NFL Playoff Picture: Houston Texans and Biggest Winners from Week 14

The Houston Texans clinched their first playoff berth in franchise history, staking claim as the biggest winners from Week 14.

However, they weren't the only ones coming through with some clutch performances.

As the regular season winds down, the playoff picture is developing in front of our eyes. These three teams helped paint their way into it on Sunday.

Houston Texans

As I said earlier, the Texans will be appearing in their first playoff game in franchise history, thanks to a thrilling 20-19 victory over Cincinnati.

Rookie T.J. Yates led Houston on an 80-yard drive in the closing moments, capping it off with a six-yard touchdown pass with two seconds left.

Yates, who stepped in after Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart were injured in consecutive weeks, threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns against the Bengals.

The Texans improved to 10-3 and would be the AFC's No. 1 seed if the playoffs started today.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos won their sixth straight game thanks to Matt Prater's massive right leg and some more Tim Tebow magic.

With just seconds left in the fourth quarter, Tebow drove Denver into Prater's range, which is apparently limitless.

Prater drilled a 59-yard field goal with three seconds left in the fourth to send the game into overtime, then hit a 51-yarder to win it.

With their win and Oakland's loss, the Broncos took control of the AFC West. They would be the fourth seed if the playoffs began today.

Detroit Lions

The Lions improved to 8-5 on Sunday and separated themselves from Chicago in the NFC wild-card race.

They nearly blew a big lead against 2-11 Minnesota, but were able to hang on.

With just three games left this season, it looks like Detroit will sneak into the playoffs. The Lions have fallen far since their 5-0 start, but they're still as dangerous as any team in the league.

If they can get into the playoffs, even as the sixth seed, they can still do a lot of damage.