NFL Picks Week 7: 10 Teams That Will Let Down Against Weaker Opponents

NFL Week 7 is here and this is the week where the underdogs will overcome all odds and come out on top. Many winning teams are trying to avoid back-to-back losses, while others are looking to get on the right track.

We're now in the heart of the NFL season and it's now or never for teams with a .500 record or below. Week 7 holds contest where no winning teams square off against one another.

Every game is a winning team versus a .500 opponent or below. At the conclusion of this week, fans will be perplexed as to whom is a true contender as many divisions will be up for grabs. This sets up for an exciting and intense second half to the season.

Washington Redskins vs. Carolina Panthers

The John Beck era has arrived in Washington and it won't be a smooth transition.

The 3-2 Washington Redskins travel to face the Carolina Panthers, who may be the most fun 1-5 team to watch in NFL history. Led by rookie quarterback Cam Newton and a rejuvenated Steve Smith, fans look for fireworks on every play. 

While the Redskins have a better than average defense, it'll be the Panthers defense who steps up on Sunday. The Panthers run defense is ranked 31st in the league but they'll focus on bottling up the Redskins' running game and pester John Beck, who's making his first start since 2007. In the end, the Panthers will prevail.

Pick: Washington 17, Carolina 24

Seattle Seahawks vs. Cleveland Browns

While this is a matchup of 2-3 teams, the Seattle Seahawks are weaker than the Cleveland Browns.

For one, the Browns play at home. Secondly, the Seahawks' offense is nothing to write home about, averaging just 205 yards/game through the air and 83 yards/game on the ground.

This week will be different as the Browns are headed in the wrong direction. With running back Peyton Hillis banged up, the Seahawks defense will shut down the Browns' running game and focus on their passing attack.

Although the Seahawks will have a game time decision on which quarterback to start, they'll get the job done.

Pick: Seahawks 17, Browns 10

Atlanta Falcons vs. Detroit Lions

The 3-3 Atlanta Falcons haven't lived up to expectations so far this season but have a prime opportunity to right the ship Sunday against the 5-1 Detroit Lions.

The Lions are coming off of their first loss of the season to the San Francisco 49ers and have plenty of questions to be answered. Mainly, who will run the ball? With running back Jahvid Best dealing with a concussion and the trade for Ronnie Brown from Philadelphia being nixed, the Lions need to find balance on offense.

Another problem facing the Lions is their run defense, which is allowing opponents to average 5.2 yards/ attempt.

Expect the Falcons to punish the Lions with running back Michael Turner and come out with a big road victory.

Pick: Atlanta  27, Detroit  21

Denver Broncos vs. Miami Dolphins

The 1-4 Denver Broncos are officially beginning the Tim Tebow era this weekend against the 0-6 Miami Dolphins. Maybe they think it's a good time for the former Florida Gators quarterback to gain some confidence.

There's nothing the Miami Dolphins would like more than to spoil Tebow's homecoming. Miami's weakness is pass defense, but Tebow isn't know for throwing the ball.

Expect the Dolphins to shut down Tebow and the Broncos as they let out some frustration with a win.

Pick: Denver 13, Miami 24

San Diego Chargers vs. New York Jets

The 4-1 San Diego Chargers are coming off of their bye week, but that won't help them against the desperate 3-3 New York Jets this Sunday.

Despite being 4-1, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has six touchdowns to seven interceptions and has fumbled the ball four times. Rivers has to play better if the Chargers are to be successful, but he won't this week.

The Jets' defense, led by Darelle Revis, will look to feast off of Rivers' mistakes this week. Considering the Jets are a disappointing 3-3 thus far, they'll need to win to keep pace in the AFC East.

Pick: San Diego 20, New York 24

Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The NFL takes its talent across the pond to London once again as the 3-3 Chicago Bears face the 4-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Bears have been up and down all season but won big against the Minnesota Vikings last week, 39-10.

The Bucs are an impressive 4-2 thus far, including a 26-20 win against the New Orleans Saints last week, but have trouble scoring this year. In fact, the Bucs have been outscored 113-145 this season.

The Bears have too much pride to fall to 3-4 as running back Matt Forte will continue to be "Mr. Everything" for his team. Behind Forte and a strong defense, the Bears will control the ball and win the game.

Pick: Chicago 31, Tampa Bay 17

Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans

The 3-3 Houston Texans play on the road against the 3-2 Tennessee Titans in what will prove to be a crucial AFC South battle this week.

The Texans have been once again mediocre while the Titans have been a bit of a surprise this season.

The Texans are coming off back-to-back losses and are in desperation mode. This will be a low scoring affair and the Texans will get just enough to win.

After all, the Titans are last in the NFL on the ground, which is hard to believe since they have Chris Johnson. This frustration for fans will continue to mount this week against the Texans. Unlike the Titans, the Texans have a strong run game led by Arian Foster. He will be the difference in the ball game. 

Pick: Houston 14, Tennessee 10

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals

The 4-2 Pittsburgh Steelers travel to the desert to face the lowly 1-4 Arizona Cardinals this week.

The Cardinals were said to be contenders for the NFC West this season but have been anything but this season. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt is on the hot seat and nothing would look better than a victory over his former team.

The Steelers are a good team but fans have to be a bit worried. The team has looked bad at times this season and barely won against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, 17-13, after being up 17-0 early.

Something has got to give and it'll be the Cardinals who come out with the victory. This is a must win for the Cardinals and their fans won't be disappointed. Their defense will force at least two Pittsburgh turnovers and provide good field position for the offense.

In the end, the Steelers will be leaving Arizona shaking their heads.

Pick: Pittsburgh 21, Arizona 24

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Oakland Raiders

The 4-2 Oakland Raiders made the biggest splash in the NFL before this year's trade deadline by acquiring Carson Palmer from the Cincinnati Bengals. More importantly, Palmer will start for the Raiders this week.

That's where the door opens for the injury-riddled Kansas City Chiefs to earn a key divisional win on the road this Sunday. The 2-3 Chiefs will be .500 after this Sunday because Carson Palmer isn't ready to start. Sure, he may be familiar with the Raiders' coaching staff, but he's not in game shape.

The Chiefs' defense has to be licking their chops at a chance to pummel Palmer. In the end, the Chiefs' defense will force Palmer into making mistakes which will lead to a Chiefs win.

Pick: Kansas City 27, Oakland 17

Indianapolis Colts vs. New Orleans Saints

Don't think the 4-2 New Orleans Saints will walk all over the 0-6 Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

While Saints' quarterback Drew Brees is known for putting up gaudy numbers, he's also becoming known for throwing interceptions. Brees has thrown eight interceptions on the season, including three in Week 6.

The Colts haven't won this year, but they've been in every game except their first. Being without future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning has shown that it has its effects, but backup quarterback Curtis Painter is beginning to come into his own. He's thrown five touchdowns to just one interception in three starts this season. Look for Painter to have a breakout game this week.

In the end, the Colts will bother Brees and force a few more interceptions. Painter will look like a serviceable replacement to Manning and earn the Colts their first victory of the season.

Pick: Indianapolis 24, New Orleans 20