Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants: 5 keys to victory

Dec 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison (96) celebrates a sack of New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) during the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison (96) celebrates a sack of New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) during the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
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Aug 18, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Jeremiah Sirles (78) blocks against Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Minnesota defeated Seattle, 18-11. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Jeremiah Sirles (78) blocks against Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Minnesota defeated Seattle, 18-11. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The offensive line needs to shine

This week, tight end Kyle Rudolph told the media that he wants the team to get off to a faster start offensively. That could be even more important against an explosive New York Giants team that can light up a scoreboard in a hurry.

For Minnesota to be successful, they’ll need solid pass protection and holes to run through. That means much will be expected from an offensive line that has been decimated by injuries and has replacement players up and down unit.

The biggest question mark still remains left tackle T.J. Clemmings, who graded out as the worst at his position in the league during week 3 of the NFL season according to Pro Football Focus. That issue compounds with the status of left guard Alex Boone up in the air.

Boone will be replaced to Jeremiah Sirles if he is unable to play. Sirles did an admirable job against the Panthers when he entered the game, but the Giants defense is a bit underrated as they have only given up 3 touchdowns on the season and currently allow the 5th fewest rushing yards per game.

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