Vikings Edge Giants 16-13 in Weathered Week 16 Clash

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the New York Giants 16-13 at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, December 21, 2025, a game defined by defense, a late relief quarterback drive, and a crucial injury to Vikings starter J.J. McCarthy. The win moved Minnesota to 7-8, while the Giants fell to 2-13, extending a nine-game losing streak. A 14-play, 57-yard drive finished with Will Reichard's 30-yard field goal with 4:15 remaining, the decisive score after McCarthy left with a right hand injury and backup Max Brosmer guided the offense.

Game overview

Both teams entered the contest eliminated from playoff contention, but pride and roster momentum were on the line. The Vikings outgained New York 240 to 141 in total yards and converted 7 of 12 third downs compared with the Giants' 2 of 10. Minnesota manufactured three field goals and one rushing touchdown by McCarthy before his exit, while New York's only touchdown came on a defensive return after forcing a late first-half turnover.

Key statistics at a glance

Decisive moments

• The game turned on a strip sack late in the second quarter, when Minnesota quarterback J.J. McCarthy was hit and fumbled, and Tyler Nubin returned the ball to the end zone for New York. That defensive touchdown closed the half with the Giants trailing by three points, and it injected life into a sputtering Giants offense.
• In the fourth quarter, with the scores tied, Max Brosmer engineered a time-consuming 14-play, 57-yard march that included a toe-dragging 22-yard catch by Justin Jefferson on third-and-17, setting up Reichard's game-winning field goal.

"We don’t lay our heads down and we definitely don’t give up," receiver Justin Jefferson said after the game, summarizing Minnesota's approach in a season of ups and downs.

Player performances

Vikings

• J.J. McCarthy, before leaving with a right hand injury, completed 9 of 14 passes for 108 yards and ran for a short touchdown. His exit forced the Vikings to rely on an inexperienced backup, but the team held on.
• Max Brosmer, who entered late, completed 7 of 9 passes for 52 yards, and managed clock and distance on the late drive to set up the winning kick.
• Justin Jefferson was the primary target, finishing with six catches for 85 yards, including the clutch third-and-17 reception that keyed the final drive.
• Minnesota's defense pressured the Giants all day, posting five sacks and forcing an interception that came after a tipped pass.

Giants

• New York's offense struggled to move the ball, finishing with just 141 total yards, and completing only 7 passes for 13 yards until late in the contest.
• Jaxson Dart, the rookie starter, finished 7 of 13 for 33 yards and threw an interception that was returned for a turnover by Minnesota.
• Defensive plays, including the fumble return for a touchdown, kept the Giants within striking distance, but the offense could not respond with a touchdown.

Coaching, strategy and execution

The Vikings followed a conservative, clock-management approach after McCarthy exited, leaning on their run game and short passing to control third downs and the time of possession. Kevin O'Connell's game plan emphasized protecting an injury-affected quarterback, and when Brosmer entered, the play calling shifted to high-percentage throws and carefully designed third-down opportunities.

From the Giants' side, the game plan aimed to ground-and-pound early, but missed opportunities and penalties, including two costly calls on a defensive lineman during Minnesota's final drive, undermined New York's chances. The offensive line suffered another blow when left tackle Andrew Thomas exited with a hamstring issue, forcing the Giants to shuffle protections.

Injuries and off-field events

• J.J. McCarthy suffered a right hand injury on the play that led to the Vikings turnover, and he did not return. The team will evaluate him in the coming days, and the injury clouds Minnesota's quarterback depth heading into the season's final weeks.
• Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas left with a hamstring injury and did not return, complicating pass protection for a team already searching for offensive rhythm.
• The Vikings also dealt with an unusual travel disruption prior to the game. Their team plane returned to Minneapolis after takeoff because of a mechanical issue, and the club boarded a second aircraft to reach Newark the same day. Despite the scare, no one was harmed and Minnesota played as scheduled.

Multiple viewpoints

• Vikings fans and analysts will call this a gritty, professional road win, the kind that can give a young roster belief heading into next season. The late drive and defensive pressure were cited as evidence the team can close tight games even when their starter is sidelined.
• Giants supporters and many national critics see the result as further proof that New York's offense remains a work in progress, with questions about the quarterback room, protection, and playmaking. The defensive touchdown offered a bright spot, but the inability to sustain drives will force coaching and personnel discussions in the offseason.
• Neutral observers noted the unusual combination of travel disruption, a starter's injury, and a backup quarterback sealing the victory as a reminder of the NFL's thin margins where special teams and situational coaching often decide outcomes.

What this means, and what’s next

• Minnesota, now 7-8, has two regular-season games left and can use this win to evaluate roster depth, particularly at quarterback and on special teams. Remaining opponents include a home matchup against Detroit and a season finale against Green Bay.
• New York drops to 2-13, keeping them in position for a top draft pick. The Giants will travel to Las Vegas next, before returning home to host the Cowboys in the finale. Expect more roster review and potential coaching changes debates as the season ends.

Historical context

These teams have met sporadically over the decades, with Minnesota holding a positive edge in the series. Sunday's result extended the Vikings' recent dominance in the matchup, and it underscored Minnesota's ability to win tight, defense-driven games even when the offense is not at its best.

Final takeaways

The Vikings found enough offense and steady defense to escape East Rutherford with a road win, despite a late-season travel scare and a starter exiting with a hand injury. The Giants produced sparks on defense, but offensive stagnation and injuries kept them from capitalizing. With the regular season winding down, both clubs now shift focus to roster decisions and health evaluations before January.

```text
Fourth quarter drive summary (Vikings):
Time remaining 6:51, start at own 43, 14 plays, 57 yards
Key play: 3rd-and-17, Jefferson 22 yards, sets up Reichard 30-yard FG, game clock 4:15
Result: Vikings lead 16-13
```

If you want a deeper statistical breakdown, player grade analysis, or quotes from locker rooms and coaches, I can expand any section and include a drive-by-drive annotated timeline.