NFL Week 7 Picks: San Diego Chargers and Weekend's 4 Biggest Winners

Of the 13 games on the NFL schedule this week, only four feature two teams with records of at least .500. So, it's safe to say that we're probably not going to see any playoff previews coming out of Week 7 of the season.

But, let's take a look at those four games here. They are all important games, as they all feature at least one team that needs to win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

So, what can we expect from those games? Will the desperate team pull through, or will they keep digging themselves into a bigger hole?

Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions

The 49ers keeping Calvin Johnson out of the end zone was surprising enough. But I don't see that happening two weeks in a row this season, and I certainly can't see the Falcons doing it.

Atlanta's best chance is to have a huge rushing day from Michael Turner. Fortunately, that's not impossible. The Lions are certainly not a defense geared to stop the run.

Still, I am not expecting much of a fight from the Falcons in the game. They will score some points, but not anywhere near as many as the Lions.

Calvin Johnson was kept from scoring for the first time all season against the 49ers. Not coincidentally, the Lions lost their first game. He'll be the focal point this week.

Lions 38, Falcons 27

Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans

The Titans are certainly one of the more surprising teams this season. They boast a respectable 3-2 record, despite losing Kenny Britt and inconsistent play from Chris Johnson.

Houston is 3-3, but they have had their own injury issues to deal with. Their three losses came against playoff contenders (or better) in the Saints, Raiders and Ravens. Along the way, they have also taken down the Steelers.

While this game is in Tennessee, I am going with the more talented team to win here. That's clearly the Texans.

Texans 21, Titans 13

San Diego Chargers at New York Jets

I have complete confidence that the Jets' defense can contain the Chargers' offense. San Diego certainly gets a little turnover prone at times, and the Jets defense can take advantage of that.

The unit that I have absolutely no confidence in is the Jets' offense. They are just a mess right now. While the Chargers' defense is flawed, it's not the one to try to come out and find yourself against.

The Jets defense will be good in this one, but unless they literally score two touchdowns on their own, they won't score enough points to win this one.

Chargers 27, Jets 17

Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (in London)

The Bears' offense has great playmakers, they just don't have the best ability to get them the ball. Their offensive line has done a dismal job of protecting Jay Cutler this year. I expect that to continue this week.

The question is this. Without LaGarrette Blount, can the Buccaneers offense do enough to control the game and outscore the Bears?

I say that they can. The Bears' defense is their franchise hallmark, but they have some glaring holes this year. The Buccaneers' playmakers have yet to really break out this season.

I don't know that I see them "breaking out," but I do like their chances of at least making a big play or two and pulling this one out.

Buccaneers 23, Bears 17

Rest of Week 7 Predictions

Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins

Dolphins 20, Broncos 14

Seattle Seahawks at Cleveland Browns

Browns 26, Seahawks 17

Washington Redskins at Carolina Panthers

Redskins 28, Panthers 20

Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders

Raiders 24, Chiefs 13

Pittsburgh Steelers at Arizona Cardinals

Steelers 20, Cardinals 10

St. Louis Rams at Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys 38, Rams 20

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings

Packers 40, Vikings 16

Indianapolis Colts at New Orleans Saints

Saints 30, Colts 14

Baltimore Ravens at Jacksonville Jaguars

Ravens 17, Jaguars 6