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 11-3 (.786); season 66-39-2 (.629). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 7-7 (.500); season 47-54-6 (.463).
Eagles 27, Jaguars 23
TV: NFL Network (London).
Line: Eagles by 3. O/U: 42. Both teams were supposed to be good, yet both look pretty wobbly these days. However, the Eagles are better off than the Jaguars, who are breaking down on both sides of the ball.
Ravens 24, Panthers 23
TV: None. DirecTV: 705.
Line: Ravens by 2. O/U: 44. Baltimore is for real. The Ravens are consistently tough on defense, forcing turnovers all over the field. The Panthers live and die by Cam Newton. Ravens find a way with their offense.
Bears 28, Jets 20
TV: None. DirecTV: 706.
Line: Bears by 71⁄2. O/U: 441⁄2. The Jets have had some abysmal losses, including losing by 20 to Minnesota last week. Chicago’s defense has sputtered lately. Still, go with Chicago, which is a better, older (in spots) and wiser team.
Chiefs 38, Broncos 24
TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 707.
Line: Chiefs by 10. O/U: 531⁄2. Each is coming off a 45-10 win, but Kansas City is the better team — plus, the Chiefs are at home. Kansas City has too many weapons on offense, and that defense isn’t as vulnerable as it once looked.
Steelers 28, Browns 20
TV: None. DirecTV: 708.
Line: Steelers by 8. O/U: 49. Baker Mayfield keeps the Browns in a lot of games, even though Cleveland has offensive limitations and the defense isn’t playing up to its potential. Pittsburgh is starting to get its act together.
Bengals 34, Buccaneers 28
TV: None. DirecTV: 709.
Line: Bengals by 4. O/U: 541⁄2. This figures to be a high-scoring game. Losing two linebackers hurts for the Buccaneers, especially against an explosive Bengals team. Cincinnati needs to bounce back after a 35-point loss.
Seahawks 30, Lions 26
TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 710.
Line: Lions by 21⁄2. O/U: 491⁄2. Seattle’s defense is improving, the Seahawks are capable of running the ball, and Russell Wilson is playing well. The Lions are capable of putting a solid game together too. Seahawks will run and run.
Redskins 28, Giants 24
TV: None. DirecTV: 711.
Line: Giants by 1. O/U: 421⁄2. There’s one Gruden who’s at the top of his coaching game: Jay. He’s putting the Redskins into position to succeed; playing to their strengths. The Giants (and that offensive line) are a mess.
Colts 31, Raiders 21
TV: None. DirecTV: 712.
Line: Colts by 3. O/U: 501⁄2. The Raiders are coming apart at the seams and seem headed for a 4-12 season, but it’s hard to see where three more wins will come. Andrew Luck is having fun, and the Colts are following suit.
49ers 21, Cardinals 13
TV: None. DirecTV: 713.
Line: Pick ’em. O/U: 421⁄2. Yes, the 49ers were blown out by the Rams, but the 49ers gave the Chargers and Packers a scare. As for the Cardinals, it’s unlikely they are going to beat a team twice, and in such a short span.
Rams 38, Packers 24
TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 714.
Line: Rams by 91⁄2. O/U: 561⁄2. It’s not a good matchup for the Packers to face a team that can run and throw. Aaron Rodgers keeps this interesting for a while, but Green Bay doesn’t have the firepower to keep pace in the second half.
Vikings 28, Saints 27
TV: Channel 4.
Line: Vikings by 1. O/U: 51 1 ⁄ . 2 Both teams are going to be in the playoff mix. Everson Griffen coming back really helps the Vikings, as does the fact they’re at home. New Orleans is tough but can’t quite slam the door here.
Patriots 35, Bills 12
TV: ESPN.
Line: Patriots by 131⁄2. O/U: 44. This score will be whatever New England wants it to be. Derek Anderson at quarterback for Buffalo? The Patriots probably will work on the passing game, build a big lead and call off the dogs.