PREDICTIONS Week 9

By Sam Farmer

Los Angeles Times

Last week against spread 7-7. Season 66-52-1 (.559).

Broncos (3-4) at Falcons (2-6)

1 p.m. Sunday | Falcons by 4 | O/U: 49

The Broncos have young, dangerous weapons. Atlanta’s defense terrible, but Matt Ryan pulls it out. Falcons 27, Broncos 23

Ravens (5-2) at Colts (5-2)

1 p.m. Sunday | Ravens by 1 | O/U: 48

Hard to know what Colts have, as they’re an offensive grab bag every week. The Ravens figure to bounce back. Ravens 31, Colts 24

Texans (1-6) at Jaguars (1-6)

1 p.m. Sunday | Texans by 6 O/U: 50

Neither team is very good, but at least the Texans have a quarterback who can put points on the board. Texans 30, Jaguars 21

Lions (3-4) at Vikings (2-5)

1 p.m. Sunday | Line off | O/U: off

Detroit can move the ball. The Vikings have a modicum of confidence now, even though it’s a lost season. Vikings 28, Lions 23

Seahawks (6-1) at Bills (6-2)

1 p.m. Sunday | Seahawks by 3 | O/U: 55

After a strong start, Buffalo’s defense has been largely missing lately. Russell Wilson is playing at high level. Seahawks 28, Bills 21

Panthers (3-5) at Chiefs (7-1)

1 p.m. Sunday | Chiefs by 10 | O/U: 52

The Chiefs toyed with the Jets last week. The Panthers could be getting Christian McCaffrey back. Chiefs 35, Panthers 28

Bears (5-3) at Titans (5-2)

1 p.m. Sunday | Titans by 6 1⁄2 | O/U: 46 1⁄

2

Titans defense is struggling, and offense is nothing special. Bears defense is good. Close one. Titans 27, Bears 24

Giants (1-7) at Washington (2-5)

1 p.m. Sunday | Washington by 2 O/U: 43

Washington is rested and can crank up the heat on quarterbacks. But despite their record, the Giants are a better all-around team. Giants 23, Washington 21

Raiders (4-3) at Chargers (2-5)

4:05 p.m. Sunday | Pick ’em | O/U: 52

The Chargers haven’t proved they can win close games. The Raiders just went on the road and pulled off an impressive victory at Cleveland. Raiders 31, Chargers 27

Dolphins (4-3) at Cardinals (5-2)

4:25 p.m. Sunday | Cardinals by 4 1⁄2 | O/U: 49

Arizona’s offense is No. 1 in yards per game. Miami’s defense that leads in points allowed. What’s more, it’s Kyler Murray vs. Tua Tagovailoa. Cardinals 23, Dolphins 21

Steelers (7-0) at Cowboys (2-6)

4:25 p.m. Sunday | Steelers by 15 | O/U: 44

Teams are operating in different worlds, and the undefeated Steelers should roll. But, just like the Giants gave the Bucs a scare, beware trap game. Steelers 34, Cowboys 16

Saints (5-2) at Buccaneers (5-2)

8:20 p.m. Sunday | Bucs by 4 1⁄

2

Tom Brady, who didn’t play well in the opener vs. Saints, has never been swept by a division opponent. Watch for Tampa Bay to scheme something for Antonio Brown. Buccaneers 31, Saints 24