NFL Predictions Week 7: Chargers vs. Jets and Games Sure to Go Down to the Wire

Perhaps the best thing about the NFL is its parity as essentially any team is capable of winning in any given week. Because of that, there always seems to be several hotly-contested games that aren't decided until the waning seconds.

Week 7 offers plenty of too-close-to-call matchups, so there are bound to be some extremely exciting finishes. Here are three games this weekend that are sure to go down to the wire and create some heart-stopping moments.

Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are two teams that are very difficult to get a good handle on. Each team is equally capable of looking unbeatable one week and looking like one of the league's worst teams the next.

Both teams were pretty impressive last week, though, as the Bears blew out the Minnesota Vikings and the Buccaneers edged a solid New Orleans Saints team. All signs point to a close encounter as the teams are evenly matched, the spread favors Chicago by just one point and the game is being played at a neutral site at Wembley Stadium in London, England.

The Bucs aren't a team that is capable of winning via a blowout and they are likely to pound the rock with Earnest Graham in an attempt to wear down Chicago's defense. The Bears' success will depend largely on running back Matt Forte and whether the offensive line can protect quarterback Jay Cutler. Either way, I would be surprised if this game was decided by more than a field goal.

Washington Redskins vs. Carolina Panthers

Despite a record of just 1-5, the Carolina Panthers are favored at home against the 3-2 Washington Redskins. Carolina's record is pretty deceptive, though, as four of their five losses have been by a touchdown or less.

The Panthers have been buoyed by the astounding play of rookie quarterback Cam Newton, who has dominated opposing defenses with his arm as well as his legs. The Redskins have been successful thanks to a strong defense and a fairly mistake-free offense, but that faltered last week when quarterback Rex Grossman threw four interceptions.

Because of that performance, John Beck will start in Grossman's place this weekend. Beck isn't great, but he and the Washington defense should allow the 'Skins to muck it up and stay in the game until the end. Ultimately, I think Newton will come up with a big play late to get Carolina its second win.

San Diego Chargers vs. New York Jets

The 4-1 San Diego Chargers will be slight favorites when they travel to New Jersey to take on the 3-3 New York Jets on Sunday. It is well deserved as the Chargers have looked very good this season and the Jets have scuffled, but I get the feeling that this game will be extremely close, just as their playoff games have been in the past.

The Jets snapped a three-game losing streak by beating the Miami Dolphins last week, but they still have major issues, namely run defense and running the ball on offense. Running back Shonn Greene seemed to pick up some steam late in Sunday's game, though, so perhaps he is extremely close to breaking out.

San Diego may only have one loss, but it hasn't had particularly tough competition this season aside from the New England Patriots. The Jets will certainly be one of the better teams they have played this season. If New York's pass defense can hold strong against Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, then this one could go either way and may even be slightly in New York's favor.