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 13-2 (.867); season 76-44-1 (.633). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 8-7 (.533); season 59-61-1 (.492). Atlanta, Cincinnati, the Rams and New Orleans have the week off. Times Pacific. Texans 24, Jaguars 20 TV: NFL Network.
Line: Texans by 11⁄2. O/U: 461⁄2. The Texans should be able to move the ball on the ground against a suspect Jacksonville run defense. Anything to keep those pass rushers away from Deshaun Watson. No J.J. Watt for Houston. Panthers 27, Titans 23 TV: None. DirecTV: 705.
Line: Panthers by 31⁄2. O/U: 42. As well as Ryan Tannehill has played, the Titans can’t protect him ... and the Panthers can get to the passer. Watch for the Panthers to bounce back at home from their blowout loss at the 49ers. Jets 28, Dolphins 24 TV: None. DirecTV: 706.
Line: Jets by 3. O/U: 421⁄2. Even though the Jets have just one win, Dolphins QB Ryan Fitzpatrick won’t have an easy day vs. his old team. The Jets are good against the pass, and great against the run. Against Miami, that’s enough. Colts 27, Steelers 20 TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 707.
Line: Colts by 1. O/U: 43. Just when he breaks through with a big game, Steelers running back James Conner suffered a shoulder injury that could sideline him Sunday. That tough Colts defense should feast on Mason Rudolph. Bills 24, Redskins 16 TV: None. DirecTV: 708.
Line: Bills by 91⁄2. O/U: 37. Good news for a struggling Josh Allen: Washington can’t stop the run or the pass. The Bills are stout at all three levels of their defense, and the Redskins need more firepower than Adrian Peterson. Vikings 31, Chiefs 21 TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 709.
Line: Off the board. O/U: Off the board. The Vikings will look to set the tone with the running of Dalvin Cook. The Chiefs, who have lost three of four, could be getting Patrick Mahomes back from his knee injury. Eagles 26, Bears 17 TV: None. DirecTV: 710.
Line: Eagles by 5. O/U: 42. Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky is struggling, and that doesn’t figure to change on the road against this Philadelphia defense. Both teams can stop the run, so go with the superior quarterback. Lions 31, Raiders 27 TV: None. DirecTV: 711.
Line: Raiders by 21⁄2. O/U: 501⁄2. Lots of quarterbacks have taken advantage of a suspect Raiders pass defense, so why should Matthew Stafford be different? The Lions can be had on the ground. Stafford lights up the scoreboard. Seahawks 31, Buccaneers 24 TV: None. DirecTV: 712.
Line: Seahawks by 51⁄2. O/U: 52. Jameis Winston is a turnover machine, and the Seahawks should feast on those. The Seahawks have an MVP candidate at quarterback, one who can handle the blitz and a stifling defense. Broncos 24, Browns 20 TV: None. DirecTV: 713.
Line: Browns by 3. O/U: 39. Browns had better get the ball to Nick Chubb early and often, because they’ll have trouble moving the ball in the air vs. the Broncos. What’s more, Baker Mayfield leads the league in interceptions. Packers 30, Chargers 23 TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 714.
Line: Packers by 31⁄2. O/U: 481⁄2. Packers are clicking, and should continue to do so if they can block Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. The Chargers need to find some semblance of a running game. Place will be packed with visiting fans. Ravens 23, Patriots 20 TV: Channel 4.
Line: Patriots by 3. O/U: 45 1 ⁄ . 2 If anyone is going to beat the Patriots this season, the Ravens have the best chance — especially at home. Containing Lamar Jackson is going to test that New England front seven. Ravens have other weapons. Cowboys 34, Giants 26 TV: ESPN.
Line: Cowboys by 7. O/U: 471⁄2. Against the Lions, Daniel Jones looked good again, and found Saquon Barkley out of the backfield. But the Cowboys can put up some serious numbers in the passing game and Jones will have to keep pace.