Sam Farmer’s Picks: Week 6

Times’ NFL writer Sam Farmer examines this week’s matchups. Lines according to Glantz-Culver. Last week 10-4, overall 52-24 (.684); against spread 9-5, overall 34-42 (.447). See Farmer’s video picks online at our Fabulous Forum blog at www.latimes.com/sports.

Houston at Cincinnati

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 704

Line: Bengals by 5. Over/Under: 45

The Bengals are on a roll and should be able to put the clamps on Andre Johnson the way they did on Greg Jennings, Braylon Edwards and Derrick Mason. Bengals 28, Texans 21.

Baltimore at Minnesota

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 705

Line: Vikings by 3. Over/Under: 43.5

Where has the Ravens’ offense gone? They certainly need some points if they want to keep pace with Favre, Peterson & Co. on the road. Vikings 24, Ravens 21.

Cleveland at Pittsburgh

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 706

Line: Steelers by 14. Over/Under: 38

The Browns beat Buffalo in an ugly game, but they’re overmatched in this one. The Steelers, coming off a seven-sack game, have beaten them 11 consecutive times. Steelers 35, Browns 17.

Kansas City at Washington

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 707

Line: Redskins by 6.5. Over/Under: 37

Yes, they lost yet again, but the Chiefs showed more than a flicker of life against the Cowboys. Meanwhile, the Redskins can’t seem to move the ball. Chiefs 17, Redskins 14.

Detroit at Green Bay

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 708

Line: Packers by 13.5. Over/Under: 48

Lions’ upset chances drop dramatically with injuries to Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson. Still, the Packers are vulnerable, especially if they don’t fix pass protection. Packers 28, Lions 24.

St. Louis at Jacksonville

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 709

Line: Jaguars by 9.5. Over/Under: 42.5

Rams have lost 15 in a row; hard to envision them beating anyone. Jacksonville is no juggernaut, though, and Maurice Jones-Drew has just 48 yards rushing in the past two games. Jaguars 20, Rams 10.

N.Y. Giants at New Orleans

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 710

Line: Saints by 3. Over/Under: 47.5

The Giants might be the most complete team in football but they’ve feasted on cream puff opponents. The Saints have had a couple quality victories, and they’re well rested. Saints 27, Giants 24.

Carolina at Tampa Bay

When: Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 711

Line: Panthers by 3.5. Over/Under: 40

The Panthers have won nine of their last 12 meetings with Tampa, and will win again if they’re able to run. What they can’t do is put the game on Jake Delhomme’s shoulders. Panthers 17, Buccaneers 10.

Philadelphia at Oakland

When: Sunday, 1:05 p.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 712

Line: Eagles by 14. Over/Under: 40.5

The way the Raiders are going, their next victory might not come until 2010. Philadelphia’s defense will fluster JaMarcus Russell the way Denver, Houston and the Giants did. Eagles 42, Raiders 10.

Arizona at Seattle

When: Sunday, 1:05 p.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 713

Line: Seahawks by 3. Over/Under: 47

Cardinals look less like the team that won at Seattle last November, and more like the one that lost the previous five there. Seattle is a different team with Matt Hasselbeck. Seahawks 31, Cardinals 28.

Tennessee at New England

When: Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

TV: none. DirecTV: 714

Line: Patriots by 9.5. Over/Under: 43.5

Tom Brady isn’t up to his familiar form yet, but he doesn’t make a lot of mistakes. The Titans know their season is done, and they’re demoralized. Patriots 27, Titans 17.

Buffalo at N.Y. Jets

When: Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 715

Line: Jets by 10. Over/Under: 38

Rex Ryan was disgusted with his team’s defensive effort against Miami, so look for the Jets to be sharper Sunday. The Bills mustered three points against the Browns. Jets 21, Bills 7.

Chicago at Atlanta

When: Sunday, 5:15 p.m.

TV: Channel 4

Line: Falcons by 3.5. Over/Under: 45.5

The Falcons got their offense rolling again last Sunday against a very good San Francisco defense. The pressure will be on the Bears’ secondary to cover all those good receivers. Falcons 24, Bears 17.

Denver at San Diego

When: Monday, 5:30 p.m.

TV: ESPN

Line: Chargers by 4. Over/Under: 44

When pushed to the edge, the Chargers tend to respond well. Hard to believe they’re already facing a must-win situation. Key will be containing Knowshon Moreno. Chargers 35, Broncos 28.