NFL Week 7 Picks: Which Teams Will Lose Ground in Their Divisions?

On some level, losing some ground in the division is the lesser of two evils when it comes to the final regular season standings.

Granted, no one ever wants to lose ground within their own division; however, if it does happen, better early than late so there's time to possibly catch back up. The only issue now though, is that we're about one or two week difference away from losing ground early and losing ground all together.

To that end, here are three teams who continue to lose divisional ground after Week 7.

Atlanta Falcons (at Lions)

Right now the Atlanta Falcons should be fortunate with a 3-3 record. Although they're 1-1 within the division (much like New Orleans), that one loss came at the hands of Tampa Bay (2-0 in the NFC South).

Sure, there's still four divisional games left, but this week Atlanta plays the Lions in Detroit. You can bet on The Motor City being motivated to respond after the Week 6 home loss to San Fran.

In addition, the Bucs' play the Bears in London while the Saints play host to the Colts. In other words, they both win and the Falcons lose. And much thanks to Detroit's pass defense, which slows down Atlanta's pass game.

RB Michael Turner has a good game, but it's not enough to keep pace with Detroit's explosive offense. We see Atlanta's decision to not address the pass defense in the draft come back to bite them.

Lions 35, Falcons 21

New York Jets (vs Chargers)

Much like the Falcons, the Jets are 3-3 and 1-1 in the division, except that loss came against New England and New York still has to play Buffalo twice.

Incoming this week are the 4-1 San Diego Chargers, who, despite having some proving to do, are under much less pressure to win in their weaker division.

As for the Jets, the offense has a vehement amount of work to do in both passing and rushing, while the rush defense continues to lack. Therefore, anticipate the Bolts pounding the ball as much as possible to setup the play-action and/or wildcat (if they so choose).

When New York has the rock, don't expect much because San Diego has the No. 2 pass defense which will force the Jets to use their No. 31 ranked rushing offense. Long story short, Jets fall at home.

Chargers 24, Jets 17

Tennessee Titans (vs Texans)

For the fans who really delve into the numbers behind the numbers, this Texans-Titans game is arguably the game of the week.

Whoever wins gets a concrete divisional victory in a weak AFC South and has a lot of momentum going into the second half of the season.

Both teams are virtually the same when it comes to defensive execution because there have been some really great highs (Houston beating Pittsburgh, Tennessee beating Baltimore).

However, the lows have made just as much of an effect—but in a negative manner (Houston losing to Oakland, Tennessee losing to Jacksonville).

Offensively, Houston is without WR Andre Johnson, but you could say the same for Tennessee and RB Chris Johnson, who's been so ineffective this season he might as well be injured.

Nonetheless, Houston gets the win because frankly they are the better team.

Matt Schaub's receiving targets are more reliable (despite neither teams' being that established with the two best being out), and the Texans have a much more effective ground game. Tennessee can blame this one on No. 28 if they want.

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