Sam Farmer’s Week 8 NFL picks

Lines according to Glantz-Culver (O/U = over/under). Last week’s record: 8-6; season 58-46 (.558). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the handicapped record would have been 6-8; season 47-57 (.452).

Denver vs. San Francisco
Records: 2-5; 1-6.
When: Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: none. DirecTV: 704.
Line: 49ers by 1. O/U: 41.
Both teams look as if they’ve given up on the season. The Broncos get the nod for this game played in London because they have a better quarterback. Broncos 24, 49ers 14

Miami at Cincinnati
Records: 3-3; 2-4.
When: Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: none. DirecTV: 705.
Line: Bengals by 2. O/U: 43.
The Dolphins are better on the road than at home, where they have yet to win. The Bengals are good enough to keep games close. Dolphins 21, Bengals 20

Jacksonville at Dallas
Records: 3-4; 1-5.
When: Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 706.
Line: Cowboys by 6. O/U: 42.
The Jaguars have shown an occasional flicker of life this season. That’s more than can be said of the mistake-prone Cowboys. Jaguars 21, Cowboys 17

Buffalo at Kansas City
Records: 0-6; 4-2.
When: Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: none. DirecTV: 707.
Line: Chiefs by 7. O/U: 46.
The Chiefs have done a nice job of protecting Matt Cassel and protecting the football. This could be a trap game, though. Chiefs 35, Bills 20

Washington at Detroit
Records: 4-3; 1-5.
When: Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: none. DirecTV: 708.
Line: Lions by 2. O/U: 44.
Even though Donovan McNabb has not been at his best on the road, the Redskins have developed a knack for winning close games. Redskins 18, Lions 15

Green Bay at New York Jets Records: 4-3; 5-1.
When: Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 709.
Line: Jets by 6. O/U: 42.
Battered Packers will be hard-pressed to protect Aaron Rodgers, especially when Rex Ryan has had an extra week to scheme. Jets 30, Packers 21

Carolina at St. Louis
Records: 1-5; 3-4.
When: Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: none. DirecTV: 710.
Line: Rams by 3. O/U: 37.
Aside from one letdown against Detroit, the Rams have hung tough in every game. Sam Bradford has been especially sturdy. Rams 20, Panthers 10

Tennessee at San Diego
Records: 5-2; 2-5.
When: Sunday, 1 p.m.
TV: none. DirecTV: 711.
Line: Chargers by 3. O/U: 44.
The Titans have won four of five -- with three of those victories on the road -- whereas the Chargers are coming unglued. Titans 24, Chargers 22

Minnesota at New England
Records: 2-4; 5-1.
When: Sunday, 1 p.m.
TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 712.
Line: Off the board.
Tom Brady has won 23 consecutive regular-season home games. He should make it 24, whether Brett Favre plays or not. Patriots 23, Vikings 20

Seattle at Oakland
Records: 4-2; 3-4.
When: Sunday, 1 p.m.
TV: none. DirecTV: 713.
Line: Raiders by 2. O/U: 42.
The Raiders could be primed for a letdown after their offensive eruption, but are the Seahawks solid enough on the road to take advantage? Raiders 24, Seahawks 22

Tampa Bay at Arizona
Records: 4-2; 3-3.
When: Sunday, 1 p.m.
TV: none. DirecTV: 714.
Line: Cardinals by 3. O/U: 39.
The Buccaneers might not be the best team in the NFC -- as their coach claims -- but Josh Freeman’s confidence is growing by the week. Buccaneers 18, Cardinals 14

Pittsburgh at New Orleans
Records: 5-1; 4-3.
When: Sunday, 5:15 p.m.
TV: Channel 4.
Line: Saints by 1. O/U: 44
The Saints are fading fast, and Pittsburgh’s defense should present big problems for an offense that’s a shadow of its 2009 version. Steelers 28, Saints 20

Houston at Indianapolis
Records: 4-2; 4-2
When: Monday, 5:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN.
Line: Colts by 5. O/U: 50.
The Colts haven’t been swept by a division rival since 2002. Even though his receivers are banged up, Peyton Manning will find a way. Colts 34, Texans 21