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Sam Farmer’s NFL picks for Week 10

Cam Newton celebrates

Cam Newton celebrates

(Bob Leverone / Associated Press)
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The Times’ NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week’s matchups. Lines according to Pregame.com (O/U = over/under). Last week’s record 7-6 (.538); season 84-48 (.637). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 7-6 (.538); season 73-55-4 (.570). Atlanta, Indianapolis, San Diego and San Francisco have the week off.

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Jacksonville (2-6) at Baltimore (2-6)

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Sunday, 10 a.m.

Ravens 30, Jaguars 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 705.

Line: Ravens by 5 1/2. O/U: 48.

This season has been a huge disappointment for the Ravens, obviously, but they have the firepower to win this at home. Joe Flacco is better than Blake Bortles, and that will be the difference.

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Miami (3-5) at Philadelphia (4-4)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Dolphins 27, Eagles 24

TV: None. DirecTV: 706.

Line: Eagles by 6. O/U: 49.

The Eagles won at Dallas, but don’t look like a team that has what it takes to win with consistency. Dolphins will miss pass rusher Cameron Wake in a big way, but they’re capable of taking this on the road.

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Cleveland (2-7) at Pittsburgh (5-4)

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Sunday, 10 a.m.

Steelers 21, Browns 18

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 707.

Line: Steelers by 5 1/2. O/U: 41 1/2.

With Ben Roethlisberger out, the Steelers are seriously compromised. Still, this game is in Pittsburgh, and the Browns will be hard pressed to pull an upset, particularly with their set of QB worries.

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Chicago (3-5) at St. Louis (4-4)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Rams 21, Bears 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 708.

Line: Rams by 7. O/U: 42 1/2.

The Bears have improved, but they’re coming off a short week. The Rams can run with Todd Gurley, and they have a solid defense, but their passing offense is anemic. This one figures to be close.

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Detroit (1-7) at Green Bay (6-2)

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Sunday, 10 a.m.

Packers 27, Lions 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 709.

Line: Packers by 11 1/2. O/U: 48 1/2.

The Packers will bounce back, but their problems have been exposed the last two weeks. The line is leaky, receivers have a hard time getting open, and the defense is susceptible to getting trampled.

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Dallas (2-6) at Tampa Bay (3-5)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Buccaneers 24, Cowboys 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 710.

Line: Buccaneers by 1. O/U: 43 1/2.

The Buccaneers are playing better, and Jameis Winston is putting together an impressive rookie season. The Cowboys haven’t won without Tony Romo, and it doesn’t look like that will change.

Times NFL writer Sam Farmer makes his NFL picks for Week 10.

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Carolina (8-0) at Tennessee (2-6)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Panthers 27, Titans 13

TV: None. DirecTV: 711.

Line: Panthers by 5. O/U: 44.

The Panthers aren’t loaded with explosive players, but beat up teams physically. The Titans are riding high after pulling off an upset of New Orleans with Mike Mularkey at coach. Reality check.

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New Orleans (4-5) at Washington (3-5)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Saints 28, Redskins 24

TV: None. DirecTV: 712.

Line: Saints by 1. O/U: 50.

Coming off a big comeback win, the Redskins predictably laid an egg at New England last week. They can put up a fight, but Drew Brees should put up big numbers against their secondary.

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Minnesota (6-2) at Oakland (4-4)

Sunday, 1 p.m.

Raiders 27, Vikings 21

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 713.

Line: Raiders by 3. O/U: 44.

Nobody has a tougher stretch than the Vikings over the next five games. The Raiders are a lot more explosive than the Rams so they should put up some points. They’re also eighth at stopping the run.

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Kansas City (3-5) at Denver (7-1)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Broncos 23, Chiefs 14

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 714.

Line: Broncos by 5 1/2. O/U: 41 1/2.

This game will open with Peyton Manning getting the record for career passing yardage, and end with Denver’s defense slamming the door. The Broncos aren’t going to lay two defensive eggs in a row.

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New England (8-0) at N.Y. Giants (5-4)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Patriots 31, Giants 23

TV: None. DirecTV: 715.

Line: Patriots by 7. O/U: 54 1/2.

The Giants have a way of giving the Patriots problems, so this figures to be a good game. Plus, New England has lost running back Dion Lewis. But this isn’t the relentless New York pass rush of old.

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Arizona (6-2) at Seattle (4-4)

Sunday, 5:30 p.m.

Cardinals 27, Seahawks 20

TV: Channel 4.

Line: Seahawks by 3. O/U: 45.

Arizona has a chance to show the tide has turned in the NFC West, although winning at Seattle is a tall order. The Seahawks have won the past two of these handily, but Cardinals turn the tables.

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Houston (3-5) at Cincinnati (8-0)

Monday, 5:30 p.m.

Bengals 27, Texans 13

TV: ESPN.

Line: Bengals by 10 1/2. O/U: 47 1/2.

The Texans aren’t scaring anyone these days. Cincinnati is finally making use of all the talent it has accumulated over the years. The Bengals have gotten over their issues about playing in primetime too.

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