Sam Farmer’s NFL picks for Week 4

The Times’ NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week’s matchups. Lines according to Pregame.com (O/U = over/under). Last week’s record 7-9 (.438); season 31-17 (.646). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 6-10 (.375); season 23-25 (.479). Philadelphia and Green Bay have the week off.

::

Indianapolis (1-2) vs. Jacksonville (0-3)

Sunday, 6:30 a.m.

Colts 24, Jaguars 21

TV: Channel 2.

Line: Colts by 2 1/2. O/U: 49.

Even in cool London, the seat can’t get much hotter for Jacksonville Coach Gus Bradley. Jaguars are a talented young team, but they can’t seem to pull it together.

::

Oakland (2-1) at Baltimore (3-0)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Raiders 27, Ravens 21

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 705.

Line: Ravens by 3. O/U: 46 1/2.

The Raiders are 2-0 on the road for the first time since 2002, and won last week in Tennessee. Although the Ravens are undefeated, they’ll be hard pressed to keep up with scoring.

::

Tennessee (1-2) at Houston (2-1)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Texans 34, Titans 21

TV: None. DirecTV: 706.

Line: Texans by 4 1/2. O/U: 41

The Texans are in line for a bounce-back game after that Thursday disaster in New England. Even without J.J. Watt, they should be able to turn up the heat on Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota.

::

Buffalo (1-2) at New England (3-0)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Patriots 24, Bills 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 707.

Line: Patriots by 6. O/U: Off the board.

The Patriots are running on empty when it comes to healthy quarterbacks, yet Coach Bill Belichick always seems to find a way. New England just doesn’t lose at home.

::

Cleveland (0-3) at Washington (1-2)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Redskins 31, Browns 23

TV: None. DirecTV: 708.

Line: Redskins by 7. O/U: 46 1/2.

The Redskins should be riding a wave of confidence after beating the Giants. Cleveland gave Miami a scare before losing in overtime, but the Browns are down to QBIII.

::

Carolina (1-2) at Atlanta (2-1)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Falcons 31, Panthers 24

TV: None. DirecTV: 709.

Line: Panthers by 3. O/U: 49 1/2.

Atlanta can’t put a lot of pressure on Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, but the Falcons know how to put points on the board. Panthers will have a tough time keeping pace.

::

Detroit (1-2) at Chicago (0-3)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Lions 27, Bears 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 710.

Line: Lions by 3. O/U: 47 1/2.

Whether its Brian Hoyer or Jay Cutler at quarterback for the Bears, it shouldn’t make a difference. The Lions still have more weapons and should take this one on the road.

::

Seattle (2-1) at N.Y. Jets (1-2)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Jets 21, Seahawks 17

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 711.

Line: Seahawks by 2 1/2. O/U: 40.

Russell Wilson is nursing a knee injury, so if he plays, he’s a sitting duck against an attacking Jets defense. Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is much better than he showed last Sunday (six interceptions).

::

Denver (3-0) at Tampa Bay (1-2)

Sunday, 1 p.m.

Broncos 31, Buccaneers 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 712.

Line: Broncos by 3. O/U: 43.

Denver’s defense is so good, it’s going to get to quarterback Jameis Winston and force him into some mistakes. Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian had a huge game against a good Cincinnati defense.

::

L.A. Rams (2-1) at Arizona (1-2)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Cardinals 27, Rams 24

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 713.

Line: Cardinals by 8. O/U: 42 1/2.

The Cardinals, who rebounded strong after losing their opener, are looking to bounce back again, this time from their loss at Buffalo. Rams need to find offensive rhythm earlier.

::

New Orleans (0-3) at San Diego (1-2)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Saints 27, Chargers 24

TV: None. DirecTV: 714.

Line: Chargers by 4 1/2. O/U: 53 1/2.

Similar teams with cagey veteran quarterbacks who are light on weapons and vulnerable defenses. Chargers are too banged up, so look for Drew Brees to get the Saints in the win column.

::

Dallas (2-1) at San Francisco (1-2)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Cowboys 28, 49ers 21

TV: None. DirecTV: 715.

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

The “Dak Attack” — rookie quarterback Dak Prescott — is rolling for the Cowboys. The 49ers have a solid front seven, but that didn’t show up against Seattle. The Cowboys’ line is too good.

::

Kansas City (2-1) at Pittsburgh (2-1)

Sunday, 5:30 p.m.

Steelers 24, Chiefs 20

TV: Channel 4.

Line: Steelers by 4 1/2. O/U: 47.

The Chiefs always seem to do a good job of getting to Ben Roethlisberger. That said, the Steelers are home, and they’re going to rebound from an embarrassing defeat.

::

N.Y. Giants (2-1) at Minnesota (3-0)

Monday, 5:30 p.m.

Vikings 27, Giants 23

TV: ESPN.

Line: Vikings by 5. O/U: 43.

The Vikings are a wounded animal, very dangerous. Eli Manning will rebound from loss to Redskins, but Minnesota defense sets the tone and Sam Bradford continues to acclimate at quarterback.