NFL Week 15 Picks: Fringe Playoff Teams That Will Bolster Their Cases

Most of the playoff teams are pretty well set at this point with three weeks remaining in the season, but there are certainly a few spots yet to be determined in each conference. Because of that, there are several games with major playoff implications in Week 15.

Every game is huge for teams on the playoff bubble, and while some will ultimately falter, the teams that are truly deserving of a postseason spot will rise to the occasion. Here are three fringe playoff teams that will bolster their cases with huge wins this weekend.

New York Jets

After an up-and-down start to the season, the New York Jets have certainly begun to come into their own with three straight wins. The Jets now control their own destiny with a one-game lead over the Cincinnati Bengals, Oakland Raiders and Tennessee Titans in the AFC wild-card race. It won't be easy to maintain that edge, though, as they face a rejuvenated Philadelphia Eagles team on the road.

The Eagles looked quite dangerous last week as quarterback Michael Vick returned to the lineup, but the Jets' strength continues to be their pass defense. New York has also continued to improve offensively recently, as quarterback Mark Sanchez has cut down on his mistakes and running back Shonn Greene has gotten going as well. If the offense can keep improving, the defense can force some turnovers, and the Jets should be able to make it four straight victories.

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions looked like shoo-ins to make the playoffs after beginning the season 5-0, but they have only played .500 football since then. Still, they are currently in possession of an NFC wild-card spot and in pretty good position to make a run to the postseason. First, they will have to win a tough road game against what promises to be an equally-desperate Oakland Raiders squad.

While the Lions live and die by Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and the passing game, I think the key to this game will be how well they run the ball. The Raiders are 29th in the league when it comes to defending the run, and it looks like the Lions will turn to the injury-prone Kevin Smith. Smith missed last week's game and left the previous two early with an ankle injury, but when he plays he produces. If Smith can stay on the field, the Lions will have a distinct advantage.

New York Giants

After dropping four consecutive games, the New York Giants relinquished their lead in the NFC East to the Dallas Cowboys. The Giants were able to regain the advantage last week, however, when they won a heart-stopping battle against the Dallas Cowboys. Now that the Cowboys have held serve and beaten the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week, the G-Men absolutely must return the favor by taking out the Washington Redskins.

The 'Skins have been playing much better lately after a mid-season struggle, and they did beat the Giants in the season's opening week, but New York should have the advantage on home field. The Giants' host of fearsome pass-rushers will have to get some pressure on Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman and force some turnovers. If they can do that, Eli Manning and the offense will take care of the rest.