The New York Giants surprise the Minnesota Vikings and become the first lower seed in the current playoffs to advance to the Divisional Round. Daniel Jones puts in a flawless performance in his playoff debut

The New York Giants have pulled off the first big surprise of the NFL playoffs.

Head coach Brian Daboll’s team beat the Minnesota Vikings 31-24 at their stadium, sending the “G-Men” into the Divisional Round.

Quarterback Daniel Jones had a flawless game with no turnovers, 301 yards and two touchdowns – one to Isiah Hodgins and the other to Daniel Bellinger.

Giants beat Vikings – Jones and Barkley convince

Running back Saquon Barkley showed up for two touchdowns on the ground. After the opening touchdown of the Vikings, it was he who provided the equaliser directly in return and also ran the decisive touchdown into the end zone in the final quarter.

The Vikings were always chasing the deficit after the first touchdown of their own. Kirk Cousins completed 31 of 39 passes, threw two touchdowns and ran for one. But in the last drive he could not lead the comeback. A strange call on the fourth attempt ultimately led to a turnover on downs – the Vikings’ only turnover.

The Giants have to play away again in the next round and will meet division rival Philadelphia Eagles, who have the best NFC record.

That leaves only the San Francisco 49ers waiting for their opponent in the NFC. That will be determined between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys.