Vikings control NFC North destiny, but what will Giants do?

Coughlin has played it coy this week with his intentions, mostly saying that he will "do what is in the best interests of our team."

"No years are the same," he said. "No situations are the same. This will be dealt with as it should be under the context of where we are."

The Giants (12-3) do have some healing to do before they begin defense of their championship in the second round of the playoffs. Leading rusher Brandon Jacobs has been hampered by a knee injury in recent weeks and tight end Kevin Boss (ankle, concussion), defensive end Justin Tuck (leg), defensive tackle Fred Robbins (shoulder) and cornerback Aaron Ross (concussion) also are dinged up.

Quarterback Eli Manning, who has thrown eight interceptions in his last two games against Minnesota, would also be a candidate to have his playing time reduced considering the Vikings have one of the league's top pass rushes.

"I think our focus is we are trying to go win a game," Manning said. "We are going to get ourselves prepared just like we have every other week to go out there and play well and that is what my focus is. You are never worried about injuries. You are worried about going out there and trying to play well and win games and that is our same focus."

Also factoring into Coughlin's decision will be the desire to keep his team sharp with some off time on the way. Giving his starters considerable time on Sunday, while exposing them to injury, could help in the long run.

"Obviously you try to keep your rhythm as much as possible and you already have the bye week so it could be three weeks before you play another game," Tuck said. "I think it's important for us to keep our rhythm. It's a fine line because we definitely do have some guys that are banged up and need some extra rest, so whatever coach decides we'll go and do."