NFL Underdog Betting Lines: Are the Arizona Cardinals or Minnesota Vikings the Top Underdog in Week 17?

NFL underdog betting lines offer some valuable options in Week 17. In this article, I want to talk about two underdogs this week. While one underdog clinched their playoff berth, a second remains the eighth seed in the NFC.

Here’s a closer look at the NFL odds for the top underdogs this week.

Arizona Cardinals (+5.5)

• Date: Sunday, Jan. 2nd
• Time: 4:25 PM EST on FOX
• Venue: AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX
• Participants: Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys

In Week 17, the Cardinals face the Dallas Cowboys (11-4). The Cowboys beat the Washington Football Team 56-14 on Sunday Night Football last week.

Dak Prescott threw for 330 yards and four touchdowns at Washington. The Cowboys held the WFT to 257 yards of total offense and had five sacks. Arizona, meanwhile, lost a Christmas Day game against the Indianapolis Colts where they outgained the Colts but lost the time of possession battle by nearly 11 minutes.

This season, Dallas is now 12-3 ATS, while Arizona is 9-6. The Cowboys have averaged 34.7 PPG in their previous three matchups, while the Cardinals have averaged only 17 PPG in that same span, losing all three.

These two teams are almost evenly ranked at stopping the run, but Arizona’s recent skid has revealed passing defense vulnerabilities. Arizona ranks 22nd in passing yards allowed over the past three games, allowing an average of 233 yards.

Dallas has averaged 2.3 passing touchdowns per game in their previous three matchups. Arizona has averaged less than one. However, one thing to note is that the Cowboys have played Washington twice and the Giants once in the past three weeks. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have played two Super Bowl contenders in Indianapolis and the Rams, along with a game against two-win Detroit.

The Cowboys also have a problem with penalties. This year, they have the second-most penalties in the NFL, with 112 for 971 yards. While the Cardinals have struggled in the past three weeks, I believe that the Cowboys’ penchant for penalties, along with the Cardinals’ ability to score quickly, will make this game close. I like the Cowboys to win, but Arizona could cover this spread.

Minnesota Vikings (+6.5)

• Date: Sunday, Jan. 2nd
• Time: 8:20 PM EST on FOX
• Venue: Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI
• Participants: Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers

These two NFC North teams last met in Week 11. The Vikings edged out a 34-31 victory.

Since then, Minnesota has gone 2-3, including a 29-27 road loss against the Lions. The Packers have won four straight, averaging 34 PPG during their current winning streak.

The Vikings are the eighth seed in the NFC. They need a win to remain eligible for playoff contention. The Packers clinched the division, and they remain the number one seed in the conference.

Minnesota has averaged 25.3 PPG in their previous three contests. They lost 30-23 last week at home against the Los Angeles Rams. WR Justin Jefferson had 116 receiving yards on eight receptions without a touchdown.

The Packers have averaged 33.3 PPG in their last three games, while the Vikings have averaged 25.3 PPG. The Packers’ passing defense ranks tenth in the league (216 yards per game), while the Vikings’ passing defense ranks 27th (248.5).

At home, Green Bay allows 17.7 PPG on average. Minnesota has allowed 26.9 PPG on the road. They’ve averaged 27.4 PPG as the away team, while the Packers have averaged 29.7 PPG at Lambeau Field.

Green Bay scored 21 of its 24 points last week against the Cleveland Browns in the first half. Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdown passes, but the offense sputtered in the final 30 minutes. Turnovers played a significant role in the Packers’ success in the first half against the Browns, as Baker Mayfield threw three interceptions, which were turned into three touchdowns.

If Green Bay’s offense falters somewhat as it did in the second half last week, Minnesota has an opportunity to at least cover or better. The Vikings have the third-fewest turnovers in the league, so I don’t foresee them throwing three interceptions to give the Packers a short field to work with.

NFL Underdog Betting Lines: the Minnesota Vikings Are My Top Underdog in Week 17

Among NFL underdog betting lines, I like the Vikings in Week 17. While the Packers have dominated ATS this season, Minnesota is 5-3 ATS as the away team and 3-1 ATS as the underdog on the road.

What do you think? Which team is your top underdog in Week 17?

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