It appears as though the New York Giants have learned from their past transgressions. They've seen firsthand how detrimental it can be to win games after already being eliminated from playoff contention. Look no further than their 16-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Related: Mike Kafka’s Week 16 showing created a Giants problem that can’t be ignored
In a clash between two squads with their sights set on next season, the Giants ostensibly wanted it less. They had several opportunities to overtake the Vikings and emerge victorious, though it didn't feel like there was any sense of urgency to do so.
New York continues to run the clock out on a disastrous 2025 campaign rather than fighting for pride with its eyes on the bigger picture. The ugly defeat to the Vikings strengthened their grip on the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Updated 2026 NFL Draft order after Week 16: Giants maintain No. 1 spot
- New York Giants
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Cleveland Browns
- New York Jets
- Tennessee Titans
- Arizona Cardinals
- Washington Commanders
- New Orleans Saints
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Atlanta Falcons (to Los Angeles Rams)
- Miami Dolphins
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Dallas Cowboys
- Minnesota Vikings
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Baltimore Ravens
- Detroit Lions
- Indianapolis Colts (to New York Jets)
- Carolina Panthers
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Green Bay Packers (to Dallas Cowboys)
- Houston Texans
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Jacksonville Jaguars (to Cleveland Browns)
- San Francisco 49ers
- Buffalo Bills
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Los Angeles Rams
- Chicago Bears
- New England Patriots
- Seattle Seahawks
- Denver Broncos
The Giants' ultra-conservative offensive approach was that of a franchise that recognizes it controls its destiny in a tightly contested race to the bottom. They rushed 15 times before electrifying rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart attempted his first pass -- with roughly 12 minutes in the second quarter.
Minnesota was practically begging to lose. They committed 11 penalties, and like the Giants, leaned hard on the ground game in the second half following J.J. McCarthy's right (throwing) hand injury. The signal-caller also had multiple turnovers before exiting; that doesn't include a pick-six that was nullified by Giants rookie pass rusher Abdul Carter's offside infraction.
Entering a pivotal offseason, the G-Men aren't messing around. They've faced the consequences of pulling out these so-called "meaningless" games, which can and have set them back in unfathomable ways, and said "no more."
What happens when an immovable object meets an unstoppable force? Tune in to the upcoming Raiders-Giants Toilet Bowl showdown in Las Vegas to find out. The result of their meeting will likely determine who sits atop the board in late April and have a colossal trickle-down effect on the league.