Minnesota Vikings Win Another Thriller, Top New York Giants on 61-Yard FG

The Minnesota Vikings may not be the NFL's best team, but they're certainly the most exciting. They picked up their 11th one-score win of the season in Week 16, vanquishing the New York Giants 27-24 on a spectacular 61-yard field goal as time expired.

Game-Winning Greg

📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/hUxeLiq9uo
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 24, 2022

Tied 24-24 after a late Giants score, the Vikings got the ball back just before the two-minute warning. On a somewhat plodding final drive, superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson bailed the team out on a pair of third and longs before the Vikings eventually settled for a low-percentage kick from the Giants' 42-yard line. But kicker Greg Joseph came through in the clutch, and all was forgiven.

The familiar faces all shone brightly for the Vikings. Jefferson nabbed 12 receptions for 133 yards, bringing his season total to a franchise-record 1756 receiving yards. Quarterback Kirk Cousins netted 270 yards on 52 dropbacks, throwing three touchdowns and avoiding a single turnover. Two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Danielle Hunter added 2.0 sacks, seven total tackles, and a forced fumble. It was a full-team effort.

Now at 12-3, the Vikings have wrapped up the NFC North and can likely prioritize preserving their health for a deep playoff run. They have little chance of catching the 13-1 Philadelphia Eagles for the top seed; the Eagles hammered them 24-7 in Week 2 and hold a crucial tiebreaker. The Vikings would be better served staying healthy than chasing meaningless wins.