On Sunday, at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Minnesota Vikings will host the New York Giants in a thrilling playoff opener.
Harrison Smith and Leonard Williams QUESTIONABLE for Giants vs. Vikings 
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- New York Giants
Having just lost a heartbreaker to the Vikings a few weeks ago, the Giants would give anything to win the most pivotal game of the season.
Despite the Giants’ poor road record, I think they’ll be ready for the rematch with the Vikings after having already made the trip to Minnesota.
However, only two wins in the other seven games leave a lot to be desired. The loss in the finale wasn’t too concerning, especially considering how many players they were missing.
The Giants should be even more motivated by the fact that they outplayed the Vikings in terms of total yardage in the first meeting but still lost. This is the first postseason game for many of New York’s players, and that’s a cause for concern.
It should help this team out considerably that they were able to rest a lot of players last week, especially in a game where they may need all of their players.
Injury Report
With Sterling Shepard still sidelined with a knee injury, the wide receiver room is in disarray. On defense, Leonard Williams (neck) and Azeez Ojulari (shoulder) are both questionable for this game (ankle).
They’ll need everyone on the field for this game, so it’s good news that there aren’t any superstars listed as injured.
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Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota, which has surprised many with its strong season, will be pleased to begin its postseason run on home soil.
Minnesota is aware that they cannot afford to start this game as listlessly as they did in their previous one in this same building in December, when they lost to the Giants.
They almost lost the game in the first meeting because they were outrushed, so they’ll likely put a premium on running the ball and controlling possession from the get-go in this one. So far this season, the Vikings are 8-1 in their home stadium, making it one of the best home-field advantages in the National Football League.
Injury Report
With relatively few injury concerns, the Minnesota Wild can focus on the next few weeks with confidence. However, there are two notable people they should watch.
Both Dalvin Cook (knee) and Harrison Smith (knee) are questionable for the Vikings, which could have an impact on their rushing attack as they look to improve it in the rematch.
