Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants Match Player Stats
The Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants Match Player Stats from the August 15, 2026 NFL preseason opener tell a more interesting story than the final 13-10 score suggests. Minnesota left MetLife Stadium with the victory, but the game was decided by a combination of defensive pressure, ball security, rushing efficiency, and timely offensive execution rather than overwhelming production through the air.
The Vikings finished with 127 passing yards and 111 rushing yards, giving them a balanced offensive profile. The Giants actually produced more receiving yardage, with 160 yards through the air, but two interceptions and four sacks disrupted their ability to turn those yards into points. Minnesota’s defense also produced four sacks and two interceptions, creating the kind of short-field opportunities that often determine preseason games between players competing for roster positions.
The official NFL records confirm Minnesota’s 13-10 victory over New York on August 15, with J.J. McCarthy completing 4 of 7 passes for 34 yards while also recording one rushing attempt for one yard.
This article breaks down the important player statistics, explains what the numbers actually mean, and separates meaningful performances from statistics that can be misleading in a preseason environment.
Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants Match Player Stats: Game Overview
The matchup was the first preseason game for both teams, which makes context especially important.
Preseason statistics cannot be interpreted exactly like regular-season numbers. Coaches rotate quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, offensive linemen, and defensive players much more aggressively. Some starters may play only a handful of snaps, while fringe roster candidates can receive extended opportunities.
That makes individual production useful, but only when it is considered alongside playing time and role.
The final numbers were:
| Category | Vikings | Giants |
| Final Score | 13 | 10 |
| Passing | 16/26, 127 yards | 16/21, 131 yards |
| Passing TDs | 1 | 1 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 2 |
| Rushing | 27 carries, 111 yards | 27 carries, 70 yards |
| Rushing Average | 4.1 | 2.6 |
| Receiving | 16 receptions, 131 yards | 16 receptions, 160 yards |
| Sacks Allowed | 1 | 4 |
| Defensive Sacks | 4 | 1 |
| Team Interceptions | 2 | 0 |
| Fumbles | 0 | 2 |
| Field Goals | 2/2 | 1/1 |
The most revealing contrast is simple.
New York gained more passing yards and more receiving yards, yet Minnesota won because the Vikings protected the football, ran the ball more effectively, and generated significantly more defensive disruption.
That is an important lesson when evaluating preseason box scores. Total yardage alone does not always identify the better-performing team.
Minnesota Vikings Passing Performance
Minnesota used four quarterbacks during the game:
| Quarterback | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT |
| Carson Wentz | 9/14 | 81 | 1 | 0 |
| J.J. McCarthy | 4/7 | 34 | 0 | 0 |
| Kyler Murray | 2/3 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Max Brosmer | 1/2 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Team | 16/26 | 127 | 1 | 0 |
Carson Wentz provides Minnesota’s most productive passing stretch
Carson Wentz led the Vikings in passing production, completing 9 of 14 attempts for 81 yards and a touchdown without throwing an interception.
That is not a huge statistical performance, but it was efficient enough to keep Minnesota’s offense functioning and helped establish the lead.
The most important part of the line is the zero in the interception column.
In a preseason game, turnovers can have an outsized effect because backup quarterbacks are frequently working with reserve offensive linemen and receivers. Protecting the ball becomes particularly valuable when the offense is not operating with its full regular-season personnel.
Wentz’s performance therefore deserves more credit for efficiency than the raw yardage total might suggest.
J.J. McCarthy’s performance requires context
McCarthy completed 4 of 7 passes for 34 yards. He also took one sack for four yards according to the supplied team statistics.
The numbers are modest, but they should not automatically be interpreted as a poor outing.
NFL.com records the same 4-of-7, 34-yard passing line for McCarthy in Minnesota’s 13-10 victory at New York.
His completion rate was 57.1 percent, while his official passer rating for the game was listed at 69.9.
The more useful evaluation question is not whether 34 yards looks impressive. It is whether McCarthy demonstrated the traits the coaching staff wanted to see in a limited preseason appearance.
A seven-attempt sample is too small to support strong conclusions about a quarterback’s overall development. There is simply not enough volume to separate a player’s performance from play calling, protection, receiver separation, and field position.
For anyone evaluating McCarthy from this game alone, restraint is important.
Minnesota’s quarterback room protected the football
The Vikings’ four quarterbacks combined for 16 completions on 26 attempts, 127 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions.
That clean turnover profile stands out when compared with New York’s quarterback statistics.
Minnesota did not need spectacular quarterback numbers to win. Instead, the offense avoided the mistakes that could have handed the Giants momentum.
That is one of the clearest statistical themes of the game.
New York Giants Passing Performance
The Giants used Jameis Winston, Brandon Allen, and Jaxson Dart at quarterback.
| Quarterback | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT |
| Jameis Winston | 8/9 | 89 | 0 | 0 |
| Brandon Allen | 5/8 | 45 | 0 | 2 |
| Jaxson Dart | 3/4 | 26 | 1 | 0 |
| Team | 16/21 | 131 | 1 | 2 |
Jameis Winston was highly efficient
Winston completed 8 of 9 passes for 89 yards.
His 88.9 percent completion rate was the strongest completion percentage among the primary quarterbacks in the game.
More importantly, he avoided an interception during his appearance.
The small sample size matters, however. Completing eight passes on nine attempts can indicate excellent efficiency, but it does not provide enough volume to evaluate a quarterback comprehensively.
It is better viewed as a positive individual segment rather than proof of a dominant overall performance.
Brandon Allen’s interceptions changed the game
Brandon Allen completed 5 of 8 passes for 45 yards, but he threw two interceptions.
Those turnovers were particularly damaging because Minnesota finished with exactly two interceptions as a team and won by only three points.
This is where the box score becomes more revealing than the passing-yard totals.
New York’s quarterbacks collectively completed 16 passes for 131 yards, only four more passing yards than Minnesota’s 127. Yet the Giants threw two interceptions while Minnesota threw none.
The difference in turnover margin helped explain the final score.
Jaxson Dart produced a touchdown
Jaxson Dart completed 3 of 4 passes for 26 yards and one touchdown.
His completion percentage was 75 percent, and he avoided an interception.
The touchdown gave the Giants an important scoring contribution, but the overall offensive output was not enough to overcome the team’s turnover and rushing disadvantages.
Minnesota’s Rushing Attack
Minnesota finished with 27 rushing attempts for 111 yards, an average of 4.1 yards per carry.
The leading individual rushers were:
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average |
| Demond Claiborne | 12 | 34 | 2.8 |
| Dillon Bell | 2 | 27 | 13.5 |
| Aaron Jones Sr. | 3 | 27 | 9.0 |
| Jordan Mason | 3 | 17 | 5.7 |
| Zavier Scott | 2 | 6 | 3.0 |
| J.J. McCarthy | 1 | 1 | 1.0 |
| Jermar Jefferson | 3 | 0 | 0.0 |
| Carson Wentz | 1 | -1 | -1.0 |
Demond Claiborne handled the largest workload
Claiborne received 12 carries, the most of any Minnesota running back, and finished with 34 yards.
His 2.8 yards per carry was not spectacular, but the workload is important.
Preseason games often function as auditions. Coaches need to see how players handle repeated carries, pass protection, ball security, and assignments. A player who receives a larger workload may be evaluated differently from someone who gets two explosive carries.
Claiborne’s statistics therefore need to be read as part of a broader evaluation rather than simply judged by yards per carry.
Aaron Jones Sr. made the most of limited opportunities
Jones Sr. carried three times for 27 yards, producing a strong 9.0-yard average.
That is an excellent efficiency figure, although three attempts are not enough to establish a reliable rushing trend.
His production illustrates why preseason averages can be deceptive. One or two successful runs can dramatically change a player’s average when the workload is small.
Dillon Bell provided an explosive rushing contribution
Bell had only two carries but gained 27 yards.
That works out to 13.5 yards per carry.
The statistic is eye-catching, but again, sample size matters. Two carries tell us that Bell produced when given an opportunity, not that he was definitively Minnesota’s most effective running back over the entire game.
That distinction is critical when analyzing player statistics responsibly.
New York’s Rushing Attack
The Giants also had 27 rushing attempts, but they produced only 70 yards.
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average |
| Eric Gray | 8 | 20 | 2.5 |
| Cam Skattebo | 4 | 19 | 4.8 |
| Dante Miller | 5 | 14 | 2.8 |
| Damon Bankston | 3 | 6 | 2.0 |
| Tyrone Tracy Jr. | 2 | 5 | 2.5 |
| Jameis Winston | 2 | 3 | 1.5 |
| Devin Singletary | 3 | 3 | 1.0 |
The rushing efficiency gap was significant
The Giants averaged only 2.6 yards per carry compared with Minnesota’s 4.1.
Both teams had the same number of rushing attempts, so this was not simply a workload difference.
Minnesota gained 41 more rushing yards on the same 27 carries.
That difference helped the Vikings sustain possessions and reduced the pressure on their quarterbacks to generate offense through the air.
Cam Skattebo showed useful efficiency
Skattebo carried four times for 19 yards, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt.
His workload was limited, but the production was respectable.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., meanwhile, carried twice for five yards. NFL.com also records his two carries for five yards in this matchup.
Again, the small workload means neither performance should be overinterpreted.
Minnesota Receiving Leaders
Minnesota’s receiving statistics were spread across a large group of players.
| Receiver | Receptions | Yards | TD |
| Myles Price | 4 | 51 | 1 |
| Jeshaun Jones | 1 | 17 | 0 |
| Bryson Nesbit | 2 | 13 | 0 |
| Marshall Lang | 1 | 12 | 0 |
| Dontae Fleming | 3 | 10 | 0 |
| Jordan Addison | 1 | 8 | 0 |
| Ben Yurosek | 1 | 7 | 0 |
| Zavier Scott | 1 | 6 | 0 |
| Tai Felton | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| Max Bredeson | 1 | 2 | 0 |
Myles Price was Minnesota’s standout receiver
Price led the Vikings with four receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown.
His 51 receiving yards represented a substantial portion of Minnesota’s aerial production.
More importantly, he was the only Vikings receiver credited with a touchdown.
That combination of volume and scoring production makes Price the clearest statistical receiving standout for Minnesota in this matchup.
Dontae Fleming contributed in multiple phases
Fleming caught three passes for 10 yards and also returned two punts for 27 yards.
His punt-return production adds another layer to his performance.
Special teams can be especially important for players competing for roster positions because a strong return role can increase a player’s value beyond offensive statistics.
New York Receiving Leaders
The Giants finished with 16 receptions for 160 yards, giving them a higher receiving average than Minnesota.
| Receiver | Receptions | Yards | TD |
| Devin Singletary | 1 | 40 | 0 |
| Malachi Fields | 3 | 34 | 1 |
| Dalen Cambre | 1 | 20 | 0 |
| Eric Gray | 2 | 17 | 0 |
| Ryan Miller | 1 | 14 | 0 |
| Isaiah Likely | 2 | 11 | 0 |
| Braxton Berrios | 1 | 9 | 0 |
| Theo Johnson | 1 | 6 | 0 |
| Odell Beckham Jr. | 2 | 6 | 0 |
| Isaiah Hodgins | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Xavier Gipson | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Devin Singletary produced the biggest individual reception
Singletary caught one pass for 40 yards.
That was the longest reception by either team.
However, his entire receiving line came from that single catch, demonstrating why long plays need to be evaluated alongside target volume.
Malachi Fields combined volume and scoring impact
Fields caught three passes for 34 yards and a touchdown.
That made him one of the most productive Giants receivers by both volume and scoring contribution.
His performance was particularly useful because the Giants struggled to generate consistent rushing production.
Defensive Player Stats That Mattered
The defensive numbers explain the final score better than the passing totals.
Minnesota recorded:
- 65 total tackles
- 42 solo tackles
- 4 sacks
- 8 tackles for loss
- 3 passes defended
- 4 quarterback hits
- 2 interceptions
New York recorded:
- 58 total tackles
- 38 solo tackles
- 1 sack
- 4 tackles for loss
- 5 passes defended
- 5 quarterback hits
- 0 interceptions
Minnesota won the pressure battle
The Vikings recorded four sacks compared with one by the Giants.
That three-sack advantage matters because pressure can influence offensive efficiency even when it does not result in a turnover.
Minnesota also produced eight tackles for loss, twice New York’s total of four.
The combination of sacks and tackles for loss indicates that Minnesota’s defense was consistently able to disrupt plays behind or near the line of scrimmage.
Minnesota’s two interceptions were decisive
Jacob Roberts recorded an interception return of six yards, while Jacob Thomas also intercepted a pass.
Neither interception produced a touchdown, but turnovers do not need to become touchdowns to matter.
Every interception ends an opponent’s possession.
In a 13-10 game, two additional possessions can be enormously important.
Special Teams Breakdown
Special teams contributed significantly to the statistical story.
Minnesota kicking
Will Reichard converted:
- 2 of 2 field goals
- 1 of 1 extra points
- 7 total points
- Long field goal of 54 yards
The 54-yard field goal was particularly notable because it represented Minnesota’s longest successful kick of the game.
In a low-scoring preseason contest, reliable kicking can be the difference between winning and losing.
New York kicking
Ben Sauls converted:
- 1 of 1 field goals
- 1 of 1 extra points
- 4 total points
- Long field goal of 46 yards
Both kickers were perfect on their recorded attempts.
The difference was that Minnesota attempted and made one additional field goal.
Punting
Minnesota’s punting unit recorded six punts for 254 yards, averaging 42.3 yards per punt and placing three punts inside the 20-yard line.
New York’s Jordan Stout recorded six punts for 292 yards, averaging 48.7 yards with three inside the 20.
The Giants therefore had the stronger raw punting average, but Minnesota’s defense ultimately did more with its opportunities.
Turnovers Explain the Final Score
If one statistic deserves special attention in this matchup, it is turnover margin.
Minnesota:
- 0 fumbles
- 0 interceptions thrown
- 2 defensive interceptions
New York:
- 2 fumbles
- 2 interceptions thrown
- 0 defensive interceptions
The Giants recorded two fumbles but recovered both, so those fumbles did not become lost possessions.
The two interceptions were different.
Those were genuine changes of possession and directly contributed to Minnesota’s defensive advantage.
This is why the final 13-10 score should not be interpreted as evidence that the two teams were statistically identical.
Minnesota’s offense was not dramatically more productive than New York’s offense. Instead, Minnesota was more efficient at avoiding the mistakes that can decide a low-scoring game.
What the Box Score Says About Offensive Efficiency
A surface-level reading might focus on the fact that New York had 131 passing yards compared with Minnesota’s 127.
That would be incomplete.
Minnesota also rushed for 111 yards, while New York managed 70.
The Vikings therefore produced 238 combined passing and rushing yards compared with 201 for the Giants.
The difference was 37 total yards in Minnesota’s favor.
The Vikings also averaged 4.1 yards per rush compared with 2.6 for New York.
That tells us the Minnesota offense was more balanced.
New York’s passing attack generated useful yardage, but the Giants struggled to complement it with a consistent ground game.
What the Game Says About J.J. McCarthy
McCarthy’s 4-of-7 passing line should be viewed carefully.
The most defensible conclusion is that he had a limited statistical sample in which he avoided interceptions but did not generate a large amount of offense.
NFL.com’s official log lists his preseason Week 1 appearance at the Giants as a 4-of-7, 34-yard performance with no passing touchdowns or interceptions.
That is useful evidence, but it is not enough to make sweeping judgments about his development.
A quarterback’s evaluation should consider:
- Decision-making
- Pocket movement
- Accuracy
- Timing
- Pre-snap recognition
- Third-down execution
- Red-zone performance
- Ability to operate the offense efficiently
The box score covers only part of that evaluation.
What the Game Says About the Giants’ Quarterback Competition
The Giants’ quarterback numbers provide an interesting contrast.
Winston was extremely accurate on limited attempts.
Allen produced 45 yards but threw two interceptions.
Dart completed 3 of 4 passes for 26 yards and a touchdown.
The statistical takeaway is not simply that one quarterback was good and another was bad.
Instead, each player produced a different type of evidence.
Winston demonstrated short-sample efficiency.
Allen demonstrated why turnover avoidance is essential.
Dart showed touchdown-producing potential.
The coaching staff would need film and practice performance to determine how much weight to give each statistic.
The Most Important Player Statistical Takeaways
Several performances stand out from the complete box score.
Myles Price
Four receptions, 51 yards, and one touchdown made Price Minnesota’s leading receiver.
Carson Wentz
Wentz completed 9 of 14 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown without an interception.
Aaron Jones Sr.
Jones averaged 9.0 yards on three carries.
Dillon Bell
Bell gained 27 yards on two carries.
Jameis Winston
Winston completed 8 of 9 passes for 89 yards.
Malachi Fields
Fields caught three passes for 34 yards and a touchdown.
Jacob Roberts and Jacob Thomas
The two Vikings defenders each recorded an interception.
Will Reichard
Reichard made both field-goal attempts, including a 54-yarder.
Why the Rushing Difference Matters
One of the most actionable insights from this game is the importance of Minnesota’s rushing efficiency.
The Vikings did not need their quarterbacks to throw for a large number of yards because their running game provided 111 yards on 27 attempts.
New York had exactly the same number of attempts but gained only 70 yards.
That 41-yard difference gave Minnesota more offensive balance.
It also reduced the burden on its quarterbacks.
This is particularly relevant when evaluating preseason teams because offensive line combinations and quarterback rotations can make passing efficiency unpredictable.
A reliable rushing attack provides another method of moving the ball when timing and continuity are not yet at regular-season levels.
Why Total Receiving Yards Can Be Misleading
New York had 160 receiving yards, 29 more than Minnesota’s 131.
Yet the Giants lost.
This illustrates an important principle when interpreting player statistics.
Receiving yardage describes what happened after completed passes. It does not fully explain whether those receptions occurred in useful situations.
A 40-yard reception is valuable, but if an offense cannot consistently sustain drives, the overall impact can be limited.
Likewise, a receiver with several short catches may have less impressive yardage but still contribute to first downs, possession control, or scoring drives.
Statistics should therefore be interpreted within the larger structure of the game.
Preseason Context Matters
The August 15 game was a preseason contest.
That changes the meaning of almost every statistic.
Players are not necessarily competing under the same conditions they will face during the regular season.
Coaches may:
- Limit veteran workloads
- Rotate offensive lines
- Test backup quarterbacks
- Give young receivers extended snaps
- Experiment with defensive personnel
- Evaluate special teams roles
- Protect players from unnecessary injury risk
As a result, a preseason box score is best treated as evidence rather than a final verdict.
This distinction is especially important for players with very small workloads.
Two carries, three targets, or seven pass attempts can reveal something, but not everything.
How to Evaluate These Player Stats Properly
For readers using these numbers to evaluate players, the following approach is more useful than simply ranking everyone by yards.
Step 1: Start with opportunity
Look at carries, targets, pass attempts, and defensive snaps where available.
Production without opportunity can be impressive, but it needs context.
Step 2: Check efficiency
Compare yards per attempt, completion percentage, yards per carry, and yards per reception.
Step 3: Examine mistakes
Turnovers, sacks, fumbles, penalties, and missed assignments can be more important than raw yardage.
Step 4: Look for repeatable traits
A single explosive play is interesting.
Repeated efficient execution is more meaningful.
Step 5: Compare role and workload
A player receiving 12 carries is being evaluated differently from one receiving two.
The same principle applies to quarterbacks and receivers.
Biggest Statistical Advantages for Minnesota
Minnesota’s victory can be explained through several measurable advantages.
Rushing production: 111 yards versus 70.
Rushing efficiency: 4.1 yards per carry versus 2.6.
Sacks: 4 versus 1.
Interceptions: 2 versus 0.
Turnover protection: Minnesota threw no interceptions and had no fumbles.
Field goals: Minnesota made two compared with one for New York.
Those categories collectively provide a much stronger explanation of the 13-10 result than passing yards alone.
Biggest Statistical Advantages for New York
The Giants were not dominated in every category.
Their strongest statistical areas included:
Passing attempts efficiency: 16 completions on 21 attempts.
Passing yardage: 131 yards versus Minnesota’s 127.
Receiving yardage: 160 versus 131.
Punting average: 48.7 yards for Jordan Stout.
Punt returns: 40 team yards compared with Minnesota’s 35.
These numbers show that New York generated legitimate offensive and special-teams production.
The problem was converting that production into a winning overall performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants game?
The Minnesota Vikings defeated the New York Giants 13-10 in the August 15, 2026 NFL preseason opener.
Who was Minnesota’s leading passer?
Carson Wentz led Minnesota with 9 completions on 14 attempts for 81 yards and one touchdown. He did not throw an interception.
How did J.J. McCarthy perform?
J.J. McCarthy completed 4 of 7 passes for 34 yards and had no passing touchdowns or interceptions. NFL.com’s official preseason log confirms the same Week 1 statistics.
Who was Minnesota’s leading receiver?
Myles Price led the Vikings with four receptions for 51 yards and one touchdown.
Who led the Giants in passing?
Jameis Winston completed 8 of 9 passes for 89 yards, making him the Giants’ most efficient passer by completion percentage in the game.
Which team had the better rushing performance?
Minnesota had the better rushing performance, producing 111 yards on 27 carries compared with New York’s 70 yards on 27 carries.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants Match Player Stats show why the Vikings were able to win a close preseason game despite the Giants producing slightly more passing and receiving yardage.
Minnesota’s advantage came from a broader combination of factors.
The Vikings rushed for 111 yards compared with 70 for New York. Their four sacks were three more than the Giants recorded. Minnesota’s defense intercepted two passes while its quarterbacks avoided throwing any interceptions. The Vikings also remained clean in the fumble column.
Carson Wentz provided the most productive passing performance for Minnesota, while Myles Price emerged as the team’s leading receiver with 51 yards and a touchdown. Aaron Jones Sr. and Dillon Bell provided explosive rushing efficiency on limited opportunities.
For New York, Jameis Winston’s 8-of-9 passing performance was highly efficient, while Malachi Fields contributed a touchdown. Devin Singletary’s 40-yard reception was the longest catch of the game. However, the Giants’ two interceptions and weaker rushing production offset those positive moments.
J.J. McCarthy’s performance deserves a measured interpretation. His 4-of-7, 34-yard line was modest, but the sample was small. The most reliable conclusion from this particular game is that he protected the football while operating in a limited preseason role.
Ultimately, the most useful lesson from the game is that player statistics need context. Yardage totals can identify production, but efficiency, opportunity, turnovers, pressure, and role often explain why one team actually wins.
For anyone studying these numbers for player evaluation, roster analysis, fantasy research, or preseason performance tracking, the 13-10 result provides a clear example of why a complete statistical picture is more valuable than focusing on one headline number.
The official NFL records and game information are the best reference point when verifying individual player statistics and preseason logs. NFL official player statistics and game records
