NFL Week 8 Picks: Broncos, 49ers and Teams That Will Ride Momentum to Win

Momentum is a huge factor in sports, regardless of what others say.

In the NFL, it's everything.

Momentum can start small. For instance, when Aaron Rodgers finds a rhythm with his receivers in the last two minutes of a half.

However, it can build over time. One win can quickly snowball into a streak. Before you know it, the Green Bay Packers are the Super Bowl champions.

Here are three teams riding a wave of feel-good momentum into Week 8, destined to win: 

Denver Broncos

Tim Tebow is 1-0 as the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos in 2011, despite trailing the Dolphins by 15 points with three minutes left in the game.

In Week 8, good momentum meets bad momentum when the Lions—losers of two-straight contests—come into the Mile High City to battle the Broncos.

Denver is flying high after last week's overtime win at Miami, while Detroit is limping into Sunday's matchup with a lot on the line.

The Broncos are under little pressure to succeed, and that's why they will on Sunday.

Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton and the Panthers exposed the Washington Redskins in Week 7 and finally got their second win of the year.

Statistically, once again, Newton was phenomenal. However, the team's success is what stands out the most.

Carolina will host the 1-6 Vikings in Week 8, which presents an excellent opportunity for the Panthers to put together a win streak in time for the home stretch.

Minnesota fought hard last week against the Packers, but the failure will continue this weekend in Charlotte. 

San Francisco 49ers

Jim Harbaugh's Niners are back in action this week after beating Detroit in Week 6 and shoving the Lions off into a tailspin.

Literally.

The Cleveland Browns are in town, attempting to claim their fourth win of the season and keep pace in the AFC North.

San Francisco's momentum from four-straight wins will be palpable on Sunday at Candlestick Park. Look for the Niners to snag their third home win of the year, and take a stranglehold on the NFC West.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter @_Pat_Clarke