The trend of things going wrong for the Minnesota Vikings continued in Week 16 when they hit the road to take on the New York Giants. Although the purple and gold were able to secure a 16-13 victory, it could be a costly win.
This game had a preseason feel to it at times, with two young quarterbacks struggling to get their team into the red zone. The hope to see development from the passers was cut short by injuries and ineffectiveness, making this game a difficult watch.
With only two games remaining for the Vikings, the playoffs aren't an option. The team's only hope is to continue building and developing their young players to be ready for action when the 2026 NFL season begins.
But before looking ahead to next season, let's take a peek at five Minnesota players who made an impact on the outcome of Sunday's game.
Minnesota Vikings winners and losers in their Week 16 victory over the New York Giants?
Vikings Winner No. 1
Will Reichard - K
As long as there are no wires in the way, kicker Will Reichard has been one of the most consistent players for the Vikings this season. Against the Giants, he made all four of his kicks, including three field goals. The longest of those kicks came from 43 yards out.
Vikings Loser No. 1
J.J. McCarthy - QB
J.J. McCarthy had an interception and a fumble in this game, but both are debatable as to whether they are his fault or not. However, the young Vikings quarterback left the game before halftime with a hand injury, forcing undrafted free agent rookie Max Brosmer into the lineup.
Considering McCarthy's injury problems, this could be concerning. Since joining the team, he's had knee, ankle, and hand injuries as well as a concussion. As the saying goes, the best ability is availability, and it's questionable if he will be available for the final two games of the season.
Vikings Winner No. 2
Levi Drake Rodriguez - DL
Minnesota did a great job against the pass on Sunday. They held Jaxon Dart to seven completions for 33 yards in the game, but New York gained 128 yards on the ground.
When they adjusted their game plan to continue running at the Vikings' defense, Minnesota inserted Levi Drake Rodriguez into the defensive line, and things got much more difficult for Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary.
Rodriguez also got a sack on Dart to go with his five total tackles.
Vikings Loser No. 2
Dallas Turner - Edge
Jonathan Greenard was out for this game, opening an opportunity for Dallas Turner to showcase the skills that made the edge rusher a first-round pick last year.
Instead, Turner registered only one tackle and had an embarrassing whiff on a pass rush attempt and a penalty called against him. It's not what fans wanted to see from him.
Vikings Winner No. 3
Justin Jefferson - WR
It was only a matter of time until Minnesota found a way to get star wide receiver Justin Jefferson more involved in the offense.
On Sunday, he reached a milestone with his six catches on eight targets for 85 yards, with some great plays made to pick up yards after the catch in New Jersey. Let's hope this version of Jefferson shows up against the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers.