Week 7 NFL Picks on CBS: San Diego Chargers @ NY Jets Odds and Predictions – Sunday Free NFL Picks 10/23/11

Week 7 Free NFL Picks: San Diego Chargers @ New York Jets NFL Week 7 Vegas Odds, Free Picks, and Expert Predictions on CBS 10/23/11: When the San Diego Chargers (4-1) visit the New York Jets (3-3) Sunday, both teams will be looking for a statement victory. Despite the strong record, the Chargers have looked mediocre at best in their wins, while losing to the New England Patriots in their only true test of the season. The Jets have lost their games against better competition as well, but New York is undefeated at home. With plenty of question marks about both teams, neither team is favored.

A lot has been made this season of the Jets getting away from their power running game. Granted, poor play from the offensive line has made the ground attack less effective, but it was clear early in the year that an offense centered around quarterback Mark Sanchez was not going to work. New York got back to its running roots last weekend in a win against Miami, and while the offensive line still isn’t dominating, the Jets looked more like the team that has gone to back-to-back AFC Title Games than they have all year.

If the Jets stick to the game plan again this weekend, their chances of winning definitely increase. The Chargers are excellent at defending the pass, and Sanchez has already been one of the most inefficient passers against weaker secondaries. Rex Ryan appears to understand the importance of controlling the game on the ground, and he already has his perfect motivating factor.

Ryan has decided to start LaDainian Tomlinson at running back against a Chargers’ franchise that tossed the future Hall of Famer aside when he began to show signs of age. Although Tomlinson refused to use the word revenge, he will definitely want to show the San Diego front office that it gave up on him too soon. Expect fellow running back Shonn Greene and the entire Jets’ offense to try and have Tomlinson’s back.

For the Chargers, the offense will once again be powered by Philip Rivers and the passing game. The air attack could get a boost this weekend when tight end Antonio Gates returns. San Diego could need a big game from Gates because top receiver Vincent Jackson will likely be covered by shut down cornerback Darelle Revis. Miami tried to attack Revis last weekend, and he finished the game with two interceptions and a 100-yard touchdown return. Considering Rivers have been turnover prone this year anyway, he may want to just avoid throwing the ball in Revis’ direction.

For the Jets, the X-factor could be receiver Santonio Holmes. He has been the vocal leader of the team, and he is also the team’s most explosive offensive weapon. Holmes doesn’t need 100 yards to be effective, but he does have to move the chains and keep the Chargers’ defense honest to help the running game. Meanwhile, running back Ryan Matthews could be the game changer for San Diego. New York has struggled to stop the run at times, and if Matthews can hurt the Jets on the ground, Rivers could have some big play opportunities in the passing game.

While neither team has been overly impressive so far, the Jets have been getting the job done at home this year. They are also the more desperate team, while the Chargers are actually ahead of the game for once after avoiding their typical September slump. As long as the Jets continue to stick with the strategy of running the ball and playing defense, they are going to be a lot tougher to beat. Look for the New York defense to make at least one big play against the suddenly mistake prone Rivers, and the rejuvenated ground game will help Ryan’s bunch pull out a tight win Sunday.

Prediction: New York Jets (PK) Win the Game

Free NFL Football Picks and Predictions: New York Jets Pk

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