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 9-5 (.643); season 98-65-1 (.601). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 5-8-1 (.385); season 76-84-4 (.475). Times Pacific.
Bills 28, Lions 21
TV: Channel 2.
Line: Bills by 91⁄2. O/U: 541⁄2.
The Lions are playing really well, so this won’t be easy for Buffalo, but the Bills are almost a little desperate to keep pace in the AFC. Josh Allen finds a way, but Detroit makes matters interesting.
Cowboys 27, Giants 23
TV: Channel 11.
Line: Cowboys by 10. O/U: 451⁄2. The Cowboys are riding high after destroying the Vikings and might be due for a bit of a comedown. The Giants should do a respectable job of containing the run to keep it close.
Vikings 23, Patriots 18
TV: Channel 4.
Line: Vikings by 2 1 ⁄ . O/U: 42 1 ⁄ . 2 2
The Vikings are due to bounce back after last week’s fiasco. The Patriots are playing well on defense but their offense has a hard time moving the ball. Still, Kirk Cousins struggles in prime time.
Ravens 27, Jaguars 21
TV: None. DirecTV: 705.
Line: Ravens by 4. O/U: 431⁄2.
The Ravens are banged up, but they keep finding ways to win. The Jaguars had an off week so maybe they can find a way to reboot after six losses in seven games. Not this week.
Dolphins 33, Texans 17
TV: None. DirecTV: 706.
Line: Dolphins by 131⁄2. O/U: 461⁄2.
The Texans have played a lot of teams close and are going to try to keep running it, but there aren’t a lot of teams that have the speed to match up with this Dolphins offense. They’re rested and healthy.
Bengals 24, Titans 21
TV: None. DirecTV: 707.
Line: Bengals by 21⁄2. O/U: 421⁄2. Should be a great game. The Bengals are getting hot at the right time and Joe Burrow is playing really well. The Titans’ Mike Vrabel gets more out of his players than most every coach in the NFL.
Broncos 16, Panthers 9
TV: None. DirecTV: 708.
Line: Broncos by 21⁄2. O/U: 361⁄2. Neither team inspires a lot of confidence. The Panthers are OK on defense, and Denver can’t seem to get much going offensively. But the Broncos still have enough to win this matchup on the road.
Buccaneers 27, Browns 20
TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 709.
Line: Buccaneers by 31⁄2. O/U: 421⁄2. Tom Brady is smiling again and finally holding the ball long enough for plays to develop. This isn’t a great matchup for the Browns, who want to run and playaction off that. Tampa Bay stops the run.
Bears 20, Jets 16
TV: None. DirecTV: 710.
Line: Jets by 6. O/U: 381⁄2.
The shoulder injury to Justin Fields really would set back the Bears, but he might play. The Jets were a mess on offense last week so they switched to Mike White at quarterback.
Commanders 27, Falcons 21
TV: None. DirecTV: 711.
Line: Commanders by 4. O/U: 411⁄2. The Falcons don’t really throw it, and now Kyle Pitts is out. That puts a lot of pressure on rookie Drake London. Washington is playing well and gaining confidence with Taylor Heinicke at quarterback.
Chargers 31, Cardinals 20
TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 712.
Line: Chargers by 3. O/U: 481⁄2.
With or without Kyler Murray, the Cardinals are OK at best and their injury list is long. The Chargers are smarting after the loss to Kansas City, but they played well and are getting healthier.
Seahawks 28, Raiders 21
TV: None. DirecTV: 713.
Line: Seahawks by 31⁄2. O/U: 471⁄2. The Raiders stopped their slide by beating a bad Broncos team. Seattle is coming off an off week and D.K. Metcalf should be healthier. Being at home helps and the Seahawks get back on track.
Chiefs 34, Rams 13
TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 714.
Line: Chiefs by 15. O/U: 431⁄2.
These franchises are heading in opposite directions. The Rams are ravaged by injuries and matters won’t be getting better any time soon. The Chiefs are starting to gather momentum.
49ers 28, Saints 17
TV: None. DirecTV: 715.
Line: 49ers by 81⁄2. O/U: 421⁄2. Getting Elijah Mitchell back allows the 49ers to use Christian McCaffrey more strategically. This is going to be a tough team down the stretch. The Saints will not be.
Eagles 28, Packers 20
TV: Channel 4.
Line: Eagles by 61⁄2. O/U: 461⁄2.
The Eagles got a scare at Indianapolis but survived it. That should have them tuned up to handle a really bad Green Bay team. Packers receivers will have a hard time getting open against those corners.
Colts 24, Steelers 18
TV: ESPN.
Line: Colts by 21⁄2. O/U: 391⁄2. Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis front seven is the difference. Matt Ryan probably will get sacked a lot, but the Colts have enough to give Jeff Saturday his second win.