Only one of the two teams in Week 16's edition of Sunday Night Football had postseason stakes on the line. It showed.
The Minnesota Vikings dominated from the outset in Minneapolis, riding an opportunistic defense and another top-level performance by running back Adrian Peterson to a 49-17 blowout win over the New York Giants. The Vikings clinch at least an NFC Wild Card spot with a win, and can win the NFC North with a victory over the Green Bay Packers next Sunday night.
The Vikings' win cements the field of six NFC Playoff participants and eliminates the Atlanta Falcons from playoff contention. Minnesota has outscored its last two opponents by a 60-point combined margin, and are now in the postseason for the first time since 2012.
Without wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. who served a one-game suspension due to multiple infractions against the Carolina Panthers last week, the New York Giants' offense sputtered -- turning the ball over three times while failing to extend drives on multiple third-and-longs. Minnesota capitalized on New York's offensive woes, including a Harrison Smith 35-yard pick six that extended the Vikings' lead to 16-3 in the second quarter.
Adrian Peterson was once again the star of the show for the Vikings offense, rushing for 104 yards and a score on 22 carries. QB Teddy Bridgewater once again played well in the role of game manager, going 15 of 25 for 168 yards and a touchdown.
Minnesota moves to 10-5 on the year -- tying them with the Packers atop the NFC North. Next Sunday's Vikings/Packers game has been flexed by NBC into the Sunday Night Football regular-season finale slot. New York falls to 6-9, guaranteeing a third straight losing season heading into next week's season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles.
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