NFL Week 14 Picks: Borderline Teams That Will Edge Closer to the Playoffs

It's that special time of the season.

No, not the holidays.

It's getting closer to the NFL playoffs, of course.

Headed into Week 14, we have several close playoff races in both the NFC and AFC.

This is the time of year when teams show whether they are contenders or pretenders. The contenders are remembered, while the pretenders are shoved to the side.

Here are three borderline teams that will get closer to the goal line in Week 14.

3. Detroit Lions (7-5)

I'm still holding out hope that the Lions will will be one of the two wild-card teams in the NFC.

After winning their first five games, the Lions have plummeted, losing five of their last seven games.

But Week 14 presents a matchup the Lions should be able to win, facing the 2-10 Minnesota Vikings, who don't have the offense to outscore the Lions like the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints in the previous two weeks.

Look for the Lions to get back in the win column in Week 14.

2. Atlanta Falcons (7-5)

Coming off a 17-10 loss to the T.J. Yates-led Houston Texans, the Falcons aren't exactly feeling free as a bird right now.

But they face a much more pliable defense in Week 14 against the Carolina Panthers, who are allowing 27 points per game this season.

Expect Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and the Falcons to soar in Carolina and inch closer to a wild-card spot.

1. Denver Broncos (7-5)

Tebow Mania has hit 11 on a scale of 10.

The Broncos' second-year signal-caller has gone 6-1 in his seven starts this season and the entire team is playing with a passion fitting of a playoff team.

The Broncos face the Chicago Bears in Week 14, who scored a grand total of three points against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 13.

Tim Tebow is greater than Caleb Hanie.

The Broncos will win en route to the AFC West title (sorry, Raiders fans).