NFL Week 7 Picks: Which Teams Will Claw Back into Division Races?

There's nothing more than a surge back into the divisional race to get on a hot-streak in pro football.

Sure, starting off slow isn't the plan, but it undoubtedly happens to someone each year. However, those teams then have the opportunity to respond and become a dangerous playoff team.

With that in mind, here are three teams that will claw back into their respective divisional races. 

Dallas Cowboys, NFC East

The win over the Washington Redskins right now is what's keeping the Cowboys alive. Had they lost that game, not only would they be 1-4, but also last in the NFC East.

In any event, Dallas heads into a crucial Week 7 home matchup against the 0-5 St. Louis Rams, who could use a win, but who aren't nearly as hungry as the 'Boys.

Even if the Redskins win this week, Dallas stays right behind them in terms of overall record, while sitting just one game back of the New York Giants (who lost to Washington, by the way).

This week, Big D handles the Rams with an offensive explosion, now that they're getting closer to full health. What's more, the defense gets a lot of pressure on Sam Bradford and forces numerous turnovers.

Cowboys 31, Rams 10

Oakland Raiders, AFC West

Although they have yet to play the San Diego Chargers, the Oakland Raiders are just half-a-game behind the Bolts in the AFC West.

Invading Oakland this week are the 2-3 Kansas City Chiefs. However, they will be no match for Hue Jackson's team, as RB Darren McFadden has another great game against the NFL's 21st-ranked rush defense.

New Raiders QB Carson Palmer makes his Silver and Black debut, so you know Oakland will be even more motivated to get the win.

Defensively, the Raiders shut down a weak Kansas City ground game and force a lot of three-and-outs against their opponents.

What happens with the Chargers in New York against the Jets is irrelevant, because the Raiders still have two games against San Diego. Right now, it's all about keeping pace and then positively going "boom!"—you know, like John Madden always says.

Raiders 28, Chiefs 7

New Orleans Saints, NFC South

The Week 6 loss to the division-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers was tough to swallow. However, all the Saints have to do is stay within striking distance, since the Bucs are yet to make their trip to the Superdome.

Even then, New Orleans may very well surpass Tampa before that clash. The Saints will win both this week and next, while the Bucs could lose to the Bears in London as they are without RB LeGarrette Blount.

Meanwhile, the Saints host the Colts on Sunday night, and we know there's no way that Indy can keep pace with Drew Brees and company. In turn, that gives New Orleans' defense a big advantage, because the Colts will have to become one-dimensional.

As bad as the Colts are, going one-dimensional is practically rock-bottom. After all, their two-dimensional offense doesn't work, either.

Saints 38, Colts 14

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