Sam Farmer’s NFL Week 6 picks

The Times’ NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week’s matchups. Lines according to Pregame.com (O/U = over/under). Last week’s record 11-3 (.786); season, 51-26 (.662). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 7-6-1 (.539); season, 47-28-2 (.627). Dallas, Oakland, St. Louis and Tampa Bay have the week off.

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Cincinnati (5-0) at Buffalo (3-2)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Bengals 30, Bills 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 705.

Line: Bengals by 3. O/U: 42 1/2.

QB Tyrod Taylor has been shouldering a lot of the offensive load for the Bills, but has taken a beating. Buffalo has a lot of injuries. The Bengals are getting great play from QB Andy Dalton.

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Denver (5-0) at Cleveland (2-3)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Broncos 20, Browns 13

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 706.

Line: Broncos by 4 1/2. O/U: 42 1/2.

This will be closer than some people think. The Broncos get it done on the strength of their defense. Josh McCown isn’t going to throw for 450 yards on them the way he did versus Baltimore.

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Houston (1-4) at Jacksonville (1-4)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Jaguars 20, Texans 18

TV: None. DirecTV: 707.

Line: Pick ’em. O/U: 42 1/2.

The Texans have no continuity with their offense, and their defense isn’t playing especially well, either. Blake Bortles has shown flashes of competence for the Jaguars, and if he can avoid turnovers.

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Kansas City (1-4) at Minnesota (2-2)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Vikings 24, Chiefs 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 708.

Line: Vikings by 4. O/U: 44.

The Chiefs are not the same without Jamaal Charles, even though they have other talented players. The Vikings can control clock with the running of Adrian Peterson and should win at home.

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Miami (1-3) at Tennessee (1-3)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Dolphins 21, Titans 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 709.

Line: Titans by 2 1/2. O/U: 43 1/2.

The Dolphins are loaded with talent but can’t seem to get it together. Maybe their coaching change will help. Marcus Mariota has played pretty well, but the Dolphins get the edge against a rookie QB.

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Chicago (2-3) at Detroit (0-5)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Lions 24, Bears 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 710.

Line: Lions by 3. O/U: 43 1/2.

Hard to say the Lions have a home-field advantage when fans start booing them in the first quarter, which has happened. Although Bears are on uptick, the Lions have enough weapons to finally win.

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Washington (2-3) at NY Jets (3-1)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Jets 24, Redskins 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 711.

Line: Jets by 6. O/U: 41.

The Jets are coming off a bye and are healthy. They can stop the run, and that takes away a lot of what the Redskins try to do. Todd Bowles has that defense up to speed and that makes the difference.

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Arizona (4-1) at Pittsburgh (3-2)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Cardinals 31, Steelers 24

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 712.

Line: Cardinals by 3. O/U: 44 1/2.

The Steelers are coming off a huge road win at San Diego, one that could be a springboard for the franchise. Still, Arizona is explosive and can stretch the field, and its defense is starting to click.

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Carolina (4-0) at Seattle (2-3)

Sunday, 1 p.m.

Seahawks 17, Panthers 13

TV: None. DirecTV: 713.

Line: Seahawks by 7. O/U: 41.

The Panthers are undefeated, but haven’t played anybody. They’re getting Luke Kuechly back, which will help. Seattle’s offensive line is brutal, but Seattle finds a way to win at home.

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San Diego (2-3) at Green Bay (5-0)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Packers 27, Chargers 21

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 714.

Line: Packers by 10 1/2. O/U: 50 1/2.

Last week was a reminder that the Packers aren’t immune to bad play. But they seldom lose at home. With San Diego coming off a short week and a wrenching home defeat, Green Bay gets the nod.

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Baltimore (1-4) at San Francisco (1-4)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Ravens 17, 49ers 13

TV: None. DirecTV: 715.

Line: Ravens by 2 1/2. O/U: 44.

This is a Super Bowl flashback, but, boy, how the mighty have fallen. The 49ers looked respectable in almost beating the Giants, but the Ravens will do a decent job of slowing down the run and will win.

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New England (4-0) at Indianapolis (3-2)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Patriots 42, Colts 20

TV: Channel 4.

Line: Patriots by 8. O/U: 55.

Last time teams met was in the AFC title game, when the Deflategate controversy started. Even if Bill Belichick were to take his foot off the gas — and he won’t — Tom Brady wouldn’t let him.

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NY Giants (3-2) at Philadelphia (2-3)

Monday, 5:30 p.m.

Giants 27, Eagles 24

TV: ESPN.

Line: Eagles by 4. O/U: 49 1/2.

At full strength, the Giants have more firepower offensively. But with Odell Beckham Jr., Rueben Randle and Victor Cruz hobbled by injuries, this figures to be close. Eagles have some momentum.