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 9-6 (.600; season 125-83 (.601). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 10-4-1 (.714); season 102-101-5 (.502). All times are Pacific.
Raiders 18, Chargers 13 TV: Channel 11, Amazon Prime Video
Line: Raiders by 3. O/U: 34.
This quarterback matchup features Easton Stick versus Aidan O’Connell. The Raiders have picked it up on defense and should be able to run. The wind is out of the Chargers’ sails.
Bengals 27, Vikings 20 TV: NFL Network
Line: Bengals by 31⁄2. O/U: 391⁄2.
He isn’t Joe Burrow, but backup QB Jake Browning is a lot better than most people thought. The Vikings defense is playing well, but Minnesota still needs to find its offensive identity — and with a new QB.
Colts 24, Steelers 13 TV: NFL Network
Line: Colts by 21⁄2. O/U: 42.
The Steelers have gone four games without scoring more than 18 points. Linebacker T.J. Watt is coming off a concussion. Colts QB Gardner Minshew has played pretty well and they are stingy on defense.
Lions 24, Broncos 20 TV: NFL Network
Line: Lions by 41⁄2. O/U: 471⁄2.
The Lions are coming off an ugly loss to Chicago, but they have bounced back strong after defeats. It won’t be easy with a resurgent Denver team that has won six of seven, but go with the home team.
Chiefs 24, Patriots 9 TV: Channel 11
Line: Chiefs by 91⁄2. O/U: 37.
The Chiefs have dropped three of four and they came unglued after losing to Buffalo. But they’ve got to be able to beat the Patriots, who won’t be able to keep pace offensively.
Falcons 27, Panthers 14 TV: NFL Ticket
Line: Falcons by 3. O/U: 341⁄2.
The Panthers can hang with teams in the first half, then the turnovers and other mistakes start happening. That figures to be the script in this matchup, with the Falcons pulling away in the second half.
Browns 23, Bears 17 TV: NFL Ticket
Line: Browns by 3 1 ⁄ . O/U: 37 1 ⁄ . 2 2
The Bears are coming off consecutive division wins. The Browns might be more reliable with Joe Flacco at quarterback than they were with Deshaun Watson. The defense leads the way for Cleveland.
Packers 24, Buccaneers 20 TV: NFL Ticket
Line: Packers by 31⁄2. O/U: 411⁄2. December football at Lambeau Field favors the home team, and running back Aaron Jones should return for the Packers. Tampa Bay has back-to-back division wins but against bad opponents.
Dolphins 27, Jets 13 TV: NFL Ticket
Line: Dolphins by 81⁄2. O/U: 381⁄2.
The Dolphins, coming off a one-point loss, should bounce back. They’re banged up on the offensive line, though, and receiver Tyreek Hill is playing on a gimpy ankle. The Jets’ defense can create problems.
Giants 23, Saints 21 TV: NFL Ticket
Line: Saints by 6. O/U: 371⁄2.
What is happening with the Giants, winners of three in a row? QB Tommy Devito keeps it rolling against the nothing-special Saints. Saints QB Derek Carr and his center almost squared off. Not good.
Titans 21, Texans 17 TV: NFL Ticket
Line: Titans by 21⁄2. O/U: 371⁄2.
A lot hinges on Texans QB C.J. Stroud, who began the week in concussion protocol, though backup Davis Mills isn’t bad. Still, their receivers are hurt. The Titans might be able to maintain momentum.
Rams 28, Commanders 23 TV: Channel 2
Line: Rams by 61⁄2. O/U: 491⁄2.
The Commanders are rested after an off week and should be able to move the ball, although their defense is awful. The Rams, who looked sharp at Baltimore, keep their playoff hopes alive.
49ers 31, Cardinals 14 TV: NFL Ticket
Line: 49ers by 13 1 ⁄ . O/U: 47 1 ⁄ . 2 2
QB Kyler Murray makes games more interesting for the Cardinals. That said, the 49ers are the NFL’s best team and figure to put up big numbers. They beat Arizona by 19 the first time.
Cowboys 28, Bills 24 TV: Channel 11
Line: Bills by 21⁄2. O/U: 501⁄2.
The Cowboys are playing really well. QB Dak Prescott will get rid of the ball quick, and Dallas will get the ground game going. It will be difficult for Bills QB Josh Allen to run all over against that Dallas defense.
Ravens 24, Jaguars 21 TV: Channel 4
Line: Ravens by 31⁄2. O/U: 431⁄2.
It isn’t just QB Lamar Jackson; the Ravens have several playmakers. Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence somehow took the field last Sunday with a high-ankle sprain, and he’ll be under a lot of pressure.
Eagles 30, Seahawks 26 TV: ESPN
Line: Eagles by 31⁄2. O/U: 471⁄2.
The Seahawks have lost five of six and have quarterback issues. That’s good timing for Philadelphia, which is coming off back-to-back losses and needs to regain its footing. Tough place to play.