LT ERECK FLOWERS Ereck Flowers will be protecting Eli Manning's blindside from the No. 1 defense in sacks. The Vikings recorded eight last week alone on Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.

WR VICTOR CRUZ Along with Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard, Victor Cruz did not play in the 2015 meeting between the Giants and Vikings. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said the difference in the Giants offense is "night and day" with all three on pace for 1,000-yard seasons.

DE OLIVIER VERNONWith Matt Kalil out for the season, T.J. Clemmings made his first career start at left tackle last week for the Vikings. He'll be going up against Olivier Vernon, who recorded his first sack as a Giant in Week 3.  

CB JANORIS JENKINSFellow cornerbacks Eli Apple (hamstring) and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (groin) are dealing with injuries this week, leaving Janoris Jenkins to pick up the slack. He'll be looking to grab the defense's first interception of the season while seeing plenty of Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who is second in the NFL with 325 yards.

RB ORLEANS DARKWAWith Shane Vereen on injured reserve and Rashad Jennings dealing with a thumb injury, Orleans Darkwa will have an opportunity to step up. Last week, he rushed for 53 yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries.