NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

2022 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 14

By Sayre Bedinger

NFL picks; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) gives a thumbs up towards the fans after the game against the Miami Dolphins at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
NFL picks; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) gives a thumbs up towards the fans after the game against the Miami Dolphins at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
11 of 13
Next
NFL Picks
NFL Picks; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) celebrates after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Panthers (4-8) at Seattle Seahawks (7-5)

Sunday, December 11, 4:25 PM ET

Since the Carolina Panthers fired Matt Rhule, this team has actually been playing some decent football despite their circumstances. Most recently, the Panthers beat the Denver Broncos at home before going on their bye week.

Now, coming out of the bye, it will once again be Sam Darnold leading the Panthers against the Geno Smith-led Seattle Seahawks. This matchup is going to be interesting because, as bad as the Panthers’ record is this season, their defense doesn’t really get enough credit for wrecking games and at times, showing downright dominance.

In their last three games, the Panthers have allowed just 38 points to the Broncos, Ravens, and Falcons. As impressive as that is, the Seahawks prevent a unique challenge in that, they’ve seemingly been able to score 38 points at will this season. They average 26.5 points per game this season and Geno Smith has been making his case for Comeback Player of the Year or whatever award you want to give him for coming out of absolutely nowhere to be one of the best, most efficient QBs in the league.

The biggest problem with the Seattle offense this season? They turn the ball over quite a bit. Although they have been scoring points better than most teams in the league, the Seahawks have 17 turnovers this season and the Panthers have forced at least one turnover in three straight games.

Is this shaping up to be the upset pick of the week? Can Sam Darnold out-duel Geno Smith? Seattle’s defense has been opportunistic this season (2nd most turnovers forced in the league) but mostly bad (28th in points allowed, 30th in yards allowed).

This is all very weird. Nobody thought they would be typing these sentences four months ago, yet here we are.

Prediction: Panthers win 27-24 (upset of the week for NFL picks)

Home/NFL