Sam Farmer’s Picks: Week 5

Times NFL writer Sam Farmer examines this week’s matchups; lines according to Glantz-Culver. See Farmer’s video picks online at our Fabulous Forum blog at latimes.com/sports. Last week 10-4, overall 42-20 (.677); against spread 3-11, overall 25-37 (.403):

Cincinnati at Baltimore

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 704

Line: Ravens by 8.5. Over/Under: 42

The Ravens, who swept last season’s series by a combined 51-13, will use the run to control the clock and tempo. The Bengals seem to get their act together only at the end. Ravens 21, Bengals 13.

Cleveland at Buffalo

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 705

Line: Bills by 6. Over/Under: 40.5

The Browns failed to notch a single first down rushing last Sunday but still scored two offensive touchdowns, which is huge for them. They should be able to run on Buffalo. Cleveland 14, Buffalo 13.

Pittsburgh at Detroit

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 706

Line: Steelers by 10.5. Over/Under: 44

The Lions’ secondary will have a hard time putting the brakes on Ben Roethlisberger, who has completed 73.2% of his passes through the first four games. Pittsburgh 35, Detroit 10.

Oakland at N.Y. Giants

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 707

Line: Giants by 15.5. Over/Under: 38

Even if Eli Manning doesn’t play, the Giants should be fine against a team that’s barely averaging 200 yards of offense per game. Giants 28, Raiders 9.

Dallas at Kansas City

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 708

Line: Cowboys by 8.5. Over/Under: 42

Tony Romo might struggle in big games, but he should not have problems with the Chiefs, who are giving up 250.5 yards passing per game. Cowboys 27, Chiefs 13.

Washington at Carolina

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 709

Line: Panthers by 3.5. Over/Under: 37.5

The Redskins have looked flat three weeks in a row. The Panthers, although winless, are well-rested coming off their bye and ready to win a game at last. Panthers 17, Redskins 14.

Tampa Bay at Philadelphia

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 710

Line: Eagles by 14.5. Over/Under: 43

The bye came at the right time for the Eagles, who needed to get Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook healthy to pick up where they left off. Eagles 24, Buccaneers 10.

Minnesota at St. Louis

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 711

Line: Vikings by 10. Over/Under: 41

The Vikings might be primed for a letdown, with a short week and coming off a big win and all. Then again, they’re playing a team that has lost 14 in a row. Vikings 28, Rams 10.

Atlanta at San Francisco

When: Sunday, 1:05 p.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 712

Line: 49ers by 2.5. Over/Under: 41

The Michael Crabtree signing comes at the right time for the 49ers, who are great on defense but struggling on offense. Plus, Shaun Hill is 7-0 at Candlestick. 49ers 24, Falcons 21.

Houston at Arizona

When: Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 713

Line: Cardinals by 5.5. Over/Under: 49.5

The Cardinals were 6-2 at home last regular season but are 0-2 this season. They should win this one, though, because Kurt Warner is facing a shaky Houston secondary. Cardinals 17, Texans 10.

New England at Denver

When: Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 714

Line: Patriots by 3. Over/Under: 41

It’s teacher (Bill Belichick) vs. student (Josh McDaniels). Hard not to like the mentor in this one. The Patriots should get a boost, too, if Wes Welker and Jerod Mayo return. Patriots 17, Broncos 14.

Jacksonville at Seattle

When: Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 715

Line: Off. Over/Under: Off

The Seahawks have been hammered with injuries and that has set them back in a big way. The Jaguars don’t have the pass rushers to exploit Seattle’s protection problems. Seahawks 21, Jaguars 10.

Indianapolis at Tennessee

When: Sunday, 5:15 p.m.

TV: Channel 4

Line: Colts by 3.5. Over/Under: 45.5

Even though this is the undefeated Colts against the winless Titans, it won’t be easy for Indianapolis. The Colts have lost two of three games in Nashville. Colts 24, Titans 17.

N.Y. Jets at Miami

When: Monday, 5:30 p.m.

TV: ESPN

Line: Jets by 1.5. Over/Under: 36.5

Mark Sanchez had four turnovers at New Orleans and now needs to show that he has the poise to bounce back strong. The Dolphins have lost three in a row to the Jets in Miami. Jets 20, Dolphins 10.