2022 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 17

Arizona Cardinals (4-11) at Atlanta Falcons (5-10)

Sunday, January 1, 1:00 PM ET

Well, this game is certainly on the schedule, isn’t it?

At the very least, as we make NFL picks and predictions for Week 17 we can look forward to this game to see a little bit more of a sample size of Desmond Ridder, the Falcons’ young quarterback who is auditioning for his NFL future.

I think the Falcons will obviously look to make upgrades at the position, but how has Ridder looked so far? He completed almost 67 percent of his throws against the Ravens last week and showed some nice progression from his first start the week prior against the Saints. He still has yet to throw his first NFL touchdown pass but I think we’ll see that happen this week against the Arizona Cardinals.

That’s not asking too much, is it?

The Cardinals are dealing with some bad/scary injuries at the quarterback position with Kyler Murray’s season-ending ACL and Colt McCoy suffering a concussion a couple of weeks ago against the Broncos. Trace McSorley almost helped the Cardinals to a slightly shocking Week 16 win against the Buccaneers but they couldn’t get on the board in overtime.

This game doesn’t offer a ton of intrigue unless you are really banking on some players in your fantasy football championship. As far as NFL picks and predictions? I’m going to give the home team Falcons and the rookie Desmond Ridder the advantage.

Prediction: Falcons win 21-16