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 8-7 (.533); season 56-36 (.609). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 6-7-2 (.462); season 43-47-2 (.478). Carolina and Dallas have the week off.
Giants 34, Rams 24
TV: NFL Network (in London).
Line: Giants by 3. O/U: 431⁄2. Five of the Rams’ six games have been decided in the fourth quarter. But with the injuries on defense, along with the Giants hitting their offensive stride, New York could pull away earlier.
Bengals 31, Browns 14
TV: None. DirecTV: 705.
Line: Bengals by 10. O/U: 451⁄2. After consecutive resounding defeats, the Bengals need to bounce back. They’re more than capable of doing that against the Browns. Andy Dalton should carve up the No. 26 pass defense.
Raiders 27, Jaguars 20
TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 706.
Line: Jaguars by 1. O/U: 471⁄2. Even though the Raiders are 3-0 on the road, this game is no breeze, especially with the cross-country travel and Jaguars coming off back-to-back wins. Still, go with Derek Carr.
Bills 23, Dolphins 21
TV: None. DirecTV: 707.
Line: Bills by 3. O/U: 44. The Bills are rolling and lead the league in rushing. The Dolphins are ranked second-to-last against the run. That said, these division rivals know each other well, so it’s likely close.
Ravens 21, Jets 17
TV: None. DirecTV: 708.
Line: Jets by 2. O/U: 40. The Jets have lost four of five, and were really close in only one of those. Baltimore has lost three in a row, but all of those were one-score games. Look for the Ravens to eke out a close one.
Titans 20, Colts 16
TV: None. DirecTV: 709.
Line: Titans by 3. O/U: 48. All but one of Colts’ games have been close, and this one figures to be hardfought too. But with Indianapolis banged up at receiver, and the Titans’ effective ground game, go with the home team.
Lions 24, Redskins 20
TV: None. DirecTV: 710.
Line: Lions by 1. O/U: 50. This game is a homecoming for former Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has the Redskins clicking. But don’t overlook the Lions, who are coming off back-to-back home wins.
Chiefs 24, Saints 20
TV: None. DirecTV: 711.
Line: Chiefs by 61⁄2. O/U: 501⁄2. The Saints can roll up lots of yards, but it’s so hard to win consistently with a lousy defense. Kansas City can use the run to keep Drew Brees off the field, and hang on at home.
Vikings 27, Eagles 17
TV: None. DirecTV: 712.
Line: Vikings by 3. O/U: 40. Losing tackle Lane Johnson has hurt the Eagles and put extra pressure on rookie quarterback Carson Wentz. That’s bad news against an exceptional Vikings defense.
Falcons 35, Chargers 27
TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 713.
Line: Falcons by 61⁄2. O/U: 531⁄2. Philip Rivers is going to keep the Chargers in most games, and he should be able to move the ball here. Still, the Falcons are too dangerous on offense. Figures to be a shootout.
Buccaneers 21, 49ers 17
TV: None. DirecTV: 714.
Line: Buccaneers by 1. O/U: 461⁄2. It’s a long trip for the Buccaneers, but they’re rested after their bye week. The 49ers have been ultra-flat since shutting out the Rams in Week 1, no matter who’s at quarterback.
Patriots 35, Steelers 20
TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 715.
Line: Patriots by 7. O/U: 471⁄2. Without Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers are in trouble. The Patriots can focus on stopping the run, and Tom Brady, who hasn’t missed a beat, can do what he’s done the past two weeks.
Cardinals 27, Seahawks 23
TV: Channel 4.
Line: Cardinals by 2. O/U: 43. After some early-season hiccups, both of these teams appear to be who we thought they were. With Michael Bennett hurt, Arizona has an opportunity to get into more of an offensive rhythm.
Broncos 27, Texans 17
TV: ESPN.
Line: Broncos by 9. O/U: 401⁄2. This could be a tough one for Houston quarterback Brock Osweiler, making his return to Denver. The Broncos aren’t an offensive powerhouse, but their defense can be stifling.