Vikings visit Giants in week 1: Sam Darnold, new-look defense launch prove-it season
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings start the 2024 season on the road against the New York Giants Sunday.
This Vikings season comes with more intrigue than most, with a new starting quarterback, a reloaded defense and — perhaps most frettingly — a rookie kicker.
QB Sam Darnold, a former third overall pick whose career hasn't lived up to his draft status, will now be under center for the Vikings. He'll be throwing to star wide receiver Justin Jefferson and up-and-comer Jordan Addison, but he won't have the ever solid T.J. Hockenson at tight end for at least four games. New running back Aaron Jones, an expat from the rival Green Bay Packers, will be taking the majority of the team's handoffs.
On the defensive side of the ball, stalwart defensive end Danielle Hunter is now a Houston Texan. In a free agent swap, the Vikings signed former Texan Jonathan Greenard to replace him. The team also added Andrew Van Ginkel and rookie first-round pick Dallas Turner to the pass rushing rotation. On the back end, free agents Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin will be your starting corners, along with Byron Murphy Jr. in his second year in purple. The linebacking corps also features new talent, while the ageless Harrison Smith and Camryn Bynum will start at safety.
Rookie kicker Will Reichard, a sixth-round pick, was excellent in the preseason, but he'll need to prove he can stay steady when the regular season lights come one if he hopes to break the Vikings' longtime kicking curse.
As for the Giants, QB Daniel Jones is still the main man on offense. Though he's been less than stellar throughout his five-year career, he famously carved up the Vikings in the 2022 playoffs. This offseason, he lost do-it-all running back Saquon Barkley but gained the top rookie receiver, Malik Nabers out of LSU.
The Giants' defense seems ferocious enough to make up for any offensive lacking. The defensive line features star tackle Dexter Lawrence and two imposing pass rushers in Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Meanwhile, corner Deonte Banks is a rising threat on the back end.
Kickoff is at noon Sunday at MetLife Stadium. Follow all of the action below.
Vikings intercept Giants, score 4th touchdown
Andrew Van Ginkel intercepts the Giants at the 10-yard line to score a touchdown and Will Reichard gets the extra point. The Vikings are now up 28-6 over the Giants.
Jordan Addison ruled out
The Vikings ruled out wide receiver Jordan Addison for the rest of the game due to an ankle injury.
Addison had been carted off the field for an ankle sprain during a joint practice with the Cleveland Browns last month.
Giants' Gano scores field goal
The Giants' Graham Gano kicked a 50-yard field goal, scoring three points. The Giants are now trailing the Vikings by 15 points in the second half of the third quarter for a score of 21-6.
Vikings' Jalen Nailor scores touchdown
Jalen Nailor catches a 21-yard pass from Sam Darnold, scoring a touchdown. Will Reichard scores the extra point and the Vikings are now ahead of the Giants by 18.
Vikings' 99-yard scoring drive longest since 2008
The Vikings' 99-yard scoring drive in the second quarter of the game against the New York Giants marked the team's longest since 2008.
Vikings ahead 14-3 after second touchdown
Vikings' wide receiver Justin Jefferson catches a pass from quarterback Sam Darnold, scoring a touchdown. Will Reichard scores the extra point, putting the Vikings ahead of the Giants 14-3.
Vikings' Aaron Jones scores touchdown
The Minnesota Vikings' Aaron Jones scores a 3-yard touchdown and Will Reichard gets the extra point, bringing the Vikings to a 7-3 lead over the Giants.
Giants score first field goal
The New York Giants' Graham Gano scores the first points of the game with a 23-yard field goal. The Giants now have the lead over the Vikings 3-0.
Matchups to watch
There are plenty of exciting matchups on both sides of the ball in the season opener.
Click here to preview the most important ones.
ESPN simulated the 2024 NFL season. How'd the Vikings do?
ESPN broke down one of its thousands of simulations of the 2024 NFL season, and Vikings fans may be disappointed with the results.
Click here to see how the virtual Vikings did.