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2022 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 18

By Sayre Bedinger

NFL Picks; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) celebrates scoring a touchdown with tight end Tyler Davis (84) against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter of their game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-USA TODAY Sports
NFL Picks; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) celebrates scoring a touchdown with tight end Tyler Davis (84) against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter of their game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL Picks; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) celebrates a stop on 4th down against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Panthers (7-9) at New Orleans Saints (7-9)

Sunday, January 8, 1:00 PM ET

You’ve got to tip your cap to both the Panthers and the Saints for staying in the playoff race as long as they both did. Perhaps especially when you look at the Carolina Panthers and the job Steve Wilks has done since taking over for Matt Rhule earlier in the season.

Since Wilks took over, the Panthers have reemerged as a potential playoff team in the NFC and had they been able to beat the Buccaneers on Sunday…

Unfortunately, they just didn’t have enough in the tank. Three turnovers and nearly 500 yards allowed defensively did the Panthers in this season.

The Saints, on the other hand, lost their shot at the playoffs despite beating arguably the best team in the NFL. Okay, the Eagles didn’t have Jalen Hurts, but still…

The Saints took it to the Eagles on Sunday to the tune of 20-10. Regardless of the opponents they have faced, Dennis Allen’s crew deserves some credit for winning all three games coming out of the bye and at least staying playoff-relevant to the bitter end.

How do you approach this game from an NFL picks perspective now that both teams are eliminated? That’s a great question.

The Panthers have scored 24-plus points in three of their last four games. Sam Darnold, coming off the injured reserve list, has thrown for 1,100 yards and seven touchdowns in five games with just one interception. Unfortunately, his turnover problem reared its ugly head in the Panthers’ loss to the Bucs where he threw his first pick of the season and fumbled three times, losing two.

Will the Saints, winners of three straight, pick on Darnold defensively? Can Darnold finish the season strong and boost his free agent value? Can Steve Wilks continue to make his case to be back as Panthers head coach in 2023 and beyond?

Prediction: Panthers win 24-20

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