The Giants.com crew is presented with four statements and must decide whether they are Fact or Fiction.
Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is the best non-quarterback the Giants face this season
John Schmeelk: Fact – You can make an argument for Micah Parsons, but it's hard to argue with Justin Jefferson. He will have the opportunity to break Calvin Johnson's single-season receiving record of 1,964 yards and even eclipse 2,000. He has been the best wide receiver in football this year because he has a large variety of ways to win and get open despite lacking top-end speed.
Dan Salomone: Fact – He's so good that he's in the conversation even if you take off the "non-quarterback" qualifier. His 4,639 career receiving yards are most through three seasons all-time, and he's just 10 yards away from breaking Randy Moss' Vikings single-season record.
Lance Medow: Fact – Keep in mind, the Giants have played a number of dangerous receivers and running backs who pose different challenges – the Titans' Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey when he was with the Panthers, the Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard, Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf of the Seahawks, the Commanders' Terry McLaurin and A.J. Brown of the Eagles. The latter is an extremely tough, physical receiver, but Justin Jefferson is cut from a different cloth. He showcases speed, physicality and a catch radius unlike anyone else in the league. On top of that, his ability to hold onto the ball and make difficult contested catches puts him in a league of his own.
Matt Citak: Fact – The Giants have faced some very talented offensive playmakers this season, from Derrick Henry to A.J. Brown and others. But Justin Jefferson lands at the top of the list, and frankly, it isn't very close. The third-year receiver was named second-team All-Pro in each of his first two seasons and followed up with NFL highs of 111 receptions for 1,623 yards this year. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale said it best on Wednesday. "I told the defense. I said that he's one of the top two receivers in this league, and he's not number two."
Kayvon Thibodeaux will have another sack this week
John Schmeelk: Fiction – This is just a gut feeling. Even though Thibodeaux had a sack last week, he only had one other quarterback hurry, according to Pro Football Focus. He was more consistently around the quarterback the previous three games against Dallas, Philadelphia and Washington. The Vikings have one of the best offensive tackles in the sport in Christian Darrisaw and a very underrated counterpart in Brian O'Neill. Take the matchup with the defensive tackles against the Vikings guards and center this week.
Dan Salomone: Fact – Like they say in NBA Jam, he's heating up.
Lance Medow: Fact – Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has been sacked 40 times this season, including seven last week against the Colts, and Minnesota has allowed 41 overall (sixth in the NFL). Based on those numbers and the fact that Cousins isn't a threat to run on a consistent basis, bodes well for Kayvon Thibodeaux & Co. The pass rush has picked up as the Giants have recorded 12 sacks over the past three games. It also helps that Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari, Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams have the opportunity to be on the field together. If Thibodeaux plays with the same motor that he brought to the Washington game, he'll have a very good chance to make it consecutive games with a sack.
Matt Citak: Fact – Thibodeaux has gotten hot over the last few weeks with two sacks and three quarterback hits across his past three games. His recent success coincides with the return of Azeez Ojulari to the lineup, which is no coincidence. With Ojulari on the field, Thibodeaux is seeing less double teams, and the same goes for Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams on the interior. Through 14 games, the Vikings have allowed 41 sacks, the sixth-most in the league. Even in last week's amazing comeback win over the Colts, Kirk Cousins was sacked seven times, matching his season-high. Both Thibodeaux and Ojulari have a good chance of getting to Cousins in this one.
View rare photos from the all-time series between the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan is interviewed by Terry Bradshaw after winning the NFC championship game against the Minnesota Vikings Jan. 14, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Vikings 41-0. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giant's quarterback Fran Tarkenton looks for a down-field receiver as he gets set to pass while being chased by Minnesota Viking's Jim Marshall in first half of National Football League game in Twin Cities on Sunday, Nov. 5, 1967 in Minneapolis. Tarkenton threw three touchdown passes to give him total of 19 touchdown passes for the season, best in the NFL. (AP Photo)
Vikings running back Oscar Reed, 32, is stopped on the two yard line by N.Y. Giants line backer Jim Files, 58, and defensive tackle Jim Kanicki, 73, during third quarter action at New York's Yankee Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 31, 1971. (AP Photo/ Harry Harris
Fran Tarkenton, N.Y. Giants' quarterback, begins first quarter completed pass to fullback Allen Jacobs in NFL exhibition game against the Vikings, Aug. 22, 1967 in New Haven, Ct. The Vikings are Tarkenton?s former team. (AP Photo)
Vikings tight end John Hilton (85) misses a long pass from quarterback Gary Cuozzo, not shown, during third quarter action at Yankee Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 31, 1971, New York. Defending for the N.Y. Giants are defensive back Carl Lockhart (43) and Scott Eaton (20). (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Minnesota Viking?s pass receiver Bill Brown (30) holds hands out but ball bounces off his helmet as New York Giant?s defender Bill Swain (52) watches Brown during first half of National Football League game in Twin Cities at Minneapolis, on Sunday, Nov. 5, 1967. Viking quarterback Joe Kapp attempted the pass. Minnesota downed New York, 27-24. (AP Photo/RW)
Minnesota Vikings Herschel Walker rushes for yardage against the New York Giants in the first quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Oct. 30, 1989. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Minnesota Vikings running back Herschel Walker (34) leaps over a fallen teammate during an NFL football game against the New York Giants in November 1989. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants end Leonard Marshall celebrates his second quarter sack of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tommy Krammer in Monday's 24-14 win at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Oct. 31, 1989. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor, left, hugs backup quarterback Jeff Hostetler after Hostetler handed off for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of their 24-14 win over the Minnesota Vikings at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Oct. 31, 1989. The two were instrumental in the come-from-behind win. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants quarterback Jeff Hostetler rushes for yardage as he is tackled by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Mike Merriweather in the third quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey Monday, Oct. 31, 1989. Hostetler came off the bench to substitute for injured Phil Simms to lead the Giants over the Vikings 24-14. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) calls signals at the line of scrimmage during a 17 - 10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the 1993 NFC Wild Card Playoff Game on Jan. 9, 1994 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms looks to handoff during the Giants 17-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the 1993 NFC Wild Card Playoff Game on January 9, 1994 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Warren Moon, left, fights New York Giants right end Michael Strahan, center, after Moon fumbled during first period action of their NFL game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Monday, Oct. 10, 1994. Giants cornerback Phillippi Sparks (22) is at right. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) is seen in action during a post season NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings Dec. 27, 1997, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms sets to pass during the Giants 17-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the 1993 NFC Wild Card Playoff Game on January 9, 1994 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Minnesota Vikings running back Terry Allen (21) is set to recover a fumble by Vikings quarterback Warren Moon, right, as New York Giants left end Keith Hamilton (75) watches during first period action of their NFL game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Monday, Oct. 10, 1994. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Minnesota Vikings Cris Carter laterals the ball as he is hit by New York Giants Everson Walls, left, and Myron Guyton in the third quarter of play at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Dec. 9, 1990. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants head coach Dan Reeves, left, congratulates linebacker Lawrence Taylor after the last defensive series of the NFC playoff win over the Minnesota Vikings at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, Sunday, Jan. 9, 1994. The Giants won 17-10 and will face the San Francisco 49ers next. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) is seen in action during a post season NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings Dec. 27, 1997, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) is seen in action during a post season NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings Dec. 27, 1997, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) is seen in action during a post season NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings Dec. 27, 1997, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) intercepts a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter (80) during an 2000 NFC Championship NFL game on January 14, 2001. The Giants defeated the Vikings 41-0. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants fullback Greg Comella (34) celebrates with wide receiver Ike Hilliard (88) after making a touchdown during an NFL playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings Jan. 14, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Vikings 41-0. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Joe Jurevicius (84) catches a pass for a touchdown during an NFL playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings Jan 14, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Vikings 41-0. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) carries against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Championship game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Sunday January 14, 2001. The Giants meet the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XXXV Sunday Jan. 28, 2001 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cris Carter is stopped by New York Giants linebackers Mike Barrow, left rear, and Jessie Armstead (98), and safety Shaun Williams (36) during the fourth quarter of the NFC championship Sunday, Jan. 14, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants reached their first Super Bowl in a decade with a 41-0 romp past the Vikings, the biggest rout in NFC championship history. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper (11) is sacked by New York Giants' Cedric Jones (94) during the second quarter of the NFC championship Sunday, Jan. 14, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants wide receiver Ike Hilliard (88) leaves behind Minnesota Vikings cornerback Denard Walker, left, and linebacker Greg Biekert (54) as he runs into the end zone on a 19-yard touchdown pass from Giants quarterback Kerry Collins during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2003. At rear is Giants tackle Ian Allen. (AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, left, throws the ball as he is pressured by New York Giants' Bryan Kehl, left, Dave Tollefson (71) and Jerome McDougle (95) during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
New York Giants linebacker Kevin Lewis (59) fends off Minnesota Vikings running back Mewelde Moore, left, as he returns a fumble by Moore for 16 yards during the first quarter in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004. The Giants beat the Vikings 34-13. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) finds his way through a pack of players on a 5-yard touchdown run during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
New York Giants wide receiver Willie Ponder (87) evades Minnesota Vikings linebacker Raonall Smith, left, and cornerback Brian Williams (29) on a 3-yard gain during the first quarter in Minneapolis, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
Minnesota Vikings' Brian Russell (27) and Chris Claiborne tackle New York Giants tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (82) as he pulls in a five-yard pass from Kurt Warner. The catch set up a two-yard touchdown run by Michael Cloud in the fourth quarter Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004 in Minneapolis. The Giants beat the Vikings 34-13. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Laroni Gallishaw, left, holds on to the towel of New York Giants running back Tiki Barber as he slips past in the third quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) breaks a tackle by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Ralph Brown as he gains 48 yards on a pass play during the second quarter Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon (87) pulls in a 23-yard pass from quarterback David Carr in front of Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield, left, during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Minneapolis on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008. The Vikings beat the Giants 20-19. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning runs upfield for a 14-yard gain in the first quarter as the Minnesota Vikings' C.J. Mosley, left, and Spencer Johnson, right, defend at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The New York Giants' Damane Duckett, top center, gets a hand up to block a kick by the Minnesota Vikings' Paul Edinger at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brad Johnson, right is pressured by New York Giants defensive tackle Fred Robbins during the fourth quarter Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Vikings beat the Giants 24-21. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants cornerback Will Allen, left, breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Minnesota Vikings' Randy Moss, right, in the first quarter Monday night, Nov. 19, 2001 in Minneapolis. Allen was charged with pass interference, setting up Moss for a 28-yard touchdown pass from Vikings Daunte Culpepper on the next play. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Monday October 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. New York won 23-7. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Monday, Oct. 3, 2016, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
The New York Giants and the Minnesota Vikings meet during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Monday, Dec. 13, 2010. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) is brought down by New York Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty (99) in the first half of their NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Monday, Dec. 13, 2010. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
The Minnesota Vikings offensive line lines up against the New York Giants defensive line during an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 49-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Benny Sapp (22) pulls on New York Giants wide receiver Ramses Barden's (13) jersey during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010, at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. The Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7. (AP Photo/Hannah Foslien)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 3: Defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka #94 of the New York Giants jumps on running back Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings for a tackle at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on January 3, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 3: Defensive end Osi Umenyoira #72 of the New York Giants runs in pursuit against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on January 3, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. The Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7. (AP Photo/Hannah Foslien)
New York Giants linebacker Danny Clark (55) celebrates after tacking Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson in the first quarter during an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) greets Minnesota Vikings Brett Favre after the Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7 in an NFL football game in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010. (AP Photo/Andy King)
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Asher Allen, right, brings down New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon, left, on a kick return during an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw runs into Minnesota Vikings safety Jamarca Sanford, right (33), and Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield in the second quarter as Minnesota Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7 in an NFL football game in Minneapolis Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010.(AP Photo/Andy King)
New York Giants running back Danny Ware (28) carries the ball during the fouth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2010 against Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. The Vikings defeated the Giants 44-7. (AP Photo/Hannah Foslien)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Freeman during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Minnesota Vikings' Chris Cook (20) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) avoids Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) and Josh Robinson (21) during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (94) during a week 7 football game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) points out defensive players during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Minnesota Vikings during a week 7 football game on October 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, NJ (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara (20) breaks up a pass to Minnesota Vikings' Jerome Simpson (81) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants middle linebacker Jon Beason (52) leaps on the back of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) as he runs the ball for a fourth quarter first down during the NFL week 7 football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J.. The Giants won the game 23-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Minnesota Vikings' Chris Cook (20) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Peyton Hillis (44) rushes as Minnesota Vikings strong safety Andrew Sendejo (34) trails the play during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) leaps and makes a one handed interception of a third quarter pass intended for Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) during the NFL week 7 football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J.. The Giants won the game 23-7. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants tight end Bear Pascoe (86) leaps over Minnesota Vikings' Jamarca Sanford (33) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) takes part in a week 4 regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Sunday October 6th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
The New York Giants defense takes part in a week 4 regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Sunday October 6th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
WR Sterling Shepard (87)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) makes a touchdown catch in a week 4 regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Sunday October 6th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
WR Sterling Shepard (87)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) takes part in a week 4 regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium on Sunday October 6th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (82) catches a 2 point conversion during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Dane Belton (24)
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Darius Slayton (86)
Andrew Thomas (78)
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Daniel Jones (8)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (82) catches a touchdown pass during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Daniel Bellinger (82)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
tNew York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (82) catches a touchdown pass during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants cornerback Nick McCloud (44) during a NFL wild card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Victor Cruz's 99-yard touchdown catch on Christmas Eve in 2011 is the best regular-season play in Giants history
John Schmeelk: Fiction – Most important? Maybe. A good argument can be made for that play and the JPP blocked field goal against the Cowboys in 2011. The best, though? Sorry. For the "best" or most spectacular play, go to Odell Beckham Jr.'s one-handed catch against Dallas (2014). In terms of being an impressive individual play, that catch still sits alone.
Dan Salomone: Fact – Before that play, the "flat-lining" Giants – as Tom Coughlin called them – had lost five of six games. That play sparked the team to one of the most out-of-the-blue Super Bowl runs in history.
Lance Medow: Fact – Odell Beckham's one-handed grab for a 43-yard touchdown against the Cowboys in Week 12, 2014, deserves heavy consideration but it came in a loss whereas Victor Cruz's 99-yard score against the Jets helped the Giants win a critical Week 16 game as they looked to stay in position to win the NFC East title. There were actually several huge regular-season plays that year, including Jason Pierre-Paul's blocked potential game-tying 43-yard field goal attempt by Dan Bailey at the end of Week 14 at Dallas. Cruz recorded the longest play from scrimmage in Giants history. When you take that into consideration and the meaning of the game, it's hard to top Cruz's feat.
Matt Citak: Fact – The importance of this play cannot go unstated. The Giants were 7-7 heading into this matchup against the Jets. Prior to this play, the offense had been pretty stagnant as they found themselves down, 7-3, with under three minutes remaining in the first half. Cruz's 99-yard touchdown not only gave the Giants the lead, but it sparked the offense and helped lead the Giants to a 29-14 win. The defense played a crucial role, as well, forcing three turnovers. But Cruz's big play got the team going. It also is the longest play in Giants history, so how can we not call it the best regular-season play?
The 2000 NFC Championship is the most dominant game in franchise history
John Schmeelk: Fact – Given the opponent and the circumstance of the game, it is hard to argue otherwise. The Vikings were favorites in the game with the best offense in football and the Giants dominated them for 60 minutes at MetLife Stadium in a laugher. It wasn't a surprise the Giants were able to score on a porous Vikings defense, but their defense's ability to shut down Randy Moss and the rest of the Vikings offense was truly impressive. A strong runner-up here is the Giants' 49-3 rout of the 49ers in the divisional playoffs on January 4th, 1987 en route to Super Bowl XXI.
Dan Salomone: Fact – As a kid who grew up in Minnesota at that time and has now spent 13 seasons with the Giants, I can firmly say "fact" here.
Lance Medow: Fact – When you consider context and the significance of the game, you're not going to find a more impressive performance from start to finish than the 41-0 victory over the Vikings. The Giants jumped out to a 14-point lead in the first quarter, added 20 in the second and dominated every statistical category. They outgained Minnesota, 518-114, in total yards, finished nearly +25 minutes in time of possession and collected five takeaways, including three interceptions off Daunte Culpepper.
Matt Citak: Fact and this is an easy one. It doesn't matter what stat you look at from the 2000 NFC Championship - the Giants dominated in every single aspect. They outgained the Vikings, 518-114. The defense forced five turnovers and held Minnesota to one of eight on third downs. The Giants dominated the time of possession battle, holding the ball for 42:22 compared to the Vikings' 17:38. Kerry Collins threw for 381 yards and five touchdowns while Daunte Culpepper completed just 13 of 28 passes for 78 yards and three interceptions and a fumble lost. The Giants scored just four plays into this game, forced a fumble on the ensuing kickoff and then scored on the very next play to go up, 14-0. This was easily the most dominant game in franchise history.
