NFL Lines Week 7: Struggling Teams That Will Bounce Back to Cover Spread

One of the best strategies for picking NFL games is identifying teams that are currently being underrated by the oddsmakers due to recent struggles. As long as you have confidence the teams will rebound, they present some of the top value available.

It's a style that requires a leap of faith because the lines are only favorable due to poor play, but the upside is obvious. Let's take a glance at three teams that fall into the category for Week 7, making them wise selections.  

All odds courtesy of VegasInsider.com

Green Bay Packers (-5.5 at St. Louis Rams)

The Packers finally looked like the team everybody was expecting them to be in a crucial victory over the Houston Texans last week. It shouldn't be a surprise if they parlay that big win into an extended winning streak.

They face a Rams squad on Sunday that's coming off a disappointing loss, bringing an immediate end to any momentum they had built up during the season's first month. Even though both teams are 3-3, they are moving in opposite directions.

The Rams don't have the firepower necessary to keep pace with Aaron Rodgers and his plethora of weapons, which finally got on the same page last week. Expect Green Bay to keep rolling straight through St. Louis.

New Orleans Saints (-3 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Few people would have predicted the Saints would be 1-4 coming out of their bye week. That's the reality of the situation, however, and now they must find a way to dig out of the early hole starting Sunday against the Bucs.

A week off was exactly what the doctor ordered for New Orleans. After a crazy offseason and a slow start, the entire franchise seemed out of sync. Getting a chance to regroup should do wonders in getting the team back on track.

Drew Brees should be in line for a monster game against a Buccaneers defense that ranks 31st in passing yards allowed and when the offense is clicking on all cylinder, the defense usually steps up as well. It adds up to a big New Orleans victory.

New England Patriots (-10 vs. New York Jets)

For the second time in four weeks, the Patriots let a late lead slip away. The result is a 3-3 record that leaves them in a four-way tie for the AFC East lead instead of starting to pull away like they have so often in recent years.

That makes this week's game at home against the Jets crucial. The Patriots have already gotten off to a rotten start by their standards, they don't want to start making life even more difficult by giving their main division rival an edge.

In moments like that, it's hard to pick against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. You know the late losses are tearing them up on the inside and eventually an opponent is going to feel their frustration. Don't be surprised if it's the offensively-challenged Jets this week en route to a blowout win.