Minnesota Vikings beat New York Giants to reach playoffs
Monday 28 December 2015 07:59, UK
Minnesota Vikings secured a first trip to the NFL playoffs since 2012 with a 49-17 victory over New York Giants.
The Vikings (10-5) dominated from start to finish at US Bank Stadium and will now go head-to-head with the Green Bay Packers (10-5) next week for the NFC North Division title.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning was picked off three times as he struggled without the suspended Odell Beckham Jr, one interception leading to a Harrison Smith touchdown.
And Adrian Peterson rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown in just three quarters before Jerick McKinnon took up the mantle with two more scores in the final period
The Giants (6-9) have now gone four years without reaching the postseason, while the Vikings will be out to end Green Bay's five-year dominance of their division.
"We knew what this game meant. We've put ourselves in position to take the title next week," said Peterson. "It would mean a lot."
Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater said: "We know there's a lot on the line but we have to face this game as if it's just another game. We're looking forward to it."
Live NFL
Sky Sports' live coverage of Week 16 in the NFL concludes with Cincinnati Bengals @ Denver Broncos, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 1.15am on Tuesday morning.
