NFL Predictions Week 7: Why Chargers and Redskins Are Road Teams to Bet on

The spreads for Week 7 in the NFL are all very small aside from a few games. Two of these games should be much higher than they are, but lose three points because they must travel on the road.

Regardless of where they play, here are two teams worth betting on in Week 7:

(Spreads courtesy of Covers.com.)

San Diego Chargers -1 at New York Jets

Did anybody else watch the Jets offense on Monday night against a horrendous Miami team?

The lack of a running game is exposing Mark Sanchez and now he faces one of the top passing defenses in the league that is fresh off a bye, while the Jets are on a short week.

The Chargers offense isn’t in peak form right now, but Philip Rivers continues to make enough plays when it matters most. All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates may play, which would really open up the field for the rest of the receiving corps.  

The line isn’t higher because the Chargers are a West Coast team playing at 10 a.m. local time, but they’ve had two weeks to rest up so this shouldn’t be an issue at all.

Key Trends:

Jets are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall.

Jets are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games following a ATS win.

Chargers are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games following a ATS win.

Prediction: Chargers 27, Jets 20

Washington Redskins +1.5 at Carolina Panthers

This line is in favor of the 1-5 Panthers because of the uncertainty at quarterback in Washington. Will Rex Grossman get another shot, or is it John Beck’s job to lose?

It really doesn’t matter.

The Redskins have one of the best defenses in the league and are going to handle rookie Cam Newton just fine. The Redskins' solid running game will have a field day against the Panthers 31st-ranked unit and that will take the pressure off Grossman/Beck.

With incredible key trends to consider, jump on this slight dog that is poised to win outright.

Key Trends: 

Redskins are 4-0 ATS in their last for meetings in Carolina.

Road team is 7-2 ATS in their last nine meetings.

Underdog is 9-0 ATS in their last 9 meetings.

Prediction: Redskins 23, Panthers 21