FARMER’S PICKS
The Times’ NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week’s matchups. Lines according to FanDuel Sportsbook (O/U = over/under). Record last week: 10-5-1 (.667). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 9-7 (.563). All times Pacific.
Chargers 27, Chiefs 24
TV: Channel 11, Prime Video.
Line: Chiefs by 41⁄2. O/U: 541⁄2. Derwin James on Travis Kelce will be far more effective than anything the Cardinals did in the opener. That will free those pass rushers to zero in on Patrick Mahomes. L.A. has won three of four in K.C.
Dolphins 24, Ravens 20
TV: None. DirecTV: 705.
Line: Ravens by 31⁄2. O/U: 441⁄2.
Tua Tagovailoa is accurate enough on the short stuff and has the weapons to stretch the field. Baltimore couldn’t run the ball last week and has problems on the left side of its offensive line.
Browns 30, Jets 17
TV: None. DirecTV: 706.
Line: Browns by 51⁄2. O/U: 401⁄2.
A healthy Jacoby Brissett can get the job done, especially when he’s backed up by that impressive defense. The Browns will run it like crazy, just like in Week 1, and handle this one at home.
Colts 27, Jaguars 20
TV: None. DirecTV: 707.
Line: Colts by 41⁄2. O/U: 441⁄2.
The Colts have to be fuming after having to scramble back to tie Houston — and that was after Matt Ryan threw for 352 and Jonathan Taylor ran for 161. Young Jaguars aren’t quite there yet.
Patriots 23, Steelers 20
TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 708.
Line: Patriots by 21⁄2. O/U: 401⁄2. Huge win for Steelers last week but not going to be a lot of games with a 5-0 turnover advantage. Bill Belichick has a history of giving them problems and his teams rarely have back-to-back losses.
Lions 27, Commanders 24
TV: None. DirecTV: 709.
Line: Lions by 11⁄2. O/U: 481⁄2. Carson Wentz gave the Commanders reason for hope in the opener, but there’s no telling from week to week with him. Lions win on the strength of their rush, offensive line and running game.
Saints 24, Buccaneers 21
TV: None. DirecTV: 710.
Line: Buccaneers by 21⁄2. O/U: 441⁄2. The Saints have beaten the Buccaneers in seven of their last eight meetings. Can Tampa Bay run the way it did against Dallas against a New Orleans defense that will be swarming Tom Brady?
Giants 30, Panthers 24
TV: None. DirecTV: 711.
Line: Giants by 11⁄2. O/U: 431⁄2. Saquon Barkley looked like the old Saquon Barkley in the opener against Tennessee, racking up 194 all-purpose yards. Carolina could figure it out, but it feels as if the Giants will keep it rolling.
Rams 30, Falcons 20
TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 712.
Line: Rams by 101⁄2. O/U: 461⁄2. Rams were embarrassed in the opener and have had a lot of time to think about getting Cam Akers and Allen Robinson more involved in the offense. Falcons will bear the brunt of that in Week 2.
49ers 31, Seahawks 17
TV: None. DirecTV: 713.
Line: 49ers by 91⁄2. O/U: 421⁄2. Seahawks won their Super Bowl last week by sending Russell Wilson home in defeat. 49ers were humiliated at Chicago and, behind their running game, should bounce back in their home opener.
Bengals 30, Cowboys 13
TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 714.
Line: Bengals by 71⁄2. O/U: 421⁄2.
The Cowboys couldn’t run or throw it against Tampa Bay, and that was with Dak Prescott. Won’t get much better this week. The Bengals are a lot better than they showed in their five-turnover debut.
Broncos 31, Texans 20
TV: None. DirecTV: 715.
Line: Broncos by 91⁄2. O/U: 451⁄2. Another team embarrassed in Week 1, the Broncos are loaded with talent and figure to rebound. Their highly regarded defense fell flat in Seattle, but do the Texans have anyone who can take advantage?
Raiders 30, Cardinals 20
TV: None. DirecTV: 716.
Line: Raiders by 41⁄2. O/U: 511⁄2.
The Raiders did a lousy job of protecting Derek Carr last week, and he seemed to be forcing throws to Davante Adams. This will come down to Raiders’ D-line versus Cardinals’ O-line — a mismatch.
Packers 31, Bears 17
TV: Channel 4.
Line: Packers by 91⁄2. O/U: 421⁄2. More than anything, that monsoon helped the Bears in Week 1. The Packers have issues but can run. Plus, they won’t have to worry about Justin Jefferson this week and they’re back at Lambeau.
Bills 27, Titans 21
TV: ESPN.
Line: Bills by 91⁄2. O/U: 481⁄2.
Great as he was in the opener, Josh Allen won’t slice and dice the Tennessee defense quite as much. Buffalo should be able to shut down whatever passing game Tennessee can muster.
Eagles 24, Vikings 20
TV: Channel 7.
Line: Eagles by 11⁄2. O/U: 511⁄2.
Week 2 starts and ends with a terrific matchup. Minnesota’s offense will carve up a lot of defenses this season, but with the Eagles’ front and those corners, they are really tough. Hard place to play too.