Sam Farmer’s NFL Week 3 picks

Jacksonville (1-1)

at Carolina (0-2)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Panthers 24, Jaguars 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 704.

Line: Panthers by 3. O/U: 43.

Back-to-back 400-yard passing performances weren’t enough to net Cam Newton his first NFL victory. He’ll throw for fewer yards against the Jaguars, but get one in the “W” column.

Houston (2-0)

at New Orleans (1-1)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Saints 28, Texans 21

TV: None. DirecTV: 705.

Line: Saints by 4. O/U: 53.

So far, the Texans have faced quarterbacks Kerry Collins (Colts) and Chad Henne (Dolphins). It will be a much different look when that defense lines up against Drew Brees.

New England (2-0)

at Buffalo (2-0)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Patriots 30, Bills 24

TV: None. DirecTV: 706.

Line: Patriots by 8. O/U: 53.

Tom Brady gets the edge here because he’s been phenomenal, but this game will be closer than expected, with Buffalo’s Ryan Fitzpatrick facing the league’s 31st-ranked pass defense.

Miami (0-2)

at Cleveland (1-1)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Browns 20, Dolphins 16

TV: None. DirecTV: 707.

Line: Browns by 2. O/U: 41.

The Dolphins are better on the road than at home, but Cleveland matches up well with them. The Browns picked off Chad Henne three times in beating Miami last December.

Denver (1-1)

at Tennessee (1-1)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Titans 24, Broncos 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 708.

Line: Titans by 6. O/U: 42.

Titans running back Chris Johnson, sore ribs and all, could be a real headache for a Broncos defense that gave up 150 yards to Oakland’s Darren McFadden in the opener.

New York Giants (1-1)

at Philadelphia (1-1)

Sunday, 10 a.m

Eagles 30, N.Y. Giants 20

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 709.

Line: Off the board. O/U: Off the board.

The Eagles have reshuffled their linebackers and — even if Michael Vick doesn’t play — should be able to handle the banged-up Giants, who they’ve beaten six consecutive times.

Detroit (2-0)

at Minnesota (0-2)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Lions 24, Vikings 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 710.

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

The Lions haven’t won in Minnesota since 1997, but that will end Sunday. Donovan McNabb will be under pressure all game from a relentless Detroit defense.

San Francisco (1-1)

at Cincinnati (1-1)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

49ers 20, Bengals 13

TV: None. DirecTV: 711.

Line: Bengals by 2. O/U: 40.

The 49ers have been getting good pressure on opposing quarterbacks even by only rushing four and dropping seven into coverage. That could be a problem for young Andy Dalton.

New York Jets (2-0)

at Oakland (1-1)

Sunday, 1 p.m.

Jets 24, Raiders 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 712.

Line: Jets by 3. O/U: 41.

Losing Pro Bowl center Nick Mangold is a big blow to the Jets. The Raiders haven’t beaten an AFC opponent outside the division since Week 13 of the 2009 season.

Baltimore (1-1)

at St. Louis (0-2)

Sunday, 1 p.m.

Ravens 23, Rams 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 713.

Line: Ravens by 4. O/U: 41.

For their best chance to beat the Ravens, the Rams need to control the clock by running the ball. That will be tough to do if Steven Jackson (quadriceps injury from opener) isn’t ready to go.

Kansas City (0-2)

at San Diego (1-1)

Sunday, 1 p.m.

Chargers 38, Chiefs 10

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 714.

Line: Chargers by 14. O/U: 45.

It’s difficult to imagine matters getting much worse for the Chiefs, who have already lost two of their best players. The Chargers should have this on ice by halftime.

Green Bay (2-0)

at Chicago (1-1)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Packers 24, Bears 20

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 715.

Line: Packers by 3. O/U: 46.

The Bears’ Jay Cutler was sacked six times at New Orleans. He’ll need his line to step up and protect. Green Bay won’t have an easy time replacing Nick Collins in the secondary.

Arizona (1-1)

at Seattle (0-2)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Cardinals 27, Seahawks 15

TV: None. DirecTV: 716.

Line: Cardinals by 3. O/U: 42.

The Cardinals have been very bad on defense the last two weeks, but their offense already has three pass plays of 40-plus yards. That equals their 2010 total.

Atlanta (1-1)

at Tampa Bay (1-1)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Falcons 28, Buccaneers 24

TV: None. DirecTV: 717.

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

Both of these offenses look to be hitting their stride. The Falcons get the edge on the road because of the sharpness of Matt Ryan, who has won his last five starts against Tampa Bay.

Pittsburgh (1-1)

at Indianapolis (0-2)

Sunday, 5:15 p.m.

Steelers 30, Colts 13

TV: Channel 4.

Line: Steelers by 10. O/U: 39.

Are the Colts really that bad without Peyton Manning? So far, yes. The Steelers looked good on defense last Sunday, but their offense is still a work in progress.

Washington (2-0)

at Dallas (1-1)

Monday, 5:30 p.m.

Cowboys 24, Redskins 20

TV: ESPN.

Line: Off the board. O/U: Off the board.

The Cowboys are going to go with Tony Romo (ribs) even though Jon Kitna is a capable backup. Winning here would be a big boost for Rex Grossman, but don’t bet on it.