Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants: Player Stats (Dec 21)
A cold December afternoon at MetLife Stadium turned into a defining moment for two teams heading in opposite directions. The Minnesota Vikings edged the New York Giants 16‑13 on December 21, 2025, but the win came at a cost: rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy left the game with a hand injury.
Final Score: Vikings 16, Giants 13 ·
Date: December 21, 2025 ·
Location: MetLife Stadium ·
Vikings QB: J.J. McCarthy (injured) ·
Giants Streak: Ninth consecutive loss
Quick snapshot
- Date: December 21, 2025 (ESPN game recap)
- Final: Vikings 16, Giants 13 (NFL.com)
- Location: MetLife Stadium (NFL.com)
- J.J. McCarthy (Vikings) – injured during game (ESPN box score)
- Justin Jefferson – 6 catches, 85 yards (CBS Sports box score)
- T. Ingram-Dawkins (Giants) – 1 tackle for loss (CBS Sports box score) (ESPN box score)
- Vikings lead all‑time series (20‑13 including playoffs) (The Football Database)
- Notable 41‑0 Vikings win in past meeting (The Football Database)
- ESPN, NFL.com, CBS Sports (ESPN game hub)
- Sofascore for live updates (Sofascore)
The game’s key facts tell the story of a defensive battle.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Minnesota Vikings 16, New York Giants 13 |
| Date | December 21, 2025 |
| Giants Streak | 9th consecutive loss |
| Injury Note | Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy injured |
Who’s favored to win, Minnesota Vikings or New York Giants?
Betting odds overview
- Vikings were favored by 3.5 points according to FOX Sports odds.
- The over/under was set at 42.5 points (FOX Sports).
Expert predictions from FOX Sports
- FOX Sports analysts predicted a Vikings win, citing the Giants’ nine‑game losing streak (FOX Sports).
- The betting line moved slightly toward Minnesota after news of the Giants’ defensive injuries.
The implication: Bettors who backed the Vikings covered the spread, as the final margin (3 points) fell within the 3.5‑point line. The over, however, did not hit — the combined 29 points fell well short of 42.5.
What were the final statistics for the Vikings vs Giants game?
Scoring summary
Four quarters, one pattern: the Vikings built a lead early, the Giants clawed back, and both defenses locked down in the second half.
| Quarter | Vikings | Giants |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3 | 0 |
| 2nd | 10 | 10 |
| 3rd | 0 | 0 |
| 4th | 3 | 3 |
| Final | 16 | 13 |
Sources: ESPN game recap and NFL.com.
J.J. McCarthy had already injured his right throwing hand before he ran for a touchdown.
ESPN game recap
Team stats comparison
While the box score from ESPN shows the Vikings held the edge in time of possession and rushing yards, the Giants’ passing game kept them within striking distance.
- Vikings passing leaders: J.J. McCarthy and Max Brosmer (ESPN box score).
- Vikings rushing leaders: Aaron Jones Sr. and J.J. McCarthy (ESPN box score).
Key individual performances
- Justin Jefferson (Vikings): 6 receptions for 85 yards (CBS Sports).
- T. Ingram‑Dawkins (Giants): 1 tackle for loss (CBS Sports).
- J.J. McCarthy (Vikings): injured during the game, but passed and ran before exiting (ESPN).
What this means: Jefferson’s efficiency kept the chains moving, but McCarthy’s injury forced Minnesota to lean on its ground game and defense in the second half.
In summary, the Vikings’ defense and Jefferson’s performance secured the win, but McCarthy’s injury raises concerns for their playoff push.
Which players had standout performances in the 2025 matchup?
Top Vikings performers
- Justin Jefferson: 6 catches, 85 yards (team leader) (CBS Sports).
- Aaron Jones Sr.: leading rusher for Minnesota (ESPN).
- Vikings defense: held the Giants to 13 points and recorded 2 sacks (CBS Sports).
Top Giants performers
- Giants defensive line applied pressure, including T. Ingram‑Dawkins with a tackle for loss (CBS Sports).
- New York’s passing game lacked a 100‑yard receiver; their top target was limited by Vikings coverage.
Injury impact
According to ESPN, J.J. McCarthy had already injured his right throwing hand before he ran for a touchdown. The severity of the injury remains unclear, but his absence in the second half forced Max Brosmer into action.
The catch: McCarthy’s injury could affect the Vikings’ playoff push. With a 7‑8 record entering the game, Minnesota needs its rookie QB healthy for a wild‑card run.
Justin Jefferson had six catches for 85 yards.
CBS Sports box score
How does the Vikings vs Giants head‑to‑head record look historically?
All‑time series wins and losses
Six decades of rivalry, one pattern: Minnesota has held the edge.
| Category | Vikings | Giants |
|---|---|---|
| Regular season wins | 17 | 13 |
| Postseason wins | 3 | 0 |
| Total (including playoffs) | 20 | 13 |
Sources: The Football Database and Minnesota Vikings official site.
Notable past games (including 41‑0)
- The Vikings’ most lopsided win came in a 41‑0 shutout, a game that remains the largest margin of victory in the series.
- The Giants’ last win against Minnesota was in 2021, a 27‑24 thriller at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Why this matters: The Vikings’ historical dominance — especially in recent years — underscores how far the Giants have fallen. New York hasn’t beaten Minnesota since 2021.
Where can I find live updates and scores for Vikings vs Giants?
Official NFL sources
- NFL.com (league’s official game hub): play‑by‑play, box score, video highlights.
- ESPN (major sports network): live win probability, drive charts, and scoring summaries.
- CBS Sports (broadcast partner): in‑game tackle stats and player grades.
Sofascore live tracking
Sofascore provides minute‑by‑minute updates, player heat maps, and drive summaries for every NFL game.
Mobile apps and alerts
- NFL App: push notifications for scores and key plays.
- Yahoo Sports: customizable alerts for your fantasy roster.
The takeaway: Whether you’re a fantasy manager tracking Jefferson or a Giants fan hoping for a turnaround, these platforms deliver the data as it happens.
For a look at another Vikings matchup earlier in the season, check out the Cleveland Browns vs Vikings stats from their Week 5 win over the Browns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Vikings vs Giants game?
The final score was Minnesota Vikings 16, New York Giants 13.
How did J.J. McCarthy get injured?
J.J. McCarthy injured his right throwing hand during the game, before he ran for a touchdown, according to ESPN.
What were Justin Jefferson’s stats in the game?
Justin Jefferson had 6 receptions for 85 yards, as reported by CBS Sports.
What is the Giants’ losing streak?
The Giants lost their ninth consecutive game in this matchup.
How do the Vikings lead the all-time series?
The Vikings lead the all-time series 20‑13, including playoffs, according to The Football Database.
What was the 41‑0 game?
The Vikings’ most lopsided win in the series was a 41‑0 shutout, the largest margin of victory in the rivalry.
Where can I find live updates for future Vikings vs Giants games?
Official sources include NFL.com, ESPN, and CBS Sports, as well as Sofascore for real‑time tracking.
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