NFL Playoff Predictions: Teams That Will Fall in the Wild Card Round

This NFL season hasn't come without its share of surprises.

Through Week 14, there are still several playoff scenarios that could unfold, and every game is critical from here on out for contenders.

But while getting to the playoffs is a big accomplishment, once teams get there they are looking at a bigger prize: the glorious Super Bowl.

However, three teams in particular will fall in the first round, their dreams unrealized.

3. New York Jets (8-5)

Right now, despite some inconsistent play, the Jets are set up to capture the sixth seed in the AFC.

That means they will likely face projected AFC East champion the New England Patriots.

The Patriots haven't been as dominant in years past, but they are a better team than the Jets this season. Despite some deficiencies in the defense, quarterback Tom Brady has a way of guiding his team to a plethora of points each and every week.

Points will be hard to come by against a tough Jets defense, but I ultimately don't think the Jets' off-and-on offense will put up enough points to win the matchup.

2. Detroit Lions (8-5)

The Lions are a good team, but they aren't dominant team we spoke of earlier in the season, particularly without running back Jahvid Best.

They've lost five of their last eight games and almost blew a huge lead against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14.

They are projected to grab the sixth seed in the NFC, and that means they likely face up with projected NFC South champion the New Orleans Saints.

In their only matchup this season, the Lions lost to the Saints, 31-17.

In New Orleans, I don't see this working out well for the Lions.

1. Denver Broncos (8-5)

Hate to bring down Tebow Mania, but the Broncos will likely face the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round and I don't see them coming away with the victory, even if they have home-field advantage.

We should know by now that what's on paper doesn't matter to Tim Tebow and the Broncos, but, nonetheless, the Broncos haven't faced a defense like the Steelers, who are giving up just 15.2 points per game this season, second-best in the NFL.

I see the game resembling the Steelers' matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 13, in which they won, 24-17.