FARMER’S PICKS

The Times’ NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week’s matchups. Lines according to FanDuel (O/U = over/under). Last week’s record 9-6 (.600); season 109-70-1 (.609). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 6-9 (.400); season 86-92-2 (.483). OFF: Cleveland, Tennessee, Carolina, Green Bay. Times Pacific.

Cowboys 27, Saints 20

TV: Channel 11, NFL Network, Amazon. Line: Cowboys by 5. O/U: 471⁄2. There’s a whiff of desperation with Dallas after two losses in a row, and fortunately for the Cowboys they’re getting a New Orleans team that doesn’t have much going right on offense.

Vikings 27, Lions 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 705. Line: Vikings by 7. O/U: 461⁄2. The Vikings will miss Dalvin Cook but should be able to handle Detroit without him. Alexander Mattison is capable of picking up that slack against a Detroit team that can hang in for a while.

Colts 31, Texans 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 706. Line: Colts by 9. O/U: 451⁄2. The Colts are a team to watch. Jonathan Taylor should have a big day, and the Indianapolis defense can rush the passer and stop the run. Carson Wentz will play well against overmatched Houston.

Bengals 28, Chargers 20

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 707. Line: Bengals by 3. O/U: 501⁄2. The Chargers can’t stop the run and that’s a bad situation against Cincinnati, which can run it and set up the playaction for Joe Burrow. Justin Herbert should keep the visitors in it.

Eagles 30, Jets 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 708. Line: Eagles by 61⁄2. O/U: 451⁄2. The Jets are sneaky tough, and the Eagles a little desperate after blowing it against the Giants. But that Philly defensive line is going to get in Zach Wilson’s face, and Jalen Hurts will bounce back.

Buccaneers 38, Falcons 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 709. Line: Buccaneers by 11. O/U: 501⁄2. Tom Brady has had a few weeks of lessthan-stellar play and he’s poised for a breakout game. The pass rush is coming around for Tampa. Atlanta will put up a fight for a while but Tampa is just better.

Cardinals 33, Bears 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 710. Line: Cardinals by 71⁄2. O/U: 451⁄2. Cardinals will be fresh after week off and should keep rolling against underwhelming Bears. Chicago’s front seven can play pretty well, but its secondary is banged up. Arizona returns some weapons.

Dolphins 24, Giants 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 711. Line: Dolphins by 41⁄2. O/U: 401⁄2. Miami’s defense has played really well the last month. Tua Tagovailoa is getting the ball out of his hands, despite a subpar offensive line. Giants can’t afford to lose Daniel Jones.

Rams 30, Jaguars 18

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 712. Line: Rams by 13. O/U: 471⁄2. After three losses in a row, the Rams need to stop the bleeding. The Jaguars are a bad team but they can get very physical — check the tape on the Buffalo game — so they can deliver a bruising.

Raiders 27, Washington 23

TV: None. DirecTV: 713. Line: Raiders by 21⁄2. O/U: 491⁄2. The Raiders should hold their ground behind the play of Derek Carr, who has been excellent. But Washington is scary with Taylor Heinicke building a belief and the defense coming around.

49ers 28, Seahawks 17

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 714. Line: 49ers by 31⁄2. O/U: 451⁄2. The 49ers are getting healthy on defense and look as if they’re returning to form at the right time, though losing Deebo Samuel hurts. Seattle is struggling mightily — including Russell Wilson.

Ravens 28 Steelers 21

TV: None. DirecTV: 715. Line: Ravens by 41⁄2. O/U: 44. Lamar Jackson is coming off a horrible outing against Cleveland (four interceptions) even though the Ravens escaped with a win. He’s due for a big bounce-back performance against suspect Steelers.

Chiefs 28, Broncos 23

TV: Channel 4. Line: Chiefs by 10. O/U: 471⁄2. Kansas City is returning to form, but Denver could make this interesting. The problem for the Broncos is their passing game has struggled, which is odd since they have the talent to throw on anybody.

Bills 27, Patriots 23

TV: ESPN. Line: Bills by 21⁄2. O/U: 431⁄2. The Bills aren’t playing up to potential, and Josh Allen is playing the way Patrick Mahomes was a month ago — everything’s the hero play. Still, this is where New England’s six-game win streak ends.