4 bold predictions for the NY Giants vs. Vikings Christmas Eve showdown
By Reese Nasser
3. Kayvon Thibodeaux delivers once again
Giants rookie edge-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux has quickly emerged into a star on this defense. Following a slow start to his rookie season, he has found his footing in recent weeks. Based on his showing in Week 15, it appears that he is now here to stay.
Thibodeaux played the best game of his career with the whole world watching on Sunday night. As the Giants took down the Washington Commanders, he stuffed the stat sheet. He was a force from the start of the game, ultimately recording 12 total tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and one touchdown.
While Thibodeaux put on his best showing this past week, he has been a key component of this Giants defense all season. In 12 games, he has recorded 38 total tackles, four tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, three total sacks, two forced fumbles, and one touchdown.
The Vikings offense, while being one of the most explosive in the NFL, has still had the occasional bad outing this season. At times, they have struggled with keeping Cousins safe, leading to him getting sacked 40 total times.
Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari, Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams could regularly find their way into the Vikings backfield. Given that Thibodeaux can put together a similar showing to what he did last week, he could once again turn plenty of heads.