NFL Predictions Week 6: Division Leaders That Will Lose

The NFL has some unusual division leaders this season, with the Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins and San Francisco 49ers all finding themselves atop their respective divisions after disappointing last season.

As good as each of them has played this season, will they maintain their winning ways in Week 6? Many division leaders face difficult matchups this week.

In fact, several of these teams actually face each other. The Baltimore Ravens play the Houston Texans, while the Lions play the 49ers.

Let's look at three division leaders who will lose this week.

Buffalo Bills

The New York Giants have played inconsistent football this season, but will beat the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Eli Manning will use running back Ahmad Bradshaw a lot in an effort to be balanced offensively.

Manning will be able to pass all over the Bills defense to receivers Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, who are two big-play receivers that are playing very well this season.

The Giants defense will also be able to get to Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and make life difficult for him. New York wins by a touchdown in a close game over Buffalo this week.

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers play the Detroit Lions in a meeting of division leaders Sunday, in which the Lions passing attack will be too much for the 49ers to compete with.

Star receiver Calvin Johnson is on a historic touchdown pace, with nine receiving scores already. The 49ers have no one capable of containing him.

However, Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford won't just target Johnson. Tight end Brandon Pettigrew should become more of the offense in the coming weeks, too. Pettigrew has the size of a tight end, but runs routes with the speed of a wide receiver.

The Lions passing attack, in addition to the pressure that their defensive line will put on 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, will win them the game. 

Washington Redskins

The Philadelphia Eagles will beat the Washington Redskins this week to earn a much needed win and avoid a 1-5 start to the season.

Washington is playing well but hasn't beat any good teams so far. Two of their three wins were against the Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams, which are two of the worst teams in the NFL.

The Eagles will simply outscore the Redskins this week, and Michael Vick won't cost the team the game by throwing four interceptions.

Philadelphia will get a big double-digit win against their division rivals this week.