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 12-4 (.750); season 148-83-1 (.628). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 7-9 (.438); season 108-114-2 (.487). Times Pacific.

49ers 24, Titans 20

TV: NFL Network. Line: 49ers by 31⁄2. O/U: 44. A.J. Brown is getting activated for Tennessee, and he’s really tough. But the Titans are finding ways to lose. The 49ers are on a roll and Jimmy Garoppolo is on fire, and that makes the difference.

Packers 27, Browns 20

TV: Channel 11, NFL Network, Amazon. Line: Packers by 71⁄2. O/U: 441⁄2. Hard to know how many players the Browns are going to get off the COVID list, so surviving this super-short week is a real challenge. It’s unwise to bet against Aaron Rodgers at home.

Colts 28, Cardinals 20

TV: NFL Network. Line: Cardinals by 1 ⁄ . O/U: 49 ⁄ . 1 1

2 2 Exactly who Cardinals don’t want to see, especially after giving up a bunch of rushing yards to Detroit. Arizona is not the same without a healthy DeAndre Hopkins. Big night for Jonathan Taylor.

Bengals 27, Ravens 23

TV: None. DirecTV: 705. Line: Bengals by 21⁄2. O/U: 441⁄2. The Bengals thumped them in Baltimore and should be able to complete the sweep at home. They’re desperate and coming off a big win at Denver. QB Tyler Huntley has been playing well for Baltimore.

Chargers 28, Texans 17

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 706. Line: Chargers by 10. O/U: 451⁄2. The Chargers have some significant players on the COVID list but have more than enough weapons to handle the Texans. As crowded as it is in the 8-6, 7-7 range in the AFC, the Chargers need to win out.

Bills 24, Patriots 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 707. Line: Patriots by 21⁄2. O/U: 431⁄2. Cole Beasley is out and that hurts the Bills. Buffalo can’t run or stop the run, and that hurts. They’re desperate, though, and this won’t be played in the bizarre conditions of last one vs. Patriots.

Jets 23, Jaguars 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 708. Line: Jets by 1. O/U: 411⁄2. The Jets’ defense is awful, but Zach Wilson played pretty well against a solid Miami defense. But the Jets are missing some offensive weapons. Still, the Jaguars get manhandled by Houston?

Falcons 24, Lions 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 709. Line: Falcons by 6. O/U: 421⁄2. The Lions have won two of three — both impressive wins — but now Jared Goff is on the COVID list. The Falcons get the edge anyway, plus they’re at home. But the Lions should play them pretty close.

Buccaneers 24, Panthers 13

TV: None. DirecTV: 710. Line: Buccaneers by 101⁄2. O/U: 44. The Panthers have big problems at quarterback, whether they go with an activated Sam Darnold or Cam Newton. Unless Tampa turns it over four times, it will be tough for the Panthers to score 20.

Rams 27, Vikings 23

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 711. Line: Rams by 3. O/U: 491⁄2. Depends on which Rams show up — the hot ones, or the ones prone to lulls? Vikings are formidable on offense, with Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson and probably Adam Thielen. Still, L.A. is finding ways ...

Eagles 35, Giants 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 712. Line: Eagles by 10. O/U: 40 ⁄ . 1

2 The walking-wounded Giants shutting down Daniel Jones was an indication that’s a wrap for this season. The Eagles are fighting for playoff spot and gathered momentum with four wins in five games.

Seahawks 28, Bears 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 713. Line: Seahawks by 61⁄2. O/U: 431⁄2. The Seahawks should win this on the strength of a better quarterback, better coaching staff and the fact that they’re at home. Both of these franchises are hurting, though, and coming off a short week.

Chiefs 27, Steelers 23

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 714. Line: Chiefs by 71⁄2. O/U: 44. The Chiefs are hot at right time, although they need to get back Travis Kelce and/or Tyreek Hill, both on the COVID list. The Steelers do tend to play well at Arrowhead. With a full-ish roster, Chiefs win.

Raiders 31, Broncos 28

TV: None. DirecTV: 715. Line: Raiders by 1. O/U: 411⁄2. Both teams badly need to win, both still in the playoff hunt. Drew Lock might make the Denver offense a little more explosive than Teddy Bridgewater did, but increases the chance of turnovers.

Cowboys 27, Washington 17

TV: Channel 4. Line: Cowboys by 101⁄2. O/U: 471⁄2. Washington hung in and made a fun run, but the team is getting banged up. Dak Prescott is still struggling for Dallas, but Tony Pollard coming back is an X-factor. Scoring will be tough for Washington.

Dolphins 14, Saints 10

TV: ESPN. Line: Saints by 3. O/U: 381⁄2. Both defenses are smothering, but Tua Tagovailoa is a lot hotter than Taysom Hill. Miami is getting Jaylen Waddle back too. The Dolphins have won six in a row and keep it rolling in a slugfest.