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The Vikings and Giants had 21 one-score games on Saturday, so there was little doubt as to how the game in Minneapolis would play out.
Justin Jefferson caught a 17-yard touchdown with 3 minutes remaining to give the Vikings a 24–16 lead, but the Giants moved the ball into Viking territory on a 32-yard catch and was scored by a wide receiver. Executed Darius Slayton. They dropped to 4 and 2 from the 27-yard line and opted to give the ball to Sacwon Barkley, who sprinted down the line for an easy touchdown.
Daniel Jones hit tight end Daniel Bellinger in the back of the end zone to tie the game with a two-point try just before the two-minute caution, giving the Vikings the chance to return the ball and move to 11-0. The Giants trailed the Vikings to third, but Kirk Cousins gave Jefferson a 17-yard gain to give the team life.
Landon Collins sacked Cousins for a 7-yard loss to force the Vikings to use their final timeout, but another completion to Jefferson awarded a first down, spiking the ball and allowing Greg to score the first down. • Joseph’s 60-yard field goal try was set at the ending whistle.
Joseph hit it with time to spare and the Vikings were able to celebrate with a 27-24 victory.
Jefferson’s last catch was his 12th of the day, making him 123 on the season. It broke Chris Carter’s franchise record for catches in a season, after Jefferson broke Randy Moss’ record for season receiving yards in the first half. He’s now tallied at 1,756 yards in a season, and heading into the final two games he needs 209 yards to set a new NFL record for receiving yards.
The 12-3 Vikings could clinch the top seed in the NFC if the Cowboys beat the Eagles later on Saturday. They round out the year with road games in Green Bay and Chicago.
The loss dropped the Giants to 8-6-1, but the Lions’ and Seahawks’ losses meant that playoff hopes weren’t significantly affected by Joseph’s kick. Before finishing the regular season with the Eagles, they won the Colts at home in Week 17 and the Phillies may not be playing anything at that point, so it would be good for the Giants to be in the postseason. It’s a bet.