USA TODAY International Edition
Jones propels Giants to upset over Vikings
The New York Giants were defeated by the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16. A few weeks later, New York got revenge in the postseason.
The Giants, the NFC No. 6 seed, outlasted the No. 3- seeded Vikings 31- 24 in a thrilling wild- card game Sunday.
Both teams traded big plays throughout the game. They combined for 763 total yards, 440 in the first half, where 31 points were scored.
In the fourth quarter, the Vikings tied the score at 24 on a 38- yard field goal. But the Giants answered on a 12play, 75- yard touchdown drive that was capped off by go- ahead 2- yard TD run by running back Saquon Barkley that made the score 31- 24 after the point- after kick.
The Giants are the first road team to win in this year’s playoffs.
Here’s what we learned in the NFC wild- card matchup:
Jones superb in playoff debut
Daniel Jones hurt the Vikings with his arm and legs. The Giants quarterback was a willing runner against a Minnesota defense that had a difficult time containing him.
Jones had 78 rushing yards in the victory. He broke a Giants postseason record for rushing yards by a quarterback. He was 24 of 35 passing for 301 yards and two TDs.
Sunday’s performance was perhaps Jones’ most complete game of his career. He went into Sunday with a career passer rating of 86.5. He registered a 114.1 passer rating in his playoff debut. The Giants had no turnovers.
Barkley key in win
The Vikings keyed in on neutralizing Barkley, but the Giants running back still had impressive plays. New York’s first score came on a 28- yard touchdown run by Barkley. He had 109 yards from scrimmage ( 53 rushing and 56 receiving) and two TDs. Barkley and Jones engineered New York’s offense.
Giants defense contains Jefferson
Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson led the NFL in receptions ( 128) and receiving yards ( 1,809) in the regular season.
But he had a modest game versus New York. Jefferson saw multiple defenders for much of the game. He had seven catches for 47 yards. Five of his catches came in the first quarter.
Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins was forced to pass to other players. Tight end T. J. Hockenson was the biggest beneficiary. He produced 10 catches for 129 yards. Hockenson became the second Vikings tight end to have 100plus receiving yards in a playoff game, per NFL Research.
What win means for New York
The Giants will face a familiar foe in the divisional round as they travel to Philadelphia to play the Eagles, who finished the regular season 14- 3. The Giants lost both games to the Eagles in the regular season.
First win since 2011 postseason
Prior to Sunday, the Giants hadn’t won a playoff game since their Super Bowl title run during the 2011 season.