Vikings survive against Giants, 16-13

The Minnesota Vikings overcame a quarterback injury, travel complications and a late deficit Sunday, finding a way to finish strong in a season that has already delivered its share of adversity.

J.J. McCarthy exited with a right hand injury before halftime, but backup Max Brosmer steadied the offense and led Minnesota to a 16–13 victory over the New York Giants. The win was the Vikings’ third straight and moved them to 7–8, despite both teams having been eliminated from playoff contention.

McCarthy injured his throwing hand early but stayed in long enough to score on a rushing touchdown. As the discomfort worsened and his grip weakened, he was forced out of the game just before the break. X-rays were negative, though his availability for the final two games remains uncertain.

Minnesota appeared poised to take a lead into halftime before a costly turnover shifted momentum. With less than a minute remaining, McCarthy was strip-sacked by Brian Burns, and rookie Tyler Nubin returned the fumble 27 yards for a Giants touchdown.

Brosmer entered in the second half and delivered his most composed performance of the season. The rookie completed 7 of 9 passes for 52 yards and guided the Vikings on the go-ahead drive in the fourth quarter, setting up Will Reichard’s 30-yard field goal that proved to be the difference.

Justin Jefferson led Minnesota’s offense with six receptions for 85 yards, continuing to produce despite a rotating cast at quarterback. Before exiting, McCarthy completed 9 of 14 passes for 108 yards and benefited from an interception negated by an offside penalty.

The Giants’ struggles continued as they dropped their ninth straight game and fell to 2–13. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, making just his second start, was under constant pressure and finished 7 of 13 for 33 yards with an interception. New York managed only field goals from Ben Saul in his NFL debut and failed to score an offensive touchdown for the second consecutive week against Minnesota’s defense.

The game came after an unusual travel delay for the Vikings, who were forced to turn back mid-flight Saturday due to mechanical issues and take a second plane to New Jersey. Minnesota showed little effect from the disruption, closing the game with disciplined defense and timely execution.

Injuries

Vikings running back Jordan Mason was carted off with a right ankle injury in the first quarter. Center Ryan Kelly sustained a concussion in the second quarter, his third of the season. Aaron Jones played through an ankle injury.

For the Giants, left tackle Andrew Thomas left with a hamstring injury in the second quarter. Center John Michael Schmitz injured his right hand in the third quarter, and cornerback Cor’Dale Flott exited with a knee injury.

Up Next

The Vikings return home to host the Detroit Lions on Thursday in a Christmas Day matchup.

The Giants travel to Las Vegas next Sunday in a game with significant draft-order implications.