FARMER’S PICKS
The Times’ NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week’s matchups. Lines according to FanDuel Sportsbook (O/U = over/under). Last week’s record 7-7 (.500); season 89-60-1 (.597). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 8-6 (.571); season 71-76-3 (.483). Off: Jacksonville, Miami, Seattle, Tampa Bay. Times Pacific.
Packers 21, Titans 20
TV: Amazon Prime Video.
Line: Packers by 3. O/U: 41.
A home game on a short week favors the Packers, who are coming off a big win. Titans are banged up, especially on defense, but Derrick Henry can do some damage against this bad run defense.
Bills 34, Browns 17
TV: None. DirecTV: 705.
Line: Bills by 81⁄2. O/U: 431⁄2.
After an emotional loss, the Bills bounce back in a big way with Josh Allen carving up a suspect secondary. The Browns were pushed around by the Dolphins last week to drop to 1-3 on the road.
Eagles 24, Colts 18
TV: None. DirecTV: 706.
Line: Eagles by 61⁄2. O/U: 431⁄2.
Colts are riding high after beating the Raiders in Jeff Saturday’s coaching debut. Jonathan Taylor should get some traction against a shaky Eagles run defense, but Philly will rebound from loss.
Jets 24, Patriots 21
TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 707.
Line: Patriots by 31⁄2. O/U: 381⁄2. Prove-it game for the Jets, who never seem to be able to beat the Patriots. Watch for Jets to establish the run and lean on Zach Wilson and a short passing game. Lot at stake. Visitors can win this.
Bears 28, Falcons 24
TV: None. DirecTV: 708.
Line: Falcons by 3. O/U: 491⁄2.
The Bears have made games interesting with Justin Fields running, even though they’ve lost six of seven. The Falcons aren’t much better and just got thumped by Carolina. Chicago finally gets it done.
Ravens 24, Panthers 16
TV: None. DirecTV: 709.
Line: Ravens by 13. O/U: 41 ⁄ . Baltimore is better, but the Panthers have some grit and can hang in games when they’re big underdogs. The Ravens eventually pull away in this matchup, but Carolina makes it interesting.
Commanders 23, Texans 21
TV: None. DirecTV: 710.
Line: Commanders by 3 ⁄ . O/U: 40 ⁄ . Could be a trap game for Washington, which has won four of five and spoiled Philadelphia’s bid for a perfect season. Commanders should be able to control the clock with the run, but it’s close.
Saints 18, Rams 14
TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 711.
Line: Saints by 41⁄2. O/U: 381⁄2. Matters already were going poorly for the Rams, and then they lost Cooper Kupp to ankle surgery. Saints are in a spiral too, having scored a total of 23 points the last two games. But they’re at home.
Giants 31, Lions 27
TV: None. DirecTV: 712.
Line: Giants by 3. O/U: 441⁄2.
After losing five in a row, the Lions have won two straight and are gathering confidence. Saquon Barkley should take a pin to that balloon, though, and Detroit will have a tough time stopping him.
Raiders 21, Broncos 17
TV: None. DirecTV: 713.
Line: Broncos by 21⁄2. O/U: 411⁄2.
Just wince, baby. Neither coach inspires confidence. Barring a tie, somebody is going to win, though, and the Raiders have more firepower. The Broncos have broken 20 points only twice this season.
Bengals 28, Steelers 23
TV: None. DirecTV: 714.
Line: Bengals by 41⁄2. O/U: 401⁄2.
The Bengals are rested after a week off, and they can score in bunches. The Steelers haven’t proved that. Pittsburgh is showing signs of life, but Cincinnati evens the score in the season series.
Vikings 27, Cowboys 24
TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 715.
Line: Cowboys by 11⁄2. O/U: 471⁄2.
The Cowboys have a ferocious pass rush and create havoc. Kirk Cousins is ready for that, though, and the combination of Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson is a lot to handle. Plus, Minnesota’s at home.
Chiefs 30, Chargers 21
TV: Channel 4.
Line: Chiefs by 51⁄2. O/U: 501⁄2.
The Chargers tend to play the Chiefs tough, so should be interesting for a while. But the Chargers are broken down, just losing two more interior stoppers on their defensive line. Kansas City pulls away.
49ers 27, Cardinals 21
TV: ESPN at Mexico City.
Line: 49ers by 81⁄2. O/U: 431⁄2.
Colt McCoy running a depleted Cardinals offense? Go with the 49ers, who are continuing to gain traction in the NFC West and have lots of ways to move the ball. Neutral site and altitude are factors.