THE New York Giants restored the flagging spirits of grid iron fans in the Big Apple, when they upset the previously unbeaten Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

New York's football followers have been pulling their hair out over the pitiful performance of the Giants and the Jets. When the two met last week, the game was dubbed the Losers' Bowl as neither had won a game this season. The Giants broke their duck, but came into Sunday's game on a cool autumnal afternoon at Giants Stadium firm underdogs against the surprising Vikings.

The Vikings, led by the veteran quarterback Warren Moon, arrived just one week after beating the Green Bay Packers, many people's pick for the Super Bowl. But in a season already strewn with surprises, the Vikings saw their post victory glow dulled by the Giants, who won 15-10. All of a sudden, the Giants are being talked about as contenders for the NFC Fast, now that the Dallas Cowboys no longer look so invulnerable.

The Giants won through a combination of stalwart defence and some uncharacteristic aggressive moves from the normally conservative Dan Reeves, the Giants coach. The game turned on a crucial play late in the third quarter as the Giants trailed 7-6. On fourth and 1, just outside Minnesota's end zone, Reeves could have chosen the sensible course and gone for the field goal and a two point lead.

Instead, he gambled on a running play by Rodney Hampton to keep the drive alive. The reliable Hampton ploughed into the Vikings' line for a gain of 2, just 1 yard outside the end zone. On the next play, Reeves opted for some trickery. Dave Brown, the quarterback, faked a pass to Hampton and instead gave it to Aaron Pierce, the half back, on a reverse from right to left. Pierce high stepped into the end zone with a Viking vainly tugging at his dark blue jersey. An 18 yard field goal completed a big afternoon for the Giants.

The Vikings had their chance to snatch victory in the fourth. They advanced to the Giants 22, but Moon was picked off by Philippi Sparks, the cornerback.

While the gloom lifted from the Giants, there was no respite for the poor Jets, crushed by the resurgent Washington Redskins 31-16. The Jets bought Neil O'Donnell, the quarterback, from the Pittsburgh Steelers as part of a spending spree. Lots of money and lots of dross. The Jets are still winless.