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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
NFL Picks; New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll greets quarterback Daniel Jones (8) after a rushing touchdown during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Giants (9-6-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)

Sunday, January 8, 4:25 PM ET

This NFC East matchup to close out the 2022-23 regular season is about as fascinating as it gets. These are two teams that have locked up playoff spots, but the Eagles need to win to maintain home-field advantage. Do we think having a solidified playoff spot is going to cause Brian Daboll to shut down any of his best players as the Giants prep for a potential playoff run? As of now, it doesn’t sound like it.

I’m not so sure, though. The goal for these two teams should be to reach the playoffs completely intact, yet the Eagles have to fend off teams like San Francisco and Dallas right now to make sure they are hosting games throughout the playoffs. That no. 1 seed in the NFC is still up for grabs.

Are they willing to put Jalen Hurts out there in Week 18 to take that risk, or will they be content to let their depth try and get them to the playoffs? Whether or not the Eagles are the top seed, if they risk Hurts aggravating an injury that has now kept him out of two games, it could cost them the playoffs anyway.

Their best chance might be to simply ride it out with Gardner Minshew, hope the Giants are satisfied with just making the playoffs and rest starters on both sides of the ball. Again, that doesn’t seem to be the case, which certainly makes for a confusing game for NFL picks.

Not knowing whether or not Hurts will play certainly complicates the pick, but here’s what I’ll say — if the Eagles are rolling out Minshew and the Giants play that starting defense, that’s a unit you don’t want to see right now.

Things could change between now and the weekend, but Giants head coach Brian Daboll is saying he’s not resting starters this weekend. Therefore, I’m taking that attacking, physical Giants defense on the road.

Prediction: Giants win 24-23

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