Sam Farmer’s NFL picks for Week 4

Times’ NFL writer Sam Farmer examines this week’s matchups; lines according to Glantz-Culver. See Farmer’s video picks on line at our Fabulous Forum blog at www.latimes/sports. Last week 12-4, overall 32-16 (.667); against spread, 9-7, overall 22-26 (.458):

Cincinnati at Cleveland

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 704

Line: Bengals by 5.5. Over/Under: 38.5

The Bengals have shut out the Browns on the road twice in the last two seasons. Bengals 24, Browns 10.

Oakland at Houston

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 705

Line: Texans by 9.5. Over/Under: 42.5

The Texans have a bad defense, and should be concerned about stopping Oakland’s ground game. Being at home will help. Texans 17, Raiders 13.

Tennessee at Jacksonville

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 706

Line: Titans by 3. Over/Under: 41.5

The season is already slipping away for the desperate Titans, who need to spackle their secondary. Jaguars don’t have the firepower to exploit that. Titans 24, Jaguars 21.

Baltimore at New England

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 707

Line: Patriots by 2. Over/Under: 44.5

Fred Taylor was pivotal for the Patriots last week, but he won’t be racking up the yards against this Ravens defense. Ravens 17, Patriots 14.

Detroit at Chicago

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 708

Line: Bears by 10. Over/Under: 39

The Bears have won six of the last eight against Detroit and should be able to move the chains with Cutler’s arm and Forte’s legs. Bears 21, Lions 17.

Seattle at Indianapolis

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 709

Line: Colts by 10.5. Over/Under: 44

Key injuries are hurting the Seahawks in a big way (tackle Walter Jones and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck unlikely to play). The Colts are gathering offensive momentum. Colts 28, Seahawks 20.

N.Y. Giants at Kansas City

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: Channel 11 DirecTV: 710

Line: Giants by 8.5. Over/Under: 42.5

The Giants are playing as well as anyone. The Chiefs can’t seem to convert a third down. Giants 28, Chiefs 7.

Tampa Bay at Washington

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 711

Line: Redskins by 7. Over/Under: 45

The Redskins were humiliated in losing to Detroit, and shame is a powerful motivator -- especially against another cellar dweller. Redskins 24, Buccaneers 13.

Buffalo at Miami

When: Sunday, 1:05 p.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 712

Line: Bills by 2. Over/Under: 37

Marshawn Lynch is back for the Bills, and the Dolphins are in trouble with Chad Pennington done for the year. Bills 13, Dolphins 10.

N.Y. Jets at New Orleans

When: Sunday, 1:05 p.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 713

Line: Saints by 7. Over/Under: 45

The Saints have scored on each of their opening possessions and have never trailed. That means Mark Sanchez probably will have to bring his team back on the road. Saints 28, Jets 24.

Dallas at Denver

When: Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 714

Line: Cowboys by 3. Over/Under: 43.5

The Broncos’ defense is surprisingly good, and Dallas is: A) coming off a short week, and B) down a couple of healthy running backs. Broncos 17, Cowboys 14.

St. Louis at San Francisco

When: Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 715

Line: 49ers by 9.5. Over/Under: 37.5

Losing Frank Gore stings, but rookie Glen Coffee should be able to pick up the slack -- at least against the Rams. 49ers 17, Rams 10.

San Diego at Pittsburgh

When: Sunday, 5:15 p.m.

TV: Channel 4.

Line: Steelers by 6.5. Over/Under: 43

In this rematch of a divisional playoff game, the Chargers are once again hurting. But the good news for the Chargers is LaDainian Tomlinson (ankle) has been practicing. Steelers 35, Chargers 24.

Green Bay at Minnesota

When: Monday, 5:30 p.m.

TV: ESPN.

Line: Vikings by 3.5. Over/Under: 45.5

Brett Favre had a fantastic finish last Sunday but had his share of near-interceptions. The Packers have a very opportunistic defense. Packers 24, Vikings 17.