Brian Daboll may have worked his a*s off, but Giants’ talent deficit could be largest stumbling block

The New York Giants are in the playoffs as head coach Brian Daboll has done a remarkable job getting the team into its current position. The 9-7-1 record paints a picture of a team that has shown what it is capable of, but has also shown its defeciencies.

Facing Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings at US Bank Stadium is going to be a tall order for the Giants and Daboll, but it's not impossible. With nothing to lose and having rested their starters for the final regular season game against the Philadelphia Eagles, New York could be primed for an upset...but everything has to go right.

Who are Super Bowl favorites?

Given that it is playoff football and a one-off game, sometimes the best overall team doesn't win. It is simply who is better on the day, and for New York, that is where they can spring a surprise and knock Cousins and the NFC North-winning Vikings out of the playoffs.

NFL playoffs picks: Why the Giants are a good bet

Everyone loves an upset in the postseason, and the Giants may be better placed to pull one off than many think. Why?

Because not many in NFL circles trust the Vikings and Kirk Cousins. Despite the Vikings' 13-4 record, they do not strike fear into opposing teams. With Justin Jefferson playing lights out and Dalvin Cook running the football well, Minnesota still has moments that leave you dumbfounded.

Why I expect Daniel Jones to have a big day and lead the @Giants to a win over the Vikings this weekend

@heykayadams @FanDuelTV @UpAndAdamsShow https://t.co/ibP6rDNk82

To add to that, Minnesota only narrowly beat New York in their last encounter, 27-24. That should instill confidence in the Giants.

Also, quarterback Daniel Jones, while still the whipping boy for most media outlets over the last few months, has been playing some decent football.

Despite New York winning two out of their last seven games, Jones has been rather decent in his form. He has thrown seven touchdowns to two interceptions (only five for the year). Aainst the Vikings last time, he threw for 334 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

That should instill confidence in the New York organization, but it's not just on Jones.

Running back Saquon Barkley also had a good game against the Vikings. He had 84 rushing yards and a touchdown on 18 carries; that'll work.

He again notched over 1,000 rushing yards (1,312 to be exact) and is starting to become a force on the ground again after two injury-interrupted seasons. New York's receivers also had a day against Minnesota.

DAMN: Minnesota #Vikings QB Kirk Cousins has carved up the New York Giants in his last two starts! 👀😎🙏 #SKOL https://t.co/Cq79HDRf4a

Darius Slayton (4 rec, 79 yards), Richie James (8 rec, 90 yards), and Isaiah Hodgins (8 rec, 89 yards, 1 TD) along with Barkley (8 rec, 49 yards) all gave the Vikings' defense fits.

That is enough to easily suggest that this will not be a simple game for Minnesota, and the Giants could easily pull off an upset.

Why the Giants are a nasty bet

We took care of the good things, now let's get to the bad. Putting it simply, the Giants do not have the supreme talent to match it with most in the NFC playoffs.

While not many offensive or defensive weapons are household names, they still perform rather well, but can we trust them?

That is an overwhelming no.

As mentioned above, New York has won two of their last seven games. That doesn't exactly instill confidence heading into this playoff game.

As good as Jones has played this season, he has been found wanting a few times. He has only thrown for over 230 yards twice this season and under 200 yards 10 times; the formula for Minnesota is simple: make Jones beat you through the air.

Contain Barkley and the New York running game will force Jones to throw for a victory.

New York only averages 21.5 points per game. Minnesota will have no problem putting up 30 with its offensive weapons, but can New York? They have only done it once, putting 38 on the Indianapolis Colts.

While there are reasons to feel good about New York's chances against Minnesota, there are as many, if not more, worrying trends that make you lean Cousins' and the Vikings' way.