Sam Farmer’s NFL Week 6 picks

The Times’ NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week’s matchups. Lines according to Glantz-Culver (O/U = over/under). Last week’s record 10-5 (.667); season 49-27 (.645). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 8-7 (.533); season 46-30 (.605).

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New England (3-2) at Buffalo (3-2)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Bills 23, Patriots 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 705.

Line: Patriots by 3. O/U: 45 1/2.

Everybody thinks all is well with the Patriots again, but this is a Jekyll-and-Hyde team that’s been only so-so on the road. Buffalo’s defensive front will give Tom Brady problems.

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Carolina (3-2) at Cincinnati (3-1)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Bengals 23, Panthers 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 706.

Line: Bengals by 6 1/2. O/U: 44.

The Bengals are sure to bounce back after laying an egg against New England on Monday night. They’re better than that. Cam Newton’s got a bum ankle, and he’s not the same QB like that.

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Green Bay (3-2) at Miami (2-2)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Packers 27, Dolphins 23

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 707.

Line: Packers by 3 1/2. O/U: 48 1/2.

Miami is well rested, but the Packers are better. Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill had a good game against the Raiders, but beating Derek Carr is different than beating Aaron Rodgers.

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Detroit (3-2) at Minnesota (2-3)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Lions 31, Vikings 27

TV: None. DirecTV: 708.

Line: Lions by 1 1/2. O/U: 45.

The return of Teddy Bridgewater makes the Vikings intriguing, but Detroit is a better team on both sides of the ball, and the addition of kicker Matt Prater helps the Lions too.

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Pittsburgh (3-2) at Cleveland (2-2)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Browns 24, Steelers 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 709.

Line: Browns by 1 1/2. O/U: 47.

The Browns rallied against the Steelers at Pittsburgh and gave them a scare in the season opener. Cleveland’s confident now with Brian Hoyer and figuring out how to win games.

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Denver (3-1) at New York Jets (1-4)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Broncos 38, Jets 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 710.

Line: Broncos by 9 1/2. O/U: 47 1/2.

Broncos return to Super Bowl site, but the Jets are no Seahawks. Peyton Manning will strafe New York’s flimsy secondary, just as Rodgers, Jay Cutler, Matthew Stafford and Philip Rivers did.

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Baltimore (3-2) at Tampa Bay (1-4)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Ravens 24, Buccaneers 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 711.

Line: Ravens by 3. O/U: 43 1/2.

Ravens are worried about their secondary. That could mean a big day for Mike Glennon and Vincent Jackson. But Baltimore is a better team and should be able to win this on the road.

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Jacksonville (0-5) at Tennessee (1-4)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Titans 28, Jaguars 21

TV: None. DirecTV: 712.

Line: Titans by 6. O/U: 44 1/2.

This is almost a must-win for Tennessee, and the Titans should win at home. But winless Jacksonville has enough talent, especially with Blake Bortles, to give the Titans a scare.

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San Diego (4-1) at Oakland (0-4)

Sunday, 1 p.m.

Chargers 35, Raiders 21

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 713.

Line: Chargers by 7. O/U: 43.

Unlike in years past, the Chargers are winning games they’re supposed to win. Rivers is playing off the charts, and Branden Oliver looks like a find at running back. This should be academic.

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Chicago (2-3) at Atlanta (2-3)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Falcons 34, Bears 27

TV: None. DirecTV: 714.

Line: Falcons by 3. O/U: 53 1/2.

The Falcons are capable of putting up huge offensive numbers, particularly against vulnerable defenses such as Chicago’s. Atlanta gets the edge by virtue of playing at home.

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Washington (1-4) at Arizona (3-1)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Cardinals 23, Redskins 21

TV: None. DirecTV: 715.

Line: Cardinals by 3 1/2. O/U: 45.

The Cardinals have several key injuries on defense and their quarterback situation is a major concern. The Redskins will make things interesting, but Bruce Arians will find a way.

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Dallas (4-1) at Seattle (3-1)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Seahawks 31, Cowboys 24

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 716.

Line: Seahawks by 8. O/U: 47.

The Cowboys aren’t going to be able to run on Seattle the way they’ve trampled some teams. Hard to pick against the Seahawks at home. Russell Wilson is an elite playmaker and shows it each week.

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New York Giants (3-2) at Philadelphia (4-1)

Sunday, 5:30 p.m.

Giants 27, Eagles 23

TV: Channel 4.

Line: Eagles by 3. O/U: 50 1/2.

Eli Manning has looked increasingly comfortable in the West Coast offense. Eagles have seven defensive/special teams touchdowns in five games but their offense has been sputtering.

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San Francisco (3-2) at St. Louis (1-3)

Monday, 5:30 p.m.

49ers 24, Rams 17

TV: ESPN.

Line: 49ers by 3 1/2. O/U: 43 1/2.

The Rams are tied for 29th in run defense, allowing 152.5 yards per game. That’s not good, particularly against the run-happy 49ers, who can control the clock with the ground game.