FARMER’S PICKS
The Times’ NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week’s matchups. Lines according to Pregame.com (O/U = over/under). Last week’s record 11-4 (.733); season 63-43 (.594). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 6-8-1 (.429); season 45-57-4 (.441).
Vikings 20, Browns 13
TV: NFL Network.
Line: Vikings by 91⁄2. O/U: 38. The Vikings’ defense is far too good for any of the quarterbacks in Cleveland’s revolving door. Minnesota’s offense is decent, but this figures to be a fairly low-scoring game in London.
Bills 28, Raiders 24
TV: None. DirecTV: 705.
Line: Bills by 21⁄2. O/U: 45. Huge win by Raiders over Kansas City, but that’s a team that has issues with offensive consistency and defense in general. Tough to go West Coast to East Coast, and Bills defense is for real.
Patriots 27, Chargers 24
TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 706.
Line: Patriots by 7. O/U: 481⁄2. The Chargers have the kind of pass rushers who can create big problems for Tom Brady. The L.A. offense is suspect, particularly on the ground, but there’s potential to play well.
Bengals 24, Colts 20
TV: None. DirecTV: 707.
Line: Bengals by 101⁄2. O/U: 42. The Bengals don’t have a great offensive line, but they have talent and weapons if Andy Dalton has time. Last week’s 27-0 loss to Jacksonville had to shake whatever confidence the Colts had left.
Eagles 31, 49ers 17
TV: None. DirecTV: 708.
Line: Eagles by 13. O/U: 45 1 ⁄ . 2 The 49ers have played a lot of close games, despite being winless, last week notwithstanding. This shouldn’t be close even though Carson Wentz will be vulnerable without his top left tackle.
Saints 27, Bears 17
TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 709.
Line: Saints by 91⁄2. O/U: 471⁄2. Common sense says the Bears will play tough but the Saints can put up all kinds of points, and their defense — once historically bad — is really starting to come around.
Buccaneers 27, Panthers 23
TV: None. DirecTV: 710.
Line: Buccaneers by 11⁄2. O/U: 46. Both of these teams are struggling. The Buccaneers have issues defensively, and the Panthers laid an egg in a 17-3 loss at Chicago last week, with Cam Newton getting picked twice.
Jets 24, Falcons 21
TV: None. DirecTV: 711.
Line: Falcons by 5. O/U: 45. Somewhat surprisingly, this should be a pretty good matchup. Atlanta’s offense is sputtering and the heat is on coordinator Steve Sarkisian. Coach Todd Bowles has the Jets playing well.
Seahawks 23, Texans 17
TV: None. DirecTV: 712.
Line: Seahawks by 5. O/U: 46. With injuries up front, the Texans can’t take full advantage of Seattle’s porous offensive line. Lot of weight on the shoulders of rookie QB Deshaun Watson in a place that’s still tough on opponents.
Cowboys 31, Redskins 23
TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 713.
Line: Cowboys by 2. O/U: 491⁄2. Injuries are starting to take their toll on the Redskins in a big way. Kirk Cousins will be playing behind a patchwork line that has four original starters hurt. Not good against a blitzing team.
Steelers 24, Lions 21
TV: Channel 4.
Line: Steelers by 21⁄2. O/U: 451⁄2. The status of Lions receiver Golden Tate (shoulder) is up in the air. Without him, the Detroit offense is uncomplicated and manageable for the Steelers. The sleeping giant is awakening in Pittsburgh.
Chiefs 27, Broncos 17
TV: ESPN.
Line: Chiefs by 7. O/U: 43. Denver’s defense is solid, but that offense is really struggling — just three touchdowns in the last four games. That’s trouble in a road game against a good opponent. KC is slipping a bit, though.