Week 17 NFL underdog report: Dolphins get needed win over Ravens

Baltimore’s 33-19 victory over San Francisco was less dramatic, but exciting as the Ravens finished the game with five interceptions. Two went to Baltimore safety Kyle Hamilton who left the game with a knee injury in the fourth quarter.

The injury doesn’t appear to be too serious but even if he plays, it’s hard to imagine the Ravens defense replicating last week’s success against the NFL’s top-rated offense. 

Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle could miss the game with a high ankle sprain but Tyreek Hill needs 359 yards over his next two games to become the NFL’s first 2000-yard receiver.

Defensively, only three teams give up less yards than the Dolphins who’ve also allowed just 14.8 points per game since their Week 10 bye. 

The Dolphins need the win if they hope to steal home field advantage and the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs from Baltimore.

A Miami victory would give both teams a 12-4 record with a revenge game against the Bills on tap for Miami in Week 18.

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings (-2)

The Vikings have lost two straight games and four of their last five matchups. Their leading receiver, tight end T.J. Hockenson is done for the year with a knee injury and head coach Kevin O’Connell may bench Nick Mullens in favor of fifth-round QB Jaren Hall.

According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, Hall and Mullens alternated snaps during Wednesday’s practice. Hall has only 10 pass attempts this year but Mullens has six interceptions in his last two games.

With identical 7-8 records, neither team can win the NFC North, but each has an outside shot at making the playoffs. While Minnesota seems content to call it a year with Hall, Green Bay would like to avenge a 24-10 home loss against the Vikings in Week 8. The Vikings haven’t swept the Packers in the regular season since 2017.

Packers quarterback Jordan Love has had an up and down season, but in Minnesota he’ll face the NFL’s worst pass rush according to Pro Football Focus. The first-year starter has four touchdowns and no interceptions in his last two games, which could be the key to beating the Vikings.

Minnesota’s turnover ratio (-9) is third-worst in the NFL this year. They’re 0-5 in games with three or more turnovers and 2-7 in games with at least two turnovers. 

The Packers have only six interceptions all year but if they can rattle an inexperienced quarterback like Hall, they should get the win over their division rival.