Media takes unbeaten San Francisco to win; Raiders to lose
Los Angeles Times
NFL writer, Sam
Farmer examines this week’s matchups. Lines according to Fanduel Sportsbook (O/U = over/ under). Last week’s record 9-7 (.563); season 27-21 (.563). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been
9-7 (.563); season 23-25 (.479). All times Pacific.
Cardinals (1-2) at 49ers (3-0)
Sunday, 1:25 p.m.
Line: 49ers by 14. O/U: 43 1/2.
It’s wild that Arizona could be 3-0 right now — coulda, woulda, shoulda — but the Cardinals are playing over their heads. It’s back to reality in the Bay Area, though, as the 49ers are outstanding.
Prediction: 49ers 28,
Cardinals 17
Raiders (1-2) at Chargers (1-2)
Sunday, 1:05 p.m.
Line: Chargers by 5 1/2. O/U: 48 1/2.
The Chargers don’t have receiver Mike Williams, but they’ve survived that before. Keenan Allen was unstoppable at Minnesota. The Raiders will have the crowd, but the Chargers are better.
Prediction: Chargers 30, Raiders 23
Falcons (2-1) vs. Jaguars (1-2)
Sunday, 6:30 a.m.
Line: Jaguars by 3. O/U: 43 1/2.
The Falcons are running the ball and stopping the run. They aren’t throwing it a ton and aren’t loaded with firepower. The Jaguars have the air attack to make you pay for committing to stop the run.
Prediction: Jaguars 27,
Falcons 21
Rams (1-2) at Colts (2-1) Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: Colts by 1 1/2. O/U: 46 1/2.
Things fell apart for the Rams on Monday night, and that patchwork offensive line is a worry. But they’re capable of going into Indianapolis and winning, particularly against a lightly seasoned rookie QB.
Prediction: Rams 21, Colts 17
Dolphins (3-0) at Bills (2-1)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: Bills by 3. O/U: 53 1/2.
Great matchup. The
Bills are excellent and you never can count out Josh Allen, but the Dolphins are the best team in the NFL. They put up 70 points last week without receiver Jaylen Waddle. So much speed.
Prediction: Dolphins 35,
Bills 31
Vikings (0-3) at Panthers (0-3)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: Vikings by 3 1/2. O/U: 45 1/2.
The Panthers were better with Andy Dalton at quarterback last week and their defense is decent.
But Minnesota’s offense is going to put up 23 or more points even against good defenses.
Prediction: Vikings 28, Panthers 23
Broncos (0-3) at Bears (0-3)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: Broncos by 3 1/2. O/U: 46.
The Broncos were thoroughly embarrassed by the Dolphins, so heaven help the team that goes up against coach Sean Payton the next week. Chicago needs tons of help anyway. The Bears are brutal.
Prediction: Broncos 28, Bears 17
Ravens (2-1) at Browns (2-1)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: Browns by 2 1/2. O/U: 40 1/2.
The Browns realized their potential on defense last Sunday, holding Tennessee to a field goal. The Ravens are solid and well coached but they’re already beat up. Divisional games tend to be close.
Prediction: Browns 23, Ravens 20
Steelers (2-1) at Texans (1-2)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: Steelers by 3. O/U: 41 1/2.
The Texans are playing hard and are getting promising play from rookie QB C.J. Stroud. Pittsburgh’s defense is vulnerable and its offense tends to struggle, but the Steelers keep hitting big plays.
Prediction: Steelers 23, Texans 16
Buccaneers (2-1) at Saints (2-1)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: Saints by 3. O/U: 40 1/2.
With Saints QB Derek Carr hurt, Jameis Winston could face his former team. Running back Alvin Kamara returns from his three-game suspension. Tampa Bay’s secondary is banged up and rotating in some no-name players.
Prediction: Saints 27, Buccaneers 21
Commanders (2-1) at Eagles (3-0)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: Eagles by 8 1/2. O/U: 44 1/2.
The Eagles aren’t as good at safety or linebacker as last season, but that defensive line is a brick wall. On offense, this combo of Kelce (Jason) and Swift (D’andre) is just too much.
Prediction: Eagles 28, Commanders 20