Vikings vs. Giants Prediction, Picks & Best Bets: NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds
My best Vikings vs. Giants prediction focuses on the Vikings' quarterback battle. With the Giants' offensive starters essentially set heading into the regular season, I don't expect them to keep up with the Vikings' offense, as Kyler Murray and JJ McCarthy play with regular-season intensity.
Saturday's 1 p.m. ET NFL Preseason Week 1 game will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. It will stream live on ESPN Unlimited.
🏈 Vikings vs. Giants prediction: NFL preseason Week 1
See the latest NFL odds and our experts' NFL picks for every game this season.
| 💰 Pick | ⚖️ Units | 🧠 Why I bet this |
|---|---|---|
| Vikings -2.5 (-108 via DraftKings) | 1.5u → 1.39u | With a legitimate QB battle brewing, the Vikings' offense is better than the Giants'. |
| Under 41.5 (-110 via DraftKings) | 0.5u → 0.46u | I don't love the Giants' starters, and they won't be on the field much anyway. |
Total wagered: 2 units | Max profit: 1.85 units
💰 Vikings vs. Giants best bet
Vikings -2.5 (-108)
I expect the Vikings' key offensive players to be on the field longer than many expect, as JJ McCarthy looks to win back the starting role from the newly acquired Kyler Murray. Murray may have been named the starter, but after a poor 2025 season with the Cardinals, he still has a lot to prove, so I don't expect him to take this game lightly.
For the Giants, it's about surviving preseason healthy. Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, and Malik Nabers all suffered serious injuries last season. Therefore, I don't expect these key offensive players to play much, if at all.
Score prediction: Vikings 24 Giants 13
🚀 Vikings vs. Giants same-game parlay
I've already highlighted why I believe the Vikings will win easily. However, I also like the Under. The Giants' starters won't see the field much, and when they are playing, I don't expect much success against a deep Vikings' defense.
The Giants have Jameis Winston as a backup quarterback, but I expect the offense to be run mostly by Brandon Allen. And once Murray and McCarthy have had their time with the Vikings, Minnesota will struggle to move the ball with any real success.
💵 Vikings vs. Giants SGP picks
- Vikings -2.5
- Under 41.5
Best odds: +258 via DraftKings (0.5u → 1.29u)
💡 How I'm betting Vikings vs. Giants: NFL preseason strategy
Follow all of our NFL analysis and betting advice for the 2026 NFL season.
Motivation is key when it comes to preseason games, which is why I'm backing the Vikings. Murray and McCarthy have a lot to play for, while the Giants are mostly set at key positions heading into Week 1 of the regular season. I fully expect the Vikings to win this game with ease, but it's the preseason so I refuse to risk more than 1.5 units. As for the total, I'm weakly supporting the Under, as I don't expect the Giants to score much.
📊 Vikings vs. Giants odds: NFL preseason Week 1
Our live Vikings vs. Giants odds update in real time.
🚑 Vikings vs. Giants latest injuries
🌤️ Vikings vs. Giants weather: Saturday, 1 p.m. ET
Follow our NFL weather report for the latest forecasts for every game this season.
The weather shouldn't be a factor for the Vikings vs. Giants game on Saturday. The feels-like temperature is expected to be 81 degrees with just a 15% chance of precipitation. With winds gusting at just 9 mph, there's no reason to expect game plans or performances to be impacted.
📺 How to watch Vikings vs. Giants: NFL preseason Week 1
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 15
- Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: MeltLife Stadium (East Rutherford, N.J.)
- Streaming: ESPN Unlimited
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