NFL Picks Week 7: Projecting the Scores for Each Game

Every week, fans across the country are trying to pick the winners in the NFL. This week is no different, so let's not waste any time with a savvy or irrelevant introduction.

Here are the picks for Week 7 in the NFL.

Chargers at Jets

It's a more important game for the Jets, but the Chargers are no longer in "slow start" mode. We're now entering the middle of the season and this is where San Diego takes flight Air Coryell style and gets hot. 

For one, San Diego is getting tight end Antonio Gates back and New York only has a good pass defense because their rush defense ranks No. 28. The Bolts can move the rock however they want, while the Jets have trouble keeping up.

San Diego 28, New York 14

Bears vs Buccaneers

The Bears may have three losses all against tough teams, but none of their wins are all that impressive. As for Tampa, well, they've been very impressive after the responsive win over New Orleans in Week 6.

They've proven to be able to win without running back LeGarrette Blount, and that trend will continue, whereas Chicago has yet to find their identity in 2011.

Tampa Bay 27, Chicago 17

Redskins at Panthers

Being 1-5 right now, Carolina has entered spoiler city and has an opportunity to ruin some hope for Washington. The only problem is that the Redskins changed quarterbacks, have a solid defense and know how to run the ball.

Carolina still suffers from a bad rush defense and a bad rush offense, but another close loss only adds more wood to the fire for 2012.

Washington 16, Carolina 13

Falcons at Lions

This game isn't about how the Falcons will play, because it doesn't matter who the Lions' opponent is this week as they are an angry bunch.

The home loss to San Fran will motivate Detroit in a way that will demoralize Atlanta, who has trouble winning on the road to begin with, as well as sustaining a lead of multiple scores.

Detroit runs away early thanks to Megatron dominating a weak Falcons secondary.

Detroit 34, Atlanta 19

Seahawks at Browns

Seattle proved they can win on the road with a solid victory over the Giants in New York. However, Cleveland did show some promise in Oakland after being down for most of the game as they almost completed the comeback.

It's still a question whether the Seahawks can continue to win on the road, whereas the Browns virtually have nothing to lose because they're in one of the more difficult divisions.

Browns win thanks to quarterback Colt McCoy becoming more acclimated under center against the league's No. 23-ranked pass defense.

Cleveland 24, Seattle 14

Broncos at Dolphins

Denver may be playing at Miami, but they're going to have home-field advantage thanks to Tim Tebow.

And regardless of how Miami plays, the Broncos will also have momentum because of a better pass rush, which is only more helpful when Matt Moore is starting.

This may be the ugliest game of the week (possibly the year), but someone has to win, right?

Denver 12, Miami 9

Texans at Titans

When you really delve into the numbers of this game, there's not much of a difference between Houston and Tennessee. Both are without their top receiver, and still have a solid defense to go with a respectable passing game.

The difference? Titans running back Chris Johnson is failing because of his holdout, whereas the Texans can count on Arian Foster and Ben Tate with their No. 7-ranked rushing offense.

Houston 20, Tennessee 17

Chiefs at Raiders

Regardless of whether Carson Palmer starts this week won't matter as the Chiefs won't be able to stop Darren McFadden. The NFL's leading rusher will eat the No. 21-ranked rush defense alive, thus setting up the play-action to mix things up.

Also, the Raiders defense may be just as skeptical, since K.C. could have some success on the ground. But, if you have to choose which ground game will win, who would you pick—Oakland or K.C.?

Oakland 26, Kansas City 13

Steelers at Cardinals

Arizona has a weak pass and rush defense, so you know the Steelers are going to have success either way. It will begin on the ground, and then Big Ben will air it out in the second and third quarters.

Defensively, Arizona has no ground game, so expect Pittsburgh to stack the box but not blitz very often to ensure that Kevin Kolb keeps dropping back.

The Steelers must force Kolb to beat them, because when they do blitz, turnovers will happen.

Pittsburgh 31, Arizona 10

Packers at Vikings

If there's a trap game for Green Bay, this is that game. The Packers have yet to face a solid running back like Adrian Peterson, and the only reason their rush D ranks high is because no one bothers to run against them since the pass defense has been lacking.

However, Minnesota also has a weak pass defense, so don't expect Green Bay to run often. And even though the Vikings will be dropping at least seven into coverage, it won't matter as the Packers are just that good on offense.

Peterson keeps Minny close at home, but the cheese prevails thanks to a flawless offensive performance.

Green Bay 24, Minnesota 21

Rams at Cowboys

Far from being the game of the week, but not far from being the blowout of the week. Dallas has an almost completely 100 percent healthy offense with Miles Austin returning last week, whereas the Rams practically replaced one decent receiver with a better one.

Sure it helps to have him, but Brandon Lloyd won't do anything because Sam Bradford will be under duress all day thanks to DeMarcus Ware. Not to mention St. Louis can't run the ball at all and the Cowboys are No. 1 in rush defense.

Dallas 41, St. Louis 13

Colts at Saints

If the Colts can get some picks off Drew Brees, they'll keep it close. However, the Saints defense is just good enough to hold up the fort against a weak Indy offense.

Turning the ball over won't hurt New Orleans nearly as much, and they also get the ground game working with rookie running back Mark Ingram leading the way. Saints don't win big, but it's a sound win coming after a disappointing loss.

New Orleans 35, Indianapolis 17

Ravens at Jaguars

Despite having played respectable football thus far, Jags rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert is facing an upgraded defense from Pittsburgh in Week 6. The Ravens can dominate you both ways (forcing turnovers and/or three-and-outs), so Jacksonville better have the perfect gameplan this week.

And that may not be enough, because Baltimore is arguably just as effective offensively with running back Ray Rice and Joe Flacco's array of receiving targets. Jaguars keep it close early, but break midway through the third quarter.

Baltimore 30, Jacksonville 14

Last Week: 7-6

Overall: 52-38

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

And, you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.