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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Sep 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) reacts during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) reacts during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

Don’t get in a shootout!

So far this year, the Giants are struggling when it comes to holding on to the football for long drives. In fact, they rank 27th in the league when it comes to time of possession at 27:59 per game. They strike fast and struggle to make big stops on defense.

More from The Viking Age

But things aren’t much better for the Minnesota Vikings. The boys in purple only keep the ball for 28:20 on average, which is 24th in the league. This is largely due to the defensive scores and big special teams play, which aren’t a guarantee each week.

Oddly enough, this means that a team that isn’t used to holding onto the football for an extended period of time will get that opportunity. That team needs to be the Minnesota Vikings, as they don’t want to end up in a shootout against the high-powered Giants offense.

Sam Bradford has shown he can get points on the board when needed, but the Vikings haven’t established themselves to have the same kind of offensive output as the Giants. Hopefully, Minnesota won’t need to find out if they can keep up.

Next: Full game-by-game 2016 Vikings season preview

Don’t miss the Minnesota Vikings taking on the New York Giants on Monday Night Football this week. If the team can execute the five keys to success listed, they should remain undefeated at U.S. Bank Stadium. But what else does Minnesota need to do to win? Do you disagree with any of the points above? Leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.