Sam Farmer’s NFL Week 16 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 11-5 (.688); season 145-78-1 (.650). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 11-5 (.688); season 120-103-1 (.5.38).

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Philadelphia (9-5) at Washington (3-11)

Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

Eagles 27, Redskins 24

TV: NFL Network.

Line: Eagles by 7 1/2. O/U: 50.

The Eagles should bounce back, but their playoff hopes are only flickering. Washington is in turmoil, but the Redskins are capable of keeping this one fairly close.

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San Diego (8-6) at San Francisco (7-7)

Saturday, 5:30 p.m.

Chargers 27, 49ers 20

TV: NFL Network.

Line: 49ers by 1. O/U: 41 1/2.

The 49ers can’t score points, can’t consistently stop the run, and are playing like a team ready to pack it in. The Chargers still have a pulse and incentive to finish strong.

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Cleveland (7-7) at Carolina (5-8-1)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Panthers 21, Browns 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 705.

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

This won’t be the debacle the Browns had last Sunday. Johnny Manziel will make more plays because the Panthers have issues in the secondary. Still, Carolina holds on at home.

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Baltimore (9-5) at Houston (7-7)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Ravens 21, Texans 10

TV: None. DirecTV: 706.

Line: Ravens by 5 1/2. O/U: 41.

Baltimore needs a win to keep its playoff hopes alive. The Ravens catch a break because the Texans, who had started to surge, are now beset by problems at quarterback.

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New England (11-3) at NY Jets (3-11)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Patriots 31, Jets 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 707.

Line: Patriots by 10. O/U: 47 1/2.

This is the time of year the Jets are starting to clean out their lockers, and the Patriots are stepping on the accelerator. New England wins by as much as it wants.

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Kansas City (8-6) at Pittsburgh (9-5)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Chiefs 24, Steelers 21

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 708.

Line: Steelers by 3. O/U: 46 1/2.

Ben Roethlisberger has been sacked 32 times this season — low for him — but Kansas City has a way of getting to quarterbacks. The Chiefs’ offense will present problems.

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Detroit (10-4) at Chicago (5-9)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Lions 31, Bears 21

TV: None. DirecTV: 709.

Line: Lions by 9. O/U: 44 1/2.

The Bears are a broken team. Barring any strange twists, the Lions should be able to run away with this one, setting up a showdown for first place at Green Bay in the finale.

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Minnesota (6-8) at Miami (7-7)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Dolphins 24, Vikings 21

TV: None. DirecTV: 710.

Line: Dolphins by 6 1/2. O/U: 42 1/2.

Neither of these teams are winning enough, but they’re both playing mostly solid football (except for Miami’s third-quarter meltdown in New England). Dolphins are a bit more explosive.

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Atlanta (5-9) at New Orleans (6-8)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Saints 31, Falcons 28

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 711.

Line: Saints by 6. O/U: 56.

At some point, the Saints need to prove they can win a big game at home. As it is, they have lost four in a row at the Superdome. Falcons aren’t complete pushovers, so this is close.

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Green Bay (10-4) at Tampa Bay (2-12)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Packers 34, Buccaneers 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 712.

Line: Packers by 10 1/2. O/U: 48 1/2.

Aaron Rodgers is coming off one of the worst games of his career. That won’t last. The Packers will shift into high gear and win easily, setting up a Week 17 game for all the marbles.

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NY Giants (5-9) at St. Louis (6-8)

Sunday, 1 p.m.

Rams 24, Giants 21

TV: None. DirecTV: 713.

Line: Rams by 5. O/U: 43 1/2.

Giants rookie receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is likely to have a big day, maybe with some double moves on those corners who jump everything, but St. Louis should still win this one.

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Indianapolis (10-4) at Dallas (10-4)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Colts 28, Cowboys 24

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 714.

Line: Cowboys by 3. O/U: 55 1/2.

Colts have a remote chance of getting the No. 2 berth, so they have a reason to keep their foot on the gas. Indianapolis gets the edge, especially with a banged-up DeMarco Murray questionable to play.

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Buffalo (8-6) at Oakland (2-12)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Bills 21, Raiders 14

TV: None. DirecTV: 715.

Line: Bills by 5 1/2. O/U: 39.

Bills are still in the playoff hunt and their defense is playing tough. The Raiders aren’t going to roll over, especially at home, but give it to the team that has more on the line.

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Seattle (10-4) at Arizona (11-3)

Sunday, 5:30 p.m.

Seahawks 16, Cardinals 13

TV: Channel 4.

Line: Seahawks by 8. O/U: 36 1/2.

The Cardinals are on their fourth quarterback, and that’s never good. They’re running the ball well, though, and an upset isn’t out of the question. Seattle, in a close one.

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Denver (11-3) at Cincinnati (9-4-1)

Monday, 5:30 p.m.

Broncos 27, Bengals 23

TV: ESPN.

Line: Broncos by 3. O/U: 47 1/2.

The Broncos are running the ball well but struggling with the pass. Something’s amiss. Cincinnati needs this game more. Still, Bengals have a habit of gagging in prime time.