NFL Week 14 Picks: Looking at Teams Guaranteed to Turn Things Around

Regardless of when it happens, it's never too late to have a positive turnaround. To that end, it's a must when we're this late into the season and playoff implications are on the line.

So, here are three teams who fell in Week 13 that will get a response win in Week 14.

Atlanta Falcons (at Carolina)

The last time the Falcons played the Panthers at home, Atlanta picked off quarterback Cam Newton three times en route to a 31-17 victory. Well, although you can't expect Newton to have another poor performance, you also have to expect that the Dirty Birds will fly back up after a tough loss in Houston.

First, running back Michael Turner needs to get going. The Texans shut him down with their stout rush defense, and Carolina has one of the worst in the game. So, establishing him early will be key in setting up the pass later.

Defensively, Atlanta must double-team wideout Steve Smith, get a defensive end to jam tight end Greg Olsen at the line, and then have a linebacker on to cover him right away. As Carolina's top two targets, that is Newton's first two reads—so making him look elsewhere is crucial.

Thereafter, although Newton can run, it's better to let him run and wear down while not producing through the air. That's what opens everything up for Carolina and the Falcons aren't a team to normally win shootouts on the road.

Michael Turner is the answer because the Panthers rush defense won't be able to stop him, which allows Atlanta to control the tempo and the clock.

Falcons over Panthers

Dallas Cowboys (vs. Giants)

It's a big game for both teams as the winner takes control of their own destiny atop the NFC East. The Giants sit at 6-6, just one game back of the 7-5 Cowboys who choked last week in Arizona.

For Dallas to win it's not so much establishing the run early on as it is getting New York's defense off balance. The Cowboys can move the ball either way and doing what they can to confuse the Giants is what's needed.

The reason is because the Giants offense is quite an explosive bunch despite having lacked a rushing attack recently. Eli Manning is capable of matching Romo should they get into a shootout, so blitzing heavily on defense will be needed.

When on offense, deceiving New York can prevent the Giants from any shot at stopping them. We're talking early play-actions to get them thinking run, and then going deep to test their vulnerable pass defense. And as long as Big D can minimize the damage put forth by the Giants offense, Dallas wins this game.

Cowboys over Giants

Detroit Lions (vs. Vikings)

Detroit is desperate for a win and Minnesota is looking to play spoiler. Unfortunately for the Vikings though, they lack the overall talent to keep up with the Lions.

For one, none of the Minnesota defensive backs will be able to cover Calvin Johnson even if they try to double him. All Matt Stafford needs to do is launch the rock downfield and let Megatron go get it. And he will.

Additionally, Minnesota's offense showed promise from rookie QB Christian Ponder against Denver. Thing is, the Lions have a solid pass defense from an all-encompassed perspective, not to mention Ponder's lack of targets.

Also, even though Jared Allen is a stud DE and pass-rusher, the Lions need to double-team him to give Stafford time to throw. No one else for the Vikings can cause pressure, so screens and draws will also work as manipulative play calls.

In the end, the Lions get s much needed win and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Lions over Vikings

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27