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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; Indianapolis Colts head coach Jeff Saturday reacts during the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Houston Texans (2-13-1) at Indianapolis Colts (4-11-1)

Sunday, January 8, 1:00 PM ET

In a week full of games with NFL playoff implications, you have the Texans vs. Colts matchup. So this matchup has nothing to do with the postseason, what gives?

What reason should anyone have for tuning in?

Well, for starters, the Texans have a chance to secure the no. 1 overall pick with a loss to the Colts in this game. Is Lovie Smith going to get out-coached by Jeff Saturday, though?

The Colts want better draft positioning as well. If they can lose this game and the Denver Broncos can somehow find a way to win against the Chargers, the Colts could be picking in the top four instead of fifth or sixth. If their goal is to get one of Bryce Young or CJ Stroud, are they already out of range? Perhaps not.

Let’s look at a best-case scenario for a team like the Texans this week.

They finish the season on a high note, winning a divisional road game against the Colts and still end up with the no. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft thanks to a Chicago Bears loss to the Minnesota Vikings elsewhere in the NFC.

For the Colts, the best-case scenario is going to be that third overall pick. Winning against the Texans this weekend? It means nothing to them except a worse shot at the QB (or prospect, in general) they covet most in the 2023 NFL Draft class.

If the Colts are picking third overall in the 2023 Draft, it all but guarantees them one of Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Will Anderson Jr., or Will Levis. Perhaps Jalen Carter as well. If they are picking fifth or sixth in the 2023 NFL Draft, well, you do the math. We know the Bears aren’t taking a QB, so we’ll probably see only one QB off the board between Houston and Chicago at the top of this draft.

That’s a long-winded way for NFL picks purposes to say I think Houston is winning this game.

Prediction: Texans win 23-16

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