NFL Picks Week 7: Detroit Lions and More Teams That Will Bounce Back from Losses

A number of top-tier teams were handed losses last week, but the hallmark of a truly great team is the ability to bounce back from a loss and avoid losing streaks. Several teams will be in position to prove their worth in that regard this weekend.

Some teams will have easier matchups than others, but they simply have to play with the cards they are dealt. Here are three seemingly good teams that will validate their billing with bounce-back wins in Week 7.

New Orleans Saints

Despite quarterback Drew Brees throwing three interceptions, the New Orleans Saints were nearly able to come back against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. The Bucs took the game 26-20, though, and are currently tied for first in the NFC South with the Saints at 4-2.

Entering the game New Orleans was considered to be one of the league's best teams with the only blemish on their record being a narrow loss to the Green Bay Packers. While they still may be an elite squad, they absolutely need to stabilize themselves with a win this week.

Luckily for the Saints, the 0-6 Indianapolis Colts are next up on the schedule. The Colts have certainly played much better since Curtis Painter took over at quarterback and could have won multiple times over the past few weeks, but they have glaring issues. The Saints should have little trouble moving the ball on them, so a convincing bounce-back win is highly likely.

Dallas Cowboys

At 2-3, the Dallas Cowboys may not seem like one of the league's better teams, but the "eye test" says otherwise. The Cowboys have an extremely talented roster, particularly on offense, and could very easily be 5-0 if not for late-game collapses against the New York Jets, Detroit Lions and New England Patriots.

If the Cowboys are going to realize their potential, though, they absolutely must beat inferior competition. That will come into play on Sunday as the Cowboys are set to host the 0-5 St. Louis Rams.

The Rams were expected to be much better in their own right, but seem lost at the moment. Quarterback Sam Bradford may not play for the Rams with a high ankle sprain, meaning A.J. Feeley would get the start. If that happens, the Cowboys have no excuse and just need to go out and win. Considering how porous St. Louis defense can be, that shouldn't be a problem for Tony Romo and Co.

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions were probably the biggest surprise of the league entering last week at 5-0, but they were clipped by another surprising team in the San Francisco 49ers. The loss has caused some to questions Detroit's validity, but the Lions have a great chance to prove it this week.

Detroit won't have as easy of a bounce-back game as New Orleans and Dallas, though, as they have to take on the 3-3 Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta's record is certainly deceiving as the Falcons have underperformed this season and have largely the same components from last year's 13-3 squad.

The Falcons leaned on running back Michael Turner last week and it paid big dividends in a win over the Carolina Panthers, so the Lions will have to clamp down defensively to be sure. Detroit will have a huge advantage on offense, however, as the Falcons have one of the league's worst pass defenses. I think quarterback Matthew Stafford and stud wide receiver Calvin Johnson will take advantage in a big victory.