Sam Farmer’s NFL Week 3 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 8-8 (.500); season 19-13 (.594). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 6-10 (.375); season 17-15 (.531).

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San Diego (1-1) at Buffalo (2-0)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Chargers 24, Bills 21

TV: Channel. 2. DirecTV: 705.

Line: Bills by 2. O/U: 44 1/2.

The Bills have looked solid in their two wins, so this is a tall task for San Diego. But Philip Rivers and the Chargers, fresh off a huge win, are up to this cross-country challenge.

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Tennessee (1-1) at Cincinnati (2-0)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Bengals 27, Titans 13

TV: None. DirecTV: 706.

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

The Titans lost badly to Dallas at home. Cincinnati is tough on both sides of the ball, even when star receiver A.J. Green is dealing with strained ligaments in his foot.

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Baltimore (1-1) at Cleveland (1-1)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Ravens 23, Browns 21

TV: None. DirecTV: 707.

Line: Ravens by 1 1/2. O/U: 41 1/2.

The Browns come back to earth after their stunning defeat of New Orleans. The Ravens have had three extra days of rest after an impressive win over Pittsburgh.

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Indianapolis (0-2) at Jacksonville (0-2)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Colts 28, Jaguars 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 708.

Line: Colts by 7. O/U: 45.

Gus Bradley could eventually turn around the Jaguars, and they’ve shown a pulse on defense. But they don’t have enough offense to stay on the field with Indianapolis.

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Oakland (0-2) at New England (1-1)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Patriots 24, Raiders 13

TV: None. DirecTV: 709.

Line: Patriots by 14. O/U: 47.

If this game were at Oakland, the Raiders would have a much better chance because teams are putting more heat on Tom Brady. In other words, the Patriots are vulnerable.

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Houston (2-0) at New York Giants (0-2)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Texans 24, Giants 21

TV: None. DirecTV: 710.

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

The Texans also were 2-0 at this point last season before losing 14 in a row. They won’t have a similar collapse this year. They should be able to run on the struggling Giants.

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Green Bay (1-1) at Detroit (1-1)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Lions 28, Packers 24

TV: None. DirecTV: 711.

Line: Lions by 2 1/2. O/U: 53.

Don’t count out the Lions here, even though history says you should. Green Bay’s defense is a liability and Detroit has plenty of ways to put points on the scoreboard.

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Minnesota (1-1) at New Orleans (0-2)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Saints 31, Vikings 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 712.

Line: Saints by 10. O/U: 50.

It’s rare for the Saints to lose at home, and it won’t happen this time in the Superdome. Besides, the Vikings are dealing with the colossal distraction of the Adrian Peterson mess.

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Washington (1-1) at Philadelphia (2-0)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Eagles 27, Redskins 24

TV: None. DirecTV: 713.

Line: Eagles by 6 1/2. O/U: 50 1/2.

Washington is better with Kirk Cousins at quarterback than with RG3. But Philadelphia is by far the class of the NFC East. If the Eagles lose this, something went very wrong.

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Dallas (1-1) at St. Louis (1-1)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Cowboys 24, Rams 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 714.

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

Yes, the Rams pulled off a victory at Tampa Bay, but now they’ve lost Chris Long. They are hurting. Dallas is nothing special, but the Cowboys aren’t as bad as predicted on defense.

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San Francisco (1-1) at Arizona (2-0)

Sunday, 1 p.m.

49ers 20, Cardinals 18

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 715.

Line: 49ers by 3. O/U: 42.

The Cardinals should give San Francisco problems on defense, so this will be interesting. Arizona’s shaky situation at quarterback makes an upset here unlikely.

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Kansas City (0-2) at Miami (1-1)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Dolphins 24, Chiefs 21

TV: None. DirecTV: 716.

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

Both these teams are capable of putting up a good fight, but Kansas City is too riddled with injuries to pick against the Dolphins in this one. Miami bounces back at home.

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Denver (2-0) at Seattle (1-1)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Seahawks 28, Broncos 24

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 717.

Line: Seattle by 5. O/U: 49.

Peyton Manning will go to school on what the Chargers did to Seattle last weekend. This game will be much closer than the Super Bowl, but can’t pick against the Seahawks at home.

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Pittsburgh (1-1) at Carolina (2-0)

Sunday, 5:30 p.m.

Panthers 24, Steelers 17

TV: Channel 4.

Line: Panthers by 3 1/2. O/U: 41 1/2.

The Panthers have looked good through two weeks. Pittsburgh won’t be able to run against the Panthers’ front seven, so it rests on the shoulders of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

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Chicago (1-1) at New York Jets (1-1)

Monday, 5:30 p.m.

Bears 24, Jets 20

TV: ESPN.

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

The jury is still out on Jets quarterback Geno Smith. The Bears are coming off a big comeback victory over San Francisco, and they have firepower even with hobbled receivers.