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 10- 3 (. 769); season 73- 46 (. 614). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 6- 6- 1 (. 500); season 51- 63- 5 (. 447). Eagles 34, Broncos 16 TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 705. Line: Eagles by 71⁄ 2. O/ U: 43. Eagles add Jay Ajayi, and the rich get richer. NFL’s best team at this point. Broncos have a great defense, but even after switching to Brock Osweiler at quarterback, that offense … Texans 21, Colts 17 TV: None. DirecTV: 706.
Line: Texans by 11. O/ U: 50. The Colts’ front seven has played pretty well, and with Deshaun Watson out for the season ( torn ACL) and Tom Savage taking over at QB, this game should end up being closer than anticipated. Jaguars 24, Bengals 17 TV: None. DirecTV: 707. Line: Jaguars by 6. O/ U: 39. The Jaguars already have an outstanding defense, and now they’ve added defensive tackle Marcell Dareus into the mix. Tough for the Bengals to contend with on the road. Titans 24, Ravens 17 TV: None. DirecTV: 708. Line: Titans by 3. O/ U: 43. Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota is healthier and the Titans are more reliable at home. Spin the wheel of randomness and see which Ravens team shows up this week. Rams 31, Giants 17 TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 709. Line: Rams by 31⁄ 2. O/ U: 42. The Rams have proved they can win difficult games on the road, and they’re rested after taking their week off . The one- win Giants, overwhelmed by injury, are overmatched. Panthers 24, Falcons 20 TV: None. DirecTV: 710. Line: Falcons by 1. O/ U: 431⁄ 2. Middle linebacker Luke Kuechly makes all the difference for Carolina’s defense. Falcons are still trying to get back in the offensive groove since the departure of coordinator Kyle Shanahan. Saints 28, Buccaneers 17 TV: Line: None. Saints DirecTV: by 61⁄ 2. O/ 711. U: 51. The Saints finally have a defense that can hold up its end of the deal. The Buccaneers have all the makings of an emerging team, but there is something amiss. Cardinals 18, 49ers 13 TV: None. DirecTV: 712.
Line: Cardinals by 21⁄ 2. O/ U: 391⁄ 2. Playing in place of injured quarterback Carson Palmer ( broken arm), Drew Stanton is capable of winning for the Cardinals. After lots of close games, 49ers are getting blown out lately. Seahawks 28, Redskins 21 TV: None. DirecTV: 713.
Line: Seahawks by 7. O/ U: 45. It could be a bit of an emotional comedown for the Seahawks after that huge victory over Houston in a shootout, but they’ll hold serve at home against the depleted Redskins. Chiefs 31, Cowboys 23 TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 714.
Line: Cowboys by 1. O/ U: 511⁄ 2. With or without running back Ezekiel Elliott ( suspended), the Cowboys are not the same team as last season when they finished the regular season 13- 3. Chiefs are rolling and have too much speed. Dolphins 27, Raiders 24 TV: Channel 4.
Line: Raiders by 3. O/ U: 44. The time change shouldn’t bother the Raiders, who stayed in Florida, but they’re struggling anyway. The Dolphins should have Jay Cutler ( cracked ribs) back at quarterback. Lions 24, Packers 17 TV: ESPN.
Line: Lions by 21⁄ 2. O/ U: 431⁄ 2. Lions don’t play great at Lambeau Field and have their issues. But best to take Matthew Stafford over Brett Hundley, who has replaced injured quarterback Aaron Rodgers ( broken collarbone).