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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; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) reacts after getting first down against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona Cardinals (4-12) at San Francisco 49ers (12-4)

Sunday, January 8, 4:25 PM ET

The San Francisco 49ers might just be the hottest team in the NFL right now, and shockingly so. Kyle Shanahan’s crew has now won nine straight games. It’s hard to believe this was ever a 3-4 team but I’m old enough to remember when some on Twitter were actually talking about Shanahan getting fired at the end of the season.

As silly as all that talk was, it’s perhaps even more “unrealistic” for the 49ers to be in the position they are currently in. That’s a major reason why Shanahan should be the NFL coach of the year. He’s got Brock Purdy operating the offense at a high level after having to call upon Jimmy Garoppolo when Trey Lance went down with a season-ending injury.

The trade for Christian McCaffrey was about as fortuitous as you could ask for during the season. McCaffrey has been a legitimate offensive MVP candidate throughout his career, but staying healthy has been tough these last couple of years. Fortunately for the 49ers, who have been hit hard in some spots by injuries, he’s been every bit the Christian McCaffrey we know and love this season.

McCaffrey has three games in his last four with over 100 yards rushing. He has a chance to eclipse 2,000 yards from scrimmage this season with a big game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 18 as the 49ers pursue the top seed in the NFC.

And that’s not out of reach.

If the 49ers win and the Eagles lose this week? The 49ers will have the top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Not bad for a team that was 3-4 earlier this year, wondering how they would fare after turning to Jimmy Garoppolo, and then having to make a major adjustment once again when Garoppolo suffered an injury. The job being done by Kyle Shanahan and his staff cannot be talked about enough.

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