Miami should make Minnesota work for their rewards

Week 15
Sky Sports Action, 6pm Sunday

Miracles are usually in short supply when teams need them in the NFL but Miami were blessed with one last week when they scored an amazing 69-yard touchdown on the final play of the game to beat New England.

Featuring two lateral passes and finished by a 50-yard run from Kenyan Drake - past the defending Rob Gronkowski of all people - it was the craziest finish of the season. The Dolphins are now only two games behind the Patriots in the AFC East and would gladly take another one-point win in Minnesota on Sunday.

That is also easier said than done, though, and the Vikings are strong favourites despite their 21-7 defeat in Seattle on Monday. Minnesota are getting some injured players back on the field for this key game and are still in the NFC playoff places despite losing three of their last four games.

The final score didn't tell the full story of Monday's match as it was an attritional defensive war which the Seahawks led just 3-0 at half-time. The Vikings offence looked out of sorts and offensive coordinator John DeFilippo was fired the next day.

Some kind of positive reaction is possible but it wouldn't be a surprise if this was another low-scoring contest even if the indoor conditions are more suitable for scoring than a cold night in Seattle.

The points total has gone under in five on Minnesota's last six home games and that could happen again, while Miami look the better bet on the handicap getting a big start.

Recommendations
Miami +8.5
1pt 20-23 Betfred
Under 45.5 points
1pt 5-6 Sky Bet

The lowdown

Venue US Bank Stadium, Minnesota, Minneapolis
Surface Artificial
Weather Indoors
Vegas handicap Miami +7.5
Vegas points line 44.5

Team news
Miami
Cornerback Xavien Howard (knee) is doubtful and safety TJ McDonald (ankle) is rated questionable. Wide receiver Danny Amendola (knee) is set to play.

Minnesota
Wide receiver Chad Beebe (hamstring) is out. Tight end David Morgan (knee), guard Mike Remmers (back) and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (hip) are rated questionable. Linebacker Eric Kendricks (rib) is expected to play, along with cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes (hip) and Trae Waynes (concussion) and wide receiver Adam Thielen (ankle).

Key stat
The points total has gone under in five on Minnesota's last six home games.

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