NFL Playoff Picture: Breaking Down the Contenders for NFC Wild-Card Spots

Here's a quick look at the three top teams fighting for wild-card spots in the NFC and where those teams might end up. 

Chicago Bears (7-5)

The Bears went down 13-10 in overtime against the Denver Broncos, who are known for their late-game comebacks.

After this loss, Chicago has winnable games against the Seahawks and at Minnesota. It also has a not-so-winnable game at Lambeau Field in Week 16. 

If everything plays out accordingly, the Bears will finish 9-7.

Detroit Lions (8-5)

It wasn't pretty, but Detroit was able to hang on for a 34-28 win today against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Lions still have to travel to Oakland and Green Bay. With the way they've been playing, I wouldn't call the Oakland game "a gimme." Also, with the Packers possibly playing for a perfect season, they could very well be playing hard in Week 17.

A Week 16 home matchup with the Chargers isn't an easy one, either.

Something tells me the Lions drop two of their last three and finish 9-7.

Atlanta Falcons (8-5)

The Falcons made a nice comeback today to beat the Panthers 31-23 and they are currently in the best shape out of these three teams. 

Home games with Jacksonville and Tampa Bay should easily be wins for Atlanta, while traveling to New Orleans could be a little tougher.

Still, though, that puts the Falcons at 10-6.

Thus, it all comes down to Tim Tebow, just like everything always does. After beating the Bears Sunday night, Chicago will likely tie with the Lions for the second wild-card spot.

If that happens, it will depend on which games each team wins for tiebreakers.