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2022 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 17

By Sayre Bedinger

NFL picks; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) drops back with the ball before attempting a pass against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
NFL picks; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) drops back with the ball before attempting a pass against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL picks; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) drops back to pass during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Bears (3-12) at Detroit Lions (7-8)

Sunday, January 1, 1:00 PM ET

How crazy is it that, heading into January, we’re going to be talking about the Detroit Lions and the playoffs, and it’s not the fact that they’re just not going to be missing them again? The Lions are relevant for the 2022 NFL playoffs and that is kind of fun, isn’t it?

Looking back at preseason predictions, a lot of things haven’t gone the way many of us thought, but so many people rallied around the Lions as a darkhorse team this season and they have come through in a big way. In front of what is certain to be a rowdy home crowd on Sunday afternoon, the Lions have a chance to get to 8-8 and put pressure on the Green Bay Packers, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants as the NFC Wild Card race becomes scorching hot.

The opponent standing in their way this week? The Chicago Bears, who have the second-worst record in the NFL and are counting down the days to the 2023 NFL offseason at this point. Bears fans have obviously loved getting to see the progression of Justin Fields this season, and I’m sure Fields would love nothing more than to put the team on his back and spoil the Lions’ playoff hopes.

But in order to do that, I think Fields and the Chicago offense are going to have to score a lot of points. The Lions have had one of the best offenses in the NFL this season and they’ve been able to do that thanks large in part to having arguably the best offensive line in the NFL as well as some of the best weaponry at the skill position spots.

Although I love what we’ve seen from Fields this season, I think the majority of football fans are manifesting a Lions victory, hoping to see this team in the playoffs this season.

Prediction: Lions win 28-25

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