NFL Predictions Week 6: SF 49ers and Weekend's Losers That Will Make Playoffs

In the Super Bowl era, we've had two teams get through a regular season without losing a game. So, generally speaking, teams can survive a tough loss or two and get through to the playoffs.

This week, I am only seeing two games between teams that will make the playoffs. While a non-playoff team could always step up and beat a playoff team, I don't see any of those games on the schedule this week.

Both of these teams are in games between future playoff teams, so losing isn't the end of the world. Obviously, based on what I have said, if I am wrong on the outcomes of these games, the losers will still make the playoffs.

Houston Texans

Houston has hit a bit of a rough patch. They have dropped two of three games (could have won both), lost Andre Johnson for a few weeks, Mario Williams for the season, and now have a banged up Matt Schaub whose availability is still a mystery. 

But in the AFC South, the Texans are still the top team.

The Jaguars and Colts are going nowhere this season. They have one win between the two of them and don't really seem on track to go on a long winning streaks to get back into contention.

The Titans are off to an OK start this year, but really don't have the weapons necessary to stay in a playoff race. Without Kenny Britt, that offense is going to have a hard time doing anything with only Chris Johnson.

Matt Hasselbeck is having a strong year, but he's going to need some help if he's going to succeed.

But against the Ravens, the Texans are going to have a hard time overcoming all of the injuries. Look for the Ravens to take this one easily.

San Francisco 49ers

As bad as the AFC South is, it doesn't compare to the NFC West. It would seem as though a 9-7 season will easily win that division. San Francisco shouldn't have a hard time managing that.

If the 49ers vs. Lions game was in San Francisco, I would go with the 49ers to win here.

But in Detroit and with Calvin Johnson, it's hard to see the Lions dropping this one. They have a lot of talent and are playing a good brand of football.

Something they can't do is fall behind early. If they do, the 49ers have the team to put them away.

I do like the Lions to move to 6-0 in this one. Still, both teams will make the playoffs. Actually, this is quite possibly a postseason preview.