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 8-6 (.571); season 117-76-1 (.606). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 6-8 (.429); season 92-100-2 (.479). Off: Indianapolis, Miami, New England, Philadelphia. Times Pacific.

Steelers 27, Vikings 23

TV: Channel 11, NFL Network, Amazon. Line: Vikings by 3. O/U: 321⁄2. No Adam Thielen, no Dalvin Cook and they just lost to Detroit — not looking good for Minnesota. Pittsburgh is nothing special, but the Steelers are getting healthier on defense and that’s enough.

Saints 27, Jets 14

TV: None. DirecTV: 705. Line: Saints by 51⁄2. O/U: 43. The Jets can surprise, but the Saints might have too much for them. Taysom Hill brings a different dynamic at quarterback, and that Saints front seven can bring heat and stop the run.

Browns 23, Ravens 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 706. Line: Browns by 21⁄2. O/U: 42. Baltimore just can’t seem to get that running game revved up. The Browns are getting healthier in their ground game, and between Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt they control the clock in this one.

Chiefs 28, Raiders 24

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 707. Line: Chiefs by 81⁄2. O/U: 471⁄2. Hard to know which Raiders will show up. The Chiefs offense is struggling but that defense is playing great. The Raiders can rush four, but the secondary is meh. Go with team that’s won four straight.

Titans 27, Jaguars 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 708. Line: Titans by 81⁄2. O/U: 431⁄2. Tennessee is fresh after a week off and will continue to tweak running game. Jaguars can play physical but just aren’t very good. Tennessee’s defense is a bit overrated but is a wrecking ball up the middle.

Panthers 24, Falcons 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 709. Line: Panthers by 21⁄2. O/U: 421⁄2. Joe Brady is out as offensive coordinator in Carolina, and that could give the Panthers a little adrenaline boost. Watch for Cam Newton to tuck it and run the readoption a lot. Atlanta’s offense is decent.

Seahawks 24, Texans 13

TV: None. DirecTV: 710. Line: Seahawks by 71⁄2. O/U: 411⁄2. QB Tyrod Taylor is hurt, so Texans are starting Davis Mills. Their defense looks pretty decent at times. Russell Wilson is going to keep getting better as his finger improves and should get the job done.

Cowboys 28, Washington 23

TV: None. DirecTV: 711. Line: Cowboys by 4. O/U: 48. Washington has won four in a row and is gaining confidence. Logan Thomas is out, and although Washington will run it pretty well, keeping pace with the Dallas passing game could be a problem.

Broncos 23, Lions 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 712. Line: Broncos by 91⁄2. O/U: 42. The one-win Lions aren’t very good, but they put up a good fight for Dan Campbell. The Broncos defense will dictate this one and Denver turns in a bounceback performance for the victory.

Chargers 24, Giants 13

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 713. Line: Chargers by 10. O/U: 43. The Chargers are banged up but did a good job of stopping the run at Cincinnati. The Giants are going to try to run a lot — they’re not going to be throwing it all over with Jake Fromm — but L.A. survives.

Bengals 27, 49ers 23

TV: None. DirecTV: 714. Line: 49ers by 11⁄2. O/U: 481⁄2. This is a game-of-the-week candidate. The 49ers are desperate and they’re capable of winning here. The Bengals are certainly good enough to hold strong but a lot hinges on the pinkie of Joe Burrow.

Buccaneers 28, Bills 21

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 715. Line: Buccaneers by 3. O/U: 53 ⁄ . 1

2 The Bills can’t consistently run — unless it’s Josh Allen taking off — and don’t do a great job of stopping the run. That’s not a good combination as the playoffs near. Tampa Bay is limited in secondary.

Packers 31, Bears 17

TV: Channel 4. Line: Packers by 121⁄2. O/U: 431⁄2. Chicago ran well on Arizona but after four Andy Dalton picks, injured Justin Fields (ribs) returns. Green Bay is just better and at home. Aaron Rodgers and Aaron Jones should feel good after a week off.

Rams 33, Cardinals 28

TV: Channel 7, ESPN. Line: Cardinals by 21⁄2. O/U: 511⁄2. Before falling to the Cardinals at home earlier this season, the Sean McVaycoached Rams had never lost to them. Rams regained some confidence against Jacksonville and keep it rolling.