EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Leonard Williams has played in 122 games across eight NFL seasons for the Giants and Jets. Only twice did he take the field with a chance to end the day as a member of a playoff team.
In the final game of his 2015 rookie season, the 10-5 Jets, riding a five-game winning streak, faced the Bills in Buffalo knowing a victory would secure a postseason berth. But the Jets never led and lost, 22-17. While that game was being played, the Pittsburgh Steelers led throughout their 28-12 victory against the Cleveland Browns. Pittsburgh also finished 10-6 and earned the sixth and final seed in the AFC playoffs thanks to a better record vs. common opponents (4-1 to 3-2).
Two years ago, Williams' career-high 3.0 sacks helped the Giants defeat Dallas, 23-19, in their season finale to finish 6-10. Remarkably, the Giants would have won the NFC East title with that record had Philadelphia defeated Washington that night. Alas, the Eagles had no interest in clinching a playoff berth for the Giants and infamously inserted backup quarterback Nate Sudfeld in the fourth quarter. Philadelphia did not score in the second half of a 20-14 loss and the disappointed Giants dispersed the following day.
Tomorrow, Williams gets his third shot to make the playoffs. The 8-5-1 Giants can claim a playoff berth with a victory against the 11-3 Minnesota Vikings in U.S. Bank Stadium and losses by two of the following three teams – Washington, Detroit or Seattle, who all join the Giants in playing road games. If two of those teams and the Giants all lose, the Giants can clinch a berth with a home victory against Indianapolis on New Year's Day.
"I'm trying not to think about it," Williams said of the scenarios. "I think we just need to take (it) game by game and try to win every game. I think this last game was really important, but at the same time, we still need to treat each upcoming game as equally as important."
Although they need help to clinch tomorrow, the Giants are ultimately in control of their own playoff destiny. They will guarantee themselves a spot at the postseason table by winning each of their last three games, next week vs. the Colts and a season-ender in Philadelphia.
"It means a lot to me," Williams said. "I'm spending a lot of time in the building right now trying to take care of my body. Being healthy plays a huge role in December football. I feel like at this point of the season, every team is banged up. And a lot of times, the healthier teams are the ones that are going to make the stronger push. And I'm just trying to do everything I can to be on the field."
This is the first season in his career that Williams missed games due to injury – three with a knee issue early in the season and the Dec. 11 loss to Philadelphia with a neck injury. He returned last week and had a vital fourth-quarter fumble recovery in the 20-12 victory in Washington that lifted the Giants into the sixth seed in the NFC playoff race.
All Williams wants for Christmas is for the Giants to have a better ending to their story than the Jets did seven years ago.
"I just remember going into that game, and I thought for sure that we were for sure going to go to the playoffs," Williams said. "Buffalo was bad that year, I think (the Bills were 8-8). And (Jets quarterback Ryan) Fitzpatrick was doing really well. We were on a hot streak, and then I felt like we had all the players needed to go. And I think we lost on some fourth-quarter stuff. It was a close game.
"It sucked to end the season and know that we weren't going to the playoffs. But at that moment, being a rookie, I thought, 'Oh, we'll just be right back next year.' And then it didn't happen again for seven years. So, it's kind of crazy how it works like that."
The Giants, Lions (at Carolina) and Seahawks (in Kansas City) all play at 1 p.m. eastern time. The Commanders have a 4:05 start in San Francisco.
The 2015 Jets are the only team Williams has played for that finished with a winning record. Is it more difficult to finish 10-6 and come up just short or to play for a 5-11 team that never really has a shot at the playoffs?
"I think it's tougher to go 5-11 and not make it, honestly, because at least when you're 10-6, those last few games of the season, you're fighting for something," Williams said. "You know that you're putting your body through something for a reason, whereas if you're 5-11 and it's the last few games of the season and you know you absolutely aren't going to the playoffs, it's very hard because you know you're putting your body through a lot. And it's essentially for nothing. So, I feel like that's a lot harder."
The Giants and Williams are at the postseason doorstep. Now, they need to take the final steps and join the playoff party.
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)
*This season, 133 NFL games have been decided by eight points or less. That's the most one-possession games through 15 weeks in league history. The Giants and Vikings are two of the league's best teams in that category. Minnesota is a league-best 10-0 in one-possession contests, including the most prolific comeback in NFL history last week, a 39-36 overtime victory against Indianapolis, a game in which the Vikings faced a 33-0 halftime deficit. Minnesota is just the third team ever to win 10 games in a single season by eight points or fewer, joining the 2019 Seattle Seahawks and 1978 Houston Oilers.
The Giants are 8-2-1 in games decided by eight points or less and own the NFL's second-most wins in one-possession games this season.
*Minnesota has clinched its first division title since 2017.
*The Vikings have won the last three games in the series — 2015, 2016 and 2019 — and lead the regular-season series, 16-10. The second of those games was the Giants' only previous visit to U.S. Bank Stadium.
In their most recent meeting, on Oct. 6, 2019, the Vikings gained 490 yards and Daniel Jones suffered his first defeat as an NFL starter in a 28-10 Minnesota victory in MetLife Stadium. The Vikings have won their last two home games in the series, played in different venues in Minneapolis less than 10 months apart – 49-17 in TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus on Dec. 27, 2015, and 24-10 in U.S. Bank Stadium on Oct. 3, 2016. The Giants last defeated the Vikings on Oct. 21, 2013, in MetLife Stadium.
