Week 14 NFL Picks: Contenders That Will Earn Much Needed Victories

Crunch time of the NFL season is here. If you're a contending team, you have to think that you're going to need to win the rest of your games. 

That's the case with these teams. They're all firmly entrenched in a playoff race. Fortunately, they're all in great situations this week. 

In some cases, it will be led by the defense. In others, expect more of a shootout. But ultimately, these teams will pull through in Week 14. In the process, they will keep their playoff hopes alive and well.

New York Jets vs. Kansas City Chiefs

This game is going to come down to what happens when the Chiefs offense is on the field against the Jets defense. It's impossible to think that the Chiefs will win that battle.

The Jets will struggle on offense, as usual, but it won't matter here. The winner of this game will be the one that wins the field position battle. While I don't like the Jets offense, I do trust them to not turn the ball over. The same can't be said for the Chiefs.

The shortened field will benefit the Jets in this one.

Prediction: Jets 17, Chiefs 10

Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers

Look for this one to be the polar opposite of the Chiefs vs. Jets. Cam Newton and the Panthers offense have moved the ball well and put up points all year. That will be no different here, they just won't score enough.

The Panthers simply have no defense. The Falcons don't exactly lack the weapons to beat them. More importantly, Atlanta can burn the Panthers in many different ways. They will do just that. The Falcons will move closer to a second consecutive playoff berth.

Prediction: Falcons 34, Panthers 24

Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings

The Lions need this win in a big way. Fortunately, they are finally in a situation to succeed. Notably, they're not facing Aaron Rodgers or Drew Brees. Never underestimate how valuable that is.

Detroit is still a talented team. Even with injuries and suspensions up front, they have a defensive front that will give Christian Ponder consistent trouble. That will cause some early passes, which will turn into interceptions.

On offense, the Lions are still one of the most dangerous units in the league. Jared Allen will give Matthew Stafford some trouble, but not enough. The injuries in Chicago will get Detroit into the playoffs.

Prediction: Lions 31, Vikings 17

Denver Broncos vs. Chicago Bears

It's Tebow time! Actually, it's the Broncos defense that will win this one. Tim Tebow will perform in his typical way. The numbers will hardly be spectacular, but the team will win. 

Given the injuries to Chicago's defense and the way the Denver defense has been playing, the Bears will be unable to move the ball. The loss of Jay Cutler was bad. The loss of Matt Forte ends their season. 

Denver's running attack will be on full display, as it always is. Still, don't be surprised to see Tebow make a critical pass or two that puts this one away. However it happens, the Broncos will win this one.

Prediction: Broncos 24, Bears 14

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