FARMER’S PICKS

The Times’ NFL columnist, Sam Farmer, examines this week’s matchups. Lines according to Pregame.com (O/U = over/under). Last week’s record 12-4 (.750); season 162-78 (.675). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 4-11-1 (.267); season 111-116-13 (.489).

Colts 24, Texans 15

TV: None. DirecTV: 705.

Line: Colts by 5. O/U: 41. The Colts have the front seven to win what probably will be the finale for coach Chuck Pagano. The Texans are a rotating door at quarterback and are hurting elsewhere.

Patriots 28, Jets 17

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 706.

Line: Patriots by 141⁄2. O/U: 45. The Jets are still playing defense for Todd Bowles. But Bryce Petty is not the answer at quarterback, and the Patriots know how to protect their turf.

Steelers 21, Browns 13

TV: None. DirecTV: 707.

Line: Steelers by 101⁄2. O/U: 391⁄2. The Steelers are in the playoffs and have their bye, but they’re still not going to lose at home to the Browns. Won’t let that happen. Browns’ nightmare ends at 0-16.

Lions 31, Packers 24

TV: None. DirecTV: 708.

Line: Lions by 6. O/U: 43. The Lions are going to play hard for coach Jim Caldwell, even though he could be out the door. Matthew Stafford gets the edge over Brett Hundley, and the Lions win for pride.

Vikings 28, Bears 16

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 709.

Line: Vikings by 11. O/U: 391⁄2. The Vikings probably will rest some players to have them ready for the playoffs. Still, waiting behind Case Keenum is Teddy Bridgewater, so the firepower is there.

Redskins 24, Giants 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 710.

Line: Redskins by 3. O/U: 38. Both teams are deeply flawed and playing for pride. Kirk Cousins is playing better than Eli Manning, so give the edge to the Redskins even though they’re on the road.

Cowboys 27, Eagles 24

TV: None. DirecTV: 711.

Line: Cowboys by 21⁄2. O/U: 41. Season is over for the Cowboys, and Eagles have a playoff bye. Everybody loves Philadelphia’s defense this week, but not after it surrendered 500 yards to the Giants the week before.

Chiefs 23, Broncos 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 712.

Line: Broncos by 31⁄2. O/U: 38. Andy Reid has the luxury of resting players if he chooses, but the Chiefs are still good enough to win. The Broncos are really hurting, despite their great defense.

Chargers 34, Raiders 21

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 713.

Line: Chargers by 8. O/U: 44. StubHub Center will be overrun by Raiders fans, but the Chargers are used to dealing with hostile surroundings. They’re a better team than the Raiders, and have something to play for.

Ravens 24, Bengals 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 714.

Line: Ravens by 91⁄2. O/U: 401⁄2. The Ravens still have their playoff goal within their grasp, and they have the defense to set the tone. Pressed to the wall, they get the job done on their home field.

Bills 27, Dolphins 21

TV: None. DirecTV: 715.

Line: Bills by 2. O/U: 421⁄2. The Bills still have a faint pulse for a playoff spot. They can find ways to win, whereas the Dolphins are a mystery — here one week, gone the next. Take Buffalo on the road.

Titans 24, Jaguars 18

TV: None. DirecTV: 716.

Line: Titans by 3. O/U: 41. The Jaguars have won the division, and the Titans are fighting for their lives. Tennessee is a much better team at home, and gave the Rams problems in Week 16.

Falcons 24, Panthers 21

TV: None. DirecTV: 717.

Line: Falcons by 4. O/U: 46. Carolina finds ways to get the job done, and it’s hard to put too much stock in the Falcons, especially with the egg they laid at New Orleans. But Atlanta is desperate, at home, and has talent.

Saints 28, Buccaneers 24

TV: None. DirecTV: 718.

Line: Saints by 61⁄2. O/U: 50. The NFC South winner has yet to be determined, so the Saints are going to be playing especially hard. If the Saints get out to an early lead, the Buccaneers will have a tough time catching up.

49ers 27, Rams 23

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 719.

Line: San Francisco by 31⁄2. O/U: 451⁄2. The Rams are planning to rest some key players for the playoffs. That should be enough for Jimmy Garoppolo to win his fifth in a row — although it would drop the 49ers down in the draft.

Seahawks 24, Cardinals 20

TV: None. DirectTV: 720.

Line: Seahawks by 9. O/U: 39. The Cardinals have proved they are capable of winning at Seattle, but that’s with Carson Palmer at quarterback. Arizona’s defense has been on fire since Week 10.