Betting Odds:

Point Spread: MIN -1.5/NYG +1.5

Moneyline: Minn -125/GMen +105 

Total: 41.5

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One of the NFL’s opening week match-ups that is flying under the radar involves the Minnesota Vikings, who will travel into MetLife Stadium for a date with the New York Giants. Admittedly, the Vikings and the Giants do not have super high expectations this year due to each team sustaining big losses over the offseason. The Vikings lost QB Kirk Cousins to Atlanta and will start the year with QB Sam Darnold behind center. Meanwhile, the Giants lost superstar RB Saquan Barkley to the Eagles, leaving the offense solely in the hands of QB Daniel Jones. Both of those narratives do not shed much optimism for either the Vikings or the Giants’ offenses which is the reason both organizations have modest expectations for the 2024 season.

On the positive front, the Vikings still have the best WR in the NFL in Justin Jefferson, and the offense also acquired RB Aaron Jones from the Packers. The Giants spent their 1st round pick on WR Malik Nabers, who some believe could be the best rookie in the draft. The Giants receiving corps has been among the worst in the NFL for the last few years. Needless to say, Nabers has at least provided some optimism to restore a threat down the field. The Giants also acquired RB Devin Singletary from Houston who will have the opportunity to get a rather big workload in the void of Barkley’s departure.  Either way, both of these offenses from Minnesota and New York will need to find ways to be productive and that will be the point of focus in this opening week match-up!

Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Giants Betting Analysis

Despite the concerns on the offensive side of the football for both teams, especially at the quarterback position, this game could easily be decided by the team that makes a few big plays on the defensive side of the football. In my opinion, the Vikings clearly have the better defensive potential. Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores took the Vikings from 31st in the NFL to 16th in the NFL in his first season last year. Though the defensive line suffered a big loss in DE Danielle Hunter (Houston), the Vikings acquired several new faces on defense, including the likes of LB Jonathan Greenard, LB Andrew Van Ginkel, and others.

Needless to say, I believe the Vikings’ defense has another opportunity to take a step forward this year, but they will obviously need some help from the offense to keep them off the field. For this Sunday’s match-up with the Giants, I expect the Vikings to be solid against the run and create enough pressure to make things difficult for QB Daniel Jones, who only has one really talented WR to target in rookie Malik Nabers. Simply put, I just don’t think the Giants’ offense has many clear paths to victory in this game unless we see something special out of the rookie receiver or something unforeseen from the Giants’ offense.

Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Giants Betting Trends

• The Vikings are 0-4-2 ATS in the last six games.
• The Vikings have hit the “over” in 4 of the last five games.
• The Vikings are 1-6 SU in the last seven games.
• The Vikings are 4-1 SU in the last five games against the Giants.
• The Giants are 6-1 ATS in the last seven games.
• The Giants are 5-0-1 ATS in the last six games at home.
• The Giants have hit the “under” in 12 of the last 18 games.
• The Giants have hit the “under” in 4 of the last five games against Minnesota.

Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Giants Betting Prediction

As alluded to above, I don’t believe there is a lot to be optimistic about for either offense. However, I do believe the Vikings have better options on the ground and through the air. Additionally, I’m expecting the Vikings’ defense to be solid again this year. As a result, I think Minnesota clearly has more paths to victory!
Jay’s Pick: Take Minnesota -1.5