Wentz-led comeback lifts Minnesota Vikings past New York Giants 13-10 in 2026
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The Minnesota Vikings secured a 13-10 victory over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in both teams' Week 1 preseason opener of the 2026 NFL season. The Vikings built their win on a strong defense and a much more productive second half, after trailing at halftime.
Bangally Kamara is in action against Eric Gray and already has two tackles, including one for a loss. The Vikings are trying to close down the interior and force New York to fight for every yard. In a preseason game, these situations are especially important for players looking to impress the coaching staff.
Minnesota maintains the lead, but New York has just advanced to the Vikings' 28-yard line and is facing a third-and-three situation. Eric Gray gained three yards on the right sideline, bringing the Giants within striking distance to keep the drive alive. The Minnesota defense now needs a crucial play: a first down would put New York in an excellent position to try and tie the game or even regain the lead.
This final period holds special value for players whose roster spots aren't guaranteed. Every catch, tackle, block, or defensive play can become material for the coaching staff's evaluation. In a preseason game, these minutes often reveal who's ready to step up when the pressure mounts. Minnesota and New York are already considering their respective roster cuts, and the end of this game is part of that evaluation.
The 13-10 score leaves very little room for error. A field goal could tie the game, and a touchdown would put the Giants back in front. The Vikings have shown resilience after halftime, but they still need to close out the game. Carson Wentz's offense has produced Minnesota's only touchdown so far, while Will Reichard has been perfect on all three of his field goal attempts, including a spectacular 54-yard kick.
The Giants still have enough time to regain the lead, but they need to find a sustained offensive rhythm. After Jaxson Dart's strong performance, New York now relies on its next-string quarterbacks and the players vying for roster spots. Minnesota, meanwhile, will try to maintain defensive pressure and force the Giants to run the length of the field to score.
The fourth quarter is underway at MetLife Stadium, and Minnesota enters the final 15 minutes with a comeback that completely changed the game. The Vikings trailed 10-13 at halftime, but two field goals by Will Reichard and a touchdown by Myles Price in the third quarter allowed them to turn the game around. Now the decisive part of the game begins, with the depth units of both teams taking center stage.
Carson Wentz leads a new offensive drive that ends in the end zone when he finds Myles Price for a one-yard touchdown. Minnesota drives 27 yards in seven plays over 3:45 and finally scores its first touchdown of the game. Will Reichard converts the extra point, and the Vikings take a 13-10 lead.
Carson Wentz is starting to become one of the key figures in the second half. The veteran is finding his receivers more often, and Minnesota is beginning to gain ground. His experience is crucial in a situation where the Vikings need to manage possessions effectively. Wentz isn't looking for flashy plays on every possession; he's reading the defense, distributing the ball, and keeping Minnesota in contention.
The field goal changes the momentum of the game. Minnesota had been held to just three points throughout the first half, but now they have a productive possession and are putting pressure back on New York. The Vikings' defense has a crucial opportunity to stop the Giants and allow Wentz and company to get back on the field. With a four-point difference, any mistake could once again alter the course of the game.
Minnesota finally converts its first possession of the second half into points. Will Reichard connects on a 54-yard field goal, a long-range kick that cuts the deficit to just four points. The Vikings' offense has gained 57 yards in eight plays over 4:26, and although they don't reach the end zone, Reichard keeps Minnesota firmly in the game.
The Vikings came out with a much more aggressive offense in the third quarter. Their intention was clear: to close the gap on the scoreboard and prevent the Giants from comfortably controlling the second half. Wentz began distributing the ball, and Minnesota found openings to advance, combining passing with running. The New York defense tried to contain the drive and force the Vikings to settle for a field goal, but the visiting offense managed to advance deep into Giants territory.
The second half kicks off at MetLife Stadium, and Minnesota returns to the field needing to respond after a first half in which New York took control. The Vikings switch offensive leaders, bringing in Carson Wentz, who will be responsible for running the offense as both teams begin to work their rotations. The game enters a completely different phase, with players vying for a roster spot becoming increasingly prominent.
Minnesota needs to find offensive answers after going scoreless in the first quarter, while the Giants try to protect their lead and continue evaluating their second unit. There are two minutes left in the second quarter and New York leads 10-3.
The Giants are also starting to spread the offensive responsibilities, and Jameis Winston is already taking the reins. The veteran has been efficient in his first few throws, going 3 for 3 for 57 yards, although his drive ended with a sack by Elijah Williams. New York's offense is finding production through the passing game, while Devin Singletary is also making his presence felt with 43 total yards.
The Giants' quarterback has already accomplished one of the main objectives of this first game. Jaxson Dart finished his outing 3-for-4 for 26 yards and a touchdown, including the 15-yard pass to Malachi Fields that put New York ahead. The connection with Fields was the highlight of a 10-play, 63-yard drive that completely changed the course of the game.
Despite the advantage, New York isn't dominating statistically. The Giants have amassed 105 total yards to Minnesota's 102, though they've controlled the clock better, with nearly 15 minutes of possession compared to just over 13 for the Vikings. The difference lies primarily in New York's ability to convert their only red zone visit into a touchdown, while Minnesota got there but had to settle for Will Reichard's field goal.
Darius Alexander's sack is especially significant because it comes as Minnesota was trying to respond after the Giants' touchdown. New York is managing to upset McCarthy and force the Vikings into long plays. Alexander already has one sack and two tackles, while the Giants' defense is starting to find its rhythm.
The second half of the first half is showing a different picture for the Vikings. J.J. McCarthy has completed 4 of 7 passes for 34 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions, but the offense has just been stopped by the Giants' pressure. Minnesota will have to rely on its special teams after failing to convert this possession into points. The game remains open, although New York now has the lead.
The second quarter begins at MetLife Stadium, and the game shifts momentum after a first quarter in which Minnesota controlled much of the action. The Vikings go into halftime with a slim 3-0 lead, but New York responds with a 10-play, 63-yard drive, culminating in a 15-yard touchdown run by Jaxson Dart, who finds Malachi Fields.
Jaxson Dart connects with Isaiah Likely for a five-yard touchdown, while Cam Skattebo adds two carries for seven yards. However, the drive stalls in Minnesota's own territory, forcing Jamie Stout to punt. The Minnesota defense begins to assert itself in crucial moments and maintains the lead.
As possessions progress, coaches begin to adjust their lineups, and players emerge who need to capitalize on their opportunities. This is one of the most crucial moments of the preseason: as starters begin to leave the field, evaluating the bench players and young talent becomes even more critical. Minnesota and New York are looking to identify which players can provide enough depth to secure a roster spot when the regular season begins.
New York responds by trying to impose its own rhythm and, above all, showing the first signs of the attack designed by Matt Nagy. Jaxson Dart has an important opportunity to demonstrate confidence in his decisions and keep the offense in manageable situations. The Minnesota defense, for its part, tries to complicate the first reads and force the Giants quarterback to work under pressure.
Minnesota looks to set the pace from their first possession, with an offense aiming to quickly assess its key players. Every snap is valuable for Kevin O'Connell, especially when it comes to gauging the chemistry between the quarterback and his receivers, the offensive line's protection, and the running game's ability to create scoring opportunities. In a preseason game, a well-executed drive can be far more important than the score.
Even though it's preseason, the players vying for roster spots are fighting for every snap as if it were their last chance. For them, a good play can mean a jump up the depth chart, while a mistake can directly benefit a competitor. The battle is no longer just Vikings versus Giants; it's also become a series of individual duels.
The Minnesota Vikings scored the first points of the game thanks to a 35-yard field goal by Will Reichard, who responded accurately under pressure to put his team ahead. The attempt featured Andrew DePaola at center and Johnny Hekker as holder, in a clean execution by the special teams.
Minnesota looks to set the pace from their first possession, with an offense aiming to quickly assess its key players. Every snap is valuable for Kevin O'Connell, especially when it comes to gauging the chemistry between the quarterback and his receivers, the offensive line's protection, and the running game's ability to create scoring opportunities. In a preseason game, a well-executed drive can be far more important than the score.
Minnesota and New York kicked off their first preseason game, and from the opening possessions, it became clear how prepared both offenses were. For the Vikings, the focus was particularly on Kyler Murray's execution and how Kevin O'Connell's offense moved the chains.
The Vikings and Giants enter this game at different points in their careers, but with a shared need: to find answers.
Minnesota wants to understand how their offense functions with Murray and how much their depth can contribute. New York wants to begin building an identity around Harbaugh, Dart, and their new offensive system. In both cases, the players currently battling for a roster spot will have added motivation.
The result will quickly become irrelevant. What happens during each offensive series, each individual battle, and each rep by the young players could have far greater consequences when it comes time to finalize the 53-man roster for the start of the season.
Previews have Minnesota as a slight favorite, but trying to predict a preseason game is much more complicated than doing so with a regular season matchup. The number of snaps the starters play, the rotations, and the coaches' decisions can completely alter the course of the game.
Therefore, the final score will be of secondary importance. For the Vikings, the big question will be whether Kyler Murray starts to show why he was chosen as the starting QB1 and how J.J. McCarthy responds to his new role as backup. For the Giants, the focus will be on Jaxson Dart, how Matt Nagy's new system works, and the first signs of John Harbaugh's project.
If Murray and McCarthy both play significant roles, Minnesota could have an advantage at the most important position on the field. The combination of the two gives the Vikings an opportunity to evaluate two very different options while maintaining a competitive level at the position.
New York, meanwhile, needs Dart to quickly establish the rhythm of their offense. If he can move the chains, avoid mistakes, and capitalize on opportunities in the red zone, he will have accomplished a good portion of the goals the coaching staff has set for this first game.
As with any preseason game, player availability will be another determining factor. Both teams are dealing with some physical issues that could affect snap allocation.
New York has questionable players like Malik Nabers and Jevon Holland, while Minnesota has concerns surrounding Joshua Metellus, Elijah Williams, Gavin Bartholomew, and Dwight McGlothern. Roy Robertson-Harris is listed as unavailable for the Giants, while Rico Payton and Gunner Olszewski are on injured reserve.
In a preseason game, an absence doesn't necessarily represent a competitive disadvantage. Often, it's simply a precautionary decision.
The Giants' defense will have several young players under scrutiny. One of the names generating the most buzz is linebacker Arvell Reese, whose versatility could become one of the most intriguing tools in the new system.
The coaching staff wants to explore how to utilize him in different situations. Reese will have to demonstrate his ability to defend the run, participate in coverage, and generate pressure on the quarterback.
It will also be interesting to observe players like Francis Mauigoa, Colton Hood, and Malachi Fields. The preseason represents a crucial opportunity for them as they continue to solidify their positions on the roster and depth chart.
The return of Odell Beckham Jr. is another storyline surrounding the game. The wide receiver is back in Giants colors, but this time he's not the undisputed superstar he once was.
Beckham is competing for a roster spot, and every opportunity will be crucial. His experience is undeniable, but the coaching staff needs to assess what he can currently offer within a wide receiver rotation that also includes JuJu Smith-Schuster, Braxton Berrios, Jalin Hyatt, and other players vying for a spot.
His performance against Minnesota will be scrutinized from that perspective. It's not just about how many passes he catches, but whether he can still break away from defenders, win his individual matchups, and become a functional piece of Nagy's offense.
One of the main protagonists will be Jaxson Dart. The quarterback needs to continue proving he can become the player around whom New York builds its future.
The context isn't simple because Dart is learning a new offensive system under Matt Nagy. The coordinator will have to find a way to leverage the quarterback's strengths while simultaneously building an offense capable of protecting him and keeping him in favorable situations.
Against Minnesota, more than the statistics, his decision-making will be key. The speed with which he processes reads, his ability to avoid turnovers, and how he responds to pressure will be far more important indicators than the number of yards he gains.
On the other side of the field will be a Giants team undergoing an even more profound transformation. John Harbaugh will manage his first game as head coach of the New York Giants and begin to showcase some of the concepts he intends to implement in the franchise on a real-world stage.
Harbaugh arrives with a reputation built over years in Baltimore and will now have the mission of transforming the Giants' identity. The preseason represents his first official testing ground, and each game will be an opportunity to observe the discipline, intensity, and structure he wants to instill.
The coach has avoided revealing exactly how much playing time his starters will receive. This uncertainty is part of the typical preseason strategy, where teams prefer to manage workloads and evaluate their players individually.
The preseason will also serve as an opportunity to observe players vying for a spot on the final roster. Minnesota has several battles to win, and the coaches will need to carefully distribute reps among starters, reserves, and young players looking to impress the coaching staff.
On special teams, for example, the competition between Johnny Hekker and Brett Thorson for the punter position is one situation worth watching. For players like him, a solid performance can be worth far more than any stat line from a star.
The participation of players like Justin Jefferson will also be something to watch. Minnesota has no need to overload its key offensive players with minutes. In the preseason, the priority is to establish rhythm without taking unnecessary risks.
In Minnesota, the biggest news of the last few weeks has been Kevin O'Connell's decision to give the starting quarterback job to Murray. The veteran arrived during the offseason after his time with Arizona and beat out J.J. McCarthy for the position. McCarthy, selected in the first round of the 2024 Draft, had an up-and-down 2025 season and will now be the backup quarterback, although he remains an important piece for the franchise's future.
Therefore, Murray's first snaps in a Minnesota uniform will have special significance. The preseason won't allow for definitive conclusions, but it will offer an initial glimpse of how the new quarterback feels within O'Connell's system. His ability to move in the pocket, extend plays, and make quick decisions will be one of the main focuses of attention at MetLife Stadium.
At first glance, it's simply the first preseason game for two teams still far from finalizing their rosters. However, behind this experimental nature lie two particularly important stories. Minnesota begins testing Kyler Murray as their new starting quarterback in a real game, while New York officially unveils the John Harbaugh era and a completely revamped offensive project centered around Jaxson Dart.
In a few moments we will share with you the starting lineups for the Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants game, in addition to the most recent information that emerges from the stadium. Don't miss a single detail of the Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants game with comments from VAVEL.
The Giants enter this game at the start of a new era. The biggest change is on the sidelines: John Harbaugh is beginning his first season as head coach of New York.
There are also significant changes on offense. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy is implementing a new system, and the game against Minnesota will be the first opportunity to see it in action. So far, only about half of the new scheme has been implemented, so it's normal to still have some mistakes, penalties, and coordination issues.
The Vikings come into this game with one of the most intriguing preseason stories: the quarterback competition has just ended. Head coach Kevin O'Connell named Kyler Murray as the starter for 2026, ahead of J.J. McCarthy. Both will see action against the Giants, making it an important opportunity to see how the offense functions with the two of them.
Looking at the complete history between the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants, including the regular season and playoffs, it's quite a long series.
They've faced each other 33 times: 20 wins for Minnesota and 13 for the Giants.
The last meeting between the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants was on December 21, 2025, during Week 16 of the NFL season, and ended with a 16-13 victory for the Vikings at MetLife Stadium, the Giants' home stadium. It was a close game. Minnesota started strong and took a 13-3 lead. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy scored a 12-yard rushing touchdown, and kicker Will Reichard made two field goals. However, McCarthy suffered a hand injury after taking a hit and did not return to the game.
One of the most striking features is that the biggest stars typically don't play every minute. Starting quarterbacks and other key players may only participate in a few offensive series, while backups, rookies, and players vying for a roster spot receive more playing time.
The preseason also serves to determine who will make each franchise's 53-man roster. Coaches must make tough decisions among players competing for the last available spots, especially at positions like quarterback, running back, wide receiver, linebacker, and defensive back.
The NFL preseason is the preparation period that National Football League teams undertake before the start of the regular season. It takes place primarily during July and August and aims to ensure that players, coaches, and teams are in peak condition for the start of the official competition.
During this period, teams hold their well-known training camps, intensive training sessions where players focus on physical, tactical, and technical aspects of their game. The preseason also serves to assess the fitness of players returning from injuries and integrate new signings and players selected in the NFL Draft.
MetLife Stadium is a large sports arena located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, approximately 15 kilometers from Manhattan. It is one of the most important sports venues in the New York metropolitan area.
The stadium is especially known for being the home of two NFL teams: the New York Giants and the New York Jets. Unlike many American stadiums, both teams share the same venue and play their home games there.
MetLife Stadium opened in 2010 and has a capacity of approximately 82,500 spectators. Its construction replaced the old Giants Stadium, which was located in the same sports complex. The stadium features large video screens, modern facilities, and a configuration that allows it to be used for different types of events.
MetLife Stadium
MetLife Stadium
Hello everyone, welcome to VAVEL.com's coverage of the 2026-27 NFL Preseason game between the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants.
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