Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants Picks and Prediction for Saturday, August 15, 2026

The Minnesota Vikings visit the New York Giants on Saturday at 1:00 PM ET at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, for the preseason opener for both teams. Minnesota is a 3-point favorite after opening at -1.5, while the total has moved from 38.5 to 40.5. The Vikings closed last season with five straight wins, including a 16-13 victory over the Giants on December 21. New York won its final two games, beating Las Vegas 34-10 and Dallas 34-17. Saturday’s forecast calls for 80-degree weather. Build your bankroll with our free NFL picks.

Minnesota Vikings Evaluating Quarterback Competition

Minnesota enters the preseason with attention centered on the quarterback competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy. Murray signed a one-year contract after seven seasons with Arizona and is learning Kevin O’Connell’s offense. McCarthy is fighting for the job after making only 10 NFL starts, while Carson Wentz provides another veteran option. The preseason gives O’Connell a chance to evaluate his quarterbacks in game situations without assuming how the snaps will be divided. Running back Demond Claiborne is another player to watch after running a 4.37-second 40-yard dash.

The Vikings also have several other position battles that should receive attention Saturday. First-round defensive lineman Caleb Banks is returning from a broken foot and is expected to compete for an immediate starting role. Safety is another area being evaluated, with Jay Ward, Theo Jackson and rookie Jakobe Thomas among the options. Minnesota is also looking for depth behind Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner after trading Jonathan Greenard. At center, Blake Brandel gets the first opportunity following Ryan Kelly’s retirement, with Michael Jurgens and rookie Gavin Gerhardt also competing for work.

Injuries: Elijah Williams (Questionable, Ankle), Joshua Metellus (Questionable, Shoulder), Gavin Bartholomew (Questionable, Back), Dwight McGlothern (Questionable, Hip).

New York Giants Begin New Era Under John Harbaugh

New York begins its first preseason under coach John Harbaugh, creating plenty for the new staff to examine. Jaxson Dart enters his second NFL season after throwing 15 touchdowns and rushing for nine more in 12 starts as a rookie. Dart is learning another new offense, while Jameis Winston provides an experienced quarterback behind him. Wide receiver will also receive considerable attention. Odell Beckham Jr., Braxton Berrios, JuJu Smith-Schuster and several others are competing for limited roster places while Malik Nabers continues recovering from the torn ACL suffered last season.

The Giants also have important defensive decisions ahead. Rookie Arvell Reese, selected fifth overall, is expected to work at weakside linebacker alongside Tremaine Edmunds, although New York plans to examine his ability in different roles. Cornerback features another competition, with Greg Newsome II, Colton Hood and Deonte Banks battling for the starting job opposite Paulson Adebo. Harbaugh is also introducing new offensive and defensive systems after running a demanding training camp, making Saturday the coaching staff’s first opportunity to see how players respond to those changes during an actual game.

Injuries: Malik Nabers (Questionable, Knee/ACL), Beaux Collins (Questionable, Concussion), Jevon Holland (Questionable, Knee), Roy Robertson-Harris (PUP, Achilles), Rico Payton (IR, Undisclosed).

Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants Game Pick

• Minnesota Vikings -3

Minnesota is the pick because its quarterback competition provides several capable options for a preseason setting. Murray and McCarthy are competing for the starting position, while Wentz gives Minnesota another veteran who can operate the offense. The market has also moved from Vikings -1.5 to -3. New York is introducing new systems under Harbaugh and has several roster competitions to evaluate. Preseason games carry added uncertainty because playing time can change quickly, but Minnesota’s quarterback depth makes the Vikings -3 the pick on Saturday.

Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants Over/Under Pick

• Over 40.5

The over 40.5 is the pick even after the number moved up from 38.5. Minnesota has three quarterbacks with NFL experience available in Murray, McCarthy and Wentz, while New York can evaluate Dart and Winston. Both teams also have offensive position battles that should give younger players opportunities, including Minnesota’s running backs and New York’s crowded receiver group. Playing time has not been provided for either team, so assumptions should be avoided, but the available quarterback depth gives both offenses enough scoring to cash the total over Saturday.