One of the most exciting matchups of Week 1 sees the Vikings in New Jersey take on the New York Giants in an early Sunday game, with bookmakers having this game very close on the spread.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll, in his third season, isn’t messing around: He’ll be doing the offensive play-calling. His quarterback is once again Daniel Jones, who is something of an enigma. On one hand, Jones is 22-36 in five seasons. On the other hand, he’s coming off a playoff win in 2022 and led the NFL in lowest INT percentage that season. He’s conservative, but sometimes too conservative. Giants fans want more “Danny” than Jones’ “Daniel.”

Minnesota starting quarterback Sam Darnold, who might as well be called “Suitcase Sammy” for all the travel he’s done in the NFL. The former No. 3 overall pick is on his third team in three seasons. He’s never shown an ability to pass accurately downfield: Darnold has a 63-56 touchdown-to-interception ratio in 66 games.

The Giants have the opportunity to have a favorable schedule in the first two weeks. After battling Darnold and the Vikings, they will play the Commanders in Week 2, a game they will likely win.

In both games, New York will face a backup or rookie quarterback. Nose tackle Dexter Lawrence II is a rarity in the modern NFL: an interior lineman who can force his way to the quarterback despite having to deal with double teams or blocking schemes from both shoulders. Over the last two NFL seasons, Lawrence has 81 total pressures from the true nose tackle position, which is 65 more than the next closest nose tackle. He’s a running back, and if he gets Darnold in his sights, the Giants will force Minnesota into long-yardage plays.

The Vikings suffered from a -12 turnover differential last season, and it doesn’t bode well that Darnold will be asked to orchestrate this offense with his penchant for floating, floaty, who-knows-where-they’ll-end up passing.

All odds from BetMGM. Looking for NFL tickets? Find them here.

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Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Giants Odds

How to watch Vikings vs. Giants

• Location: MetLife Stadium — East Rutherford, NJ
• Time: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday
• TV: FOX
• Streaming: Watch Live on Fubo (Save $30)

Expert Picks for Vikings vs. Giants

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(Photo by Daniel Jones: Tim Warner/Getty Images)