NFL

Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 1 game

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3 months ago

September 4, 2024

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Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 1 game

The 2024 NFL season kicks off this week. Excitement fills the air and fanbases across America are starting to build delusion up in their heads. “Maybe our team can escape the cellar and actually make a playoff run this year,” thinks the crazed fan. Unfortunately, most of those dreams will be dashed Week 1 after their team gets decimated by a team they thought they’d beat.

The Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants could both potentially fall into this category. Poor offseason moves, preseason injuries, and overall low expectations have tempered excitement from fans of both teams. Anything can happen when the games start mattering though, right? Absolutely, and Week 1 could serve as a measuring stick to determine whether or not these teams fall into the hopeful or hopeless categories.

The Vikings had a lot to look forward to with the potential to witness quarterback J.J. McCarthy. However, he’ll be out for the entirety of his rookie season. Meanwhile, the Giants play in a very top-heavy division and while the addition of Malik Nabers at wide receiver is big, the team will still need Daniel Jones to step up if they want to have a shot at an NFC East title.

PROP TALK: These are the best prop bets for NFL games this week

Vikings vs. Giants odds, moneyline, over/under

The Vikings are favorites to defeat the Giants, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2024 including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.

Spread: Vikings (-1.5)
Moneyline: Vikings (-120); Giants (+100)
Over/under: 41

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Lorenzo Reyes: Vikings 18, Giants 10

I fully expect both these teams to struggle this year and, frankly, don’t love either team in this spot, especially considering that Minnesota is trotting out Sam Darnold at quarterback. My favorite play — and it’s not particularly close — is the under on total points.

Tyler Dragon: Vikings 17, Giants 14

The Saquon Barkley-less Giants need to find a new identity on offense. Is Daniel Jones ready to lead New York’s offense? The Vikings seemed prepared to move on from Kirk Cousins. Is bridge quarterback Sam Darnold able to keep things afloat? Throwing the football to Justin Jefferson is the easiest way for Minnesota to pull off the upset in a battle of two mediocre clubs.

Safid Deen: Vikings 24, Giants 20

Sam Darnold gets a chance to start again, and his top target is Justin Jefferson. Not bad. I think Darnold outplays Giants starter Daniel Jones, leading to a Vikings win in their opener.

Richard Morin: Giants 12, Vikings 9

Stay away from anything that isn’t the under in this matchup. Poor offensive showings from both clubs will make this a tough watch, but I could see Brian Daboll pulling this one out at home.

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