NFL Picks Week 7: 5 Underdogs Who Will Win Outright

Sunday is almost here, football fans, and once again, this week's NFL schedule is packed full of potential upsets. Last weekend, we saw the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take down New Orleans, while San Francisco ruined the Lions' quest for a perfect season.

So, who will shake up the NFL world this week?

Here are five underdogs poised to surprise in Week 7.

Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Chicago Bears may be 3-3, but each of their three losses have come against top-tier opponents in New Orleans, Green Bay and Detroit. They're a much better team than they get credit for, and they will prove that this weekend by knocking off 4-2 Tampa Bay.

The Bucs notched a huge 26-20 victory over New Orleans in Week 6, but they also lost 48-3 in an ugly Week 5 game against San Francisco. There's no doubt they have the potential to play with the best of them, but they're also a very streaky bunch.

Earnest Graham will likely start in place of the injured LeGarrette Blount at running back for Tampa this week, and he will certainly have his work cut out for him. He was effective last week, but he also wasn't facing Chicago's stout front seven.

Look for the Bears to shut down Graham and open up some holes of their own for Matt Forte when the Chicago offense is on the field. 

They're the underdog, but Chicago should ultimately leave Tampa with a W.

Score Predication: 27-20 Chicago

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Oakland Raiders

Should newly-acquired quarterback Carson Palmer start for Oakland on Sunday, this AFC West showdown will without a doubt be one of the most watched and talked about games of Week 7.

That said, it also has all of the makings of a big-time upset.

Palmer is an experienced QB with a world-class arm, but he hasn't taken an NFL snap for quite some time. Having had just one week to learn the Raiders' system, he could have a rough go of it against Kansas City's 17th-ranked pass defense. Look for Palmer to rack up some solid yardage, but also to turn the ball over once or twice.

As for the Chiefs? They have won their last two contests and are coming off of a bye in Week 6. They'll be well-rested, confident and ready to surprise the NFL world with a big-time divisional win.

Score Prediction: 30-24 Kansas City

Denver Broncos vs. Miami Dolphins

It's finally "Tebow Time" in Denver, but that doesn't mean the Broncos are going to start winning anytime soon. 

Miami's pass defense is suspect to say the least, but with Tim Tebow under center and with Brandon Lloyd no longer on the roster, Denver will likely find themselves having to run the ball.

If there's one thing the Dolphins do well, it's stopping the run. Miami's D allows just 106.8 rushing yards per game, and they should be able to contain the Broncos' mediocre ground attack. If they can get any sort of rhythm going offensively, the Dolphins should be able to pick up their first W of the season.

Score Prediction: 20-13 Miami

Washington Redskins vs. Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers have been competitive each and every week, but nonetheless, they're still 1-5.

That changes this Sunday.

The Panthers know that they're a much better team than their record suggests, and if they can continue to move the ball effectively, they should be able to knock off Washington and pick up their second win of the season.

Washington's defense is solid, but they've fallen apart offensively over the past few weeks. They're losing their identity, having changed starting quarterbacks mid-season, and they could very well come into Carolina unprepared and disorganized. 

Don't expect the Panthers to excel against the Redskins' stout defense, but they should be able to do just enough to edge out Washington in a close, hard-fought battle.

Score Prediction: 23-20 Carolina