FARMER’S PICKS

2022-09-08 -

The Times’ NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week’s matchups. Lines according to Pregame.com (O/U = over/under). Last season’s record 174-97-1 (.642). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last season would have been 135-135-2 (.500). Records from last season. Times are Pacific.

Rams 27, Bills 23

TV: Channel 4.

Line: Bills by 21⁄2. O/U: 511⁄2.

The Bills could wind up being the best team in the league but they’re flying across the country to face a really good Rams team that’s dropping a banner. Matthew Stafford has a big game.

Browns 23, Panthers 21

TV: None. DirecTV: 705.

Line: Browns by 11⁄2. O/U: 411⁄2. Baker Mayfield is an upgrade at quarterback for the Panthers, who have Christian McCaffrey back at full speed. Still, Cleveland’s pass rush will cause problems.

Bengals 27, Steelers 24

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 706.

Line: Bengals by 61⁄2. O/U: 441⁄2.

The Steelers are going to be better with Mitch Trubisky at quarterback than with a hobbled Ben Roethlisberger, but are they good enough to handle the defending AFC champions on the road?

Colts 24, Texans 13

TV: None. DirecTV: 707.

Line: Colts by 71⁄2. O/U: 451⁄2.

The Colts should win this handily. Matt Ryan is a big upgrade from Carson Wentz. Texans will be able to run it OK, and Davis Mills has some promise, but they don’t have many weapons.

Dolphins 27, Patriots 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 708.

Line: Dolphins by 31⁄2. O/U: 461⁄2. Dolphins don’t have any excuses. They’re pretty solid across the board if their quarterback can come through. Patriots have won with lackluster rosters before but playcalling change makes difference.

Ravens 31, Jets 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 709.

Line: Ravens by 71⁄2. O/U: 441⁄2. Ravens were decimated by injuries last season but they’re healthy now, and this could be a bit game for Lamar Jackson. Jets will improve this season but will start slowly.

Saints 28, Falcons 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 710.

Line: Saints by 51⁄2. O/U: 421⁄2.

Not sure how much stock to put in Atlanta’s offense, and that Saints defense figures to be stifling. Left tackle is an issue for Saints, but Jameis Winston has weapons.

49ers 28, Bears 13

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 711.

Line: 49ers by 61⁄2. O/U: 401⁄2.

The 49ers should still be one of the league’s best teams, even with the change at quarterback. The Bears have a shaky offensive line and a suspect defense.

Eagles 28, Lions 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 712.

Line: Eagles by by 31⁄2. O/U: 481⁄2.

The Lions showed a lot of fight last season, and now they have some talent to go along with it. But Philadelphia is too good and deep in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

Commanders 24, Jaguars 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 713.

Line: Commanders by 21⁄2. O/U: 431⁄2. The Commanders are pretty solid across the board, with a big question mark at quarterback. Jaguars are young, and they’re going to be vastly better than during the Urban Meyer disaster.

Chiefs 31, Cardinals 28

TV: None. DirecTV: 714.

Line: Chiefs by 51⁄2. O/U: 531⁄2. Chiefs don’t have a great pass rush, and that’s going to hurt against Kyler Murray. Arizona doesn’t have DeAndre Hopkins. Still, this game will be closer than many expect.

Chargers 30, Raiders 24

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 715.

Line: Chargers by 31⁄2. O/U: 521⁄2. The Raiders need their pass rush to get home, and the Chargers have created one of the league’s best offensive lines. Should be a close game but Justin Herbert has too many weapons.

Vikings 24, Packers 21

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 716.

Line: Packers by 11⁄2. O/U: 471⁄2. Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen, Irv Smith ... the Vikings have a full array of offensive options. Aaron Rodgers might be the best QB in the league but he needs to find his weapons.

Titans 24, Giants 21

TV: None. DirecTV: 717.

Line: Titans by 51⁄2. O/U: 431⁄2. Giants are capable of pulling off the upset as Titans could be taking a big step backward. Then again, Mike Vrabel is an exceptional coach and will have the Titans ready.

Buccaneers 30, Cowboys 24