The Times’ NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week’s matchups. Lines according to Pregame.com (O/U = over/under). Last week’s record 11-5 (.688); season 151-72-1 (.677).
Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread would have been 8-8 (.500); season 115-104-5(.525). Times are Pacific.
Saturday, 10 a.m.
TV: NFL Network.
Line: Buccaneers by 10. O/U: 54.
Good teams can step on the gas when needed, and the Buccaneers have shown that ability at critical times this season. Their come-from-behind victory last week was a confidence builder.
Prediction: Buccaneers 31, Lions 16
Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
TV: Amazon Prime.
Line: Cardinals by 5. O/U: 481/2.
The Cardinals smacked the 49ers in the mouth in the opener, and that’s before San Francisco was ravaged with injuries. Now, incentivized by the playoff implications, Arizona pulls off a sweep.
Prediction: Cardinals 27, 49ers 23
Saturday, 5:15 p.m.
TV: NFL Network.
Line: Dolphins by 3. O/U: 471/2.
Defense leads the way for the Dolphins, and it steps up big time in this one. Marcus Mariota makes things interesting for the Raiders, but Tua Tagovailoa is gathering some confidence for Miami too.
Prediction: Dolphins 28, Raiders 21
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 705.
Line: Bears by 71/2. O/U: 47.
Big game for Bears. They’re finally giving the ball to David Montgomery a ton and letting Mitch Trubisky be more of a game manager. The Jaguars can hang in there with teams, but not for long.
Prediction: Bears 28, Jaguars 17
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 706
Line: Colts by 11/2. O/U: 441/2.
Steelers receivers can beat man coverage, but the Colts don’t play a lot of man. They play a lot of two-deep coverage and stop the run. That, and Philip Rivers, is the winning formula.
Prediction: Colts 24, Steelers 18
Sunday, 1:05 p.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 707.
Line: Pick ’em. O/U: 421/2.
Could be a close game, ugly and low-scoring, especially with Washington’s issues at quarterback. But can Carolina’s offense get enough done against a Washington defense that can be ferocious?
Prediction: Washington 17, Panthers 14
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 708.
Line: Browns by 91/2. O/U: 471/2.
Throw out last week, and the Jets’ stunning upset of the Rams. The Browns have that swagger and an offense to back it up. With its ability to run, Cleveland could do some damage in postseason.
Prediction: Browns 35, Jets 24
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 709.
Line: Ravens by 101/2. O/U: 44.
The Giants are done. Baltimore is playing desperate, and Lamar Jackson is starting to look like himself again. The Ravens can run, and will do so even against a Giants defense that sometimes plays well.
Prediction: Ravens 28, Giants 17
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 710.
Line: Texans by 71/2. O/U: 46.
Cincinnati’s defense played great against Pittsburgh on Monday, but the Texans’ offense has too much firepower. QB Deshaun Watson has been better since the coaching change, taking what is given.
Prediction: Texans 28, Bengals 21
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 711.
Line: Chiefs by 101/2. O/U: 531/2.
The Falcons have been playing better defense with Raheem Morris as coach, and will do OK against run. But Patrick Mahomes can sling it, and that will put pressure on Matt Ryan to play catch-up.
Prediction: Chiefs 35, Falcons 20
Sunday, 1:05 p.m.
TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 712.
Line: Chargers by 3. O/U: 49.
The Chargers keep it rolling. Denver’s offense is young but has pieces to be good. The Chargers should be better on defense than they are. Still, Keenan Allen (hamstring) will have a good game if he plays.
Prediction: Chargers 31, Broncos 27
Sunday, 1:25 p.m.
TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 713.
Line: Seahawks by 1. O/U: 471/2.
Every so often, the Rams are as flat as can be, and that has to scare them. They usually play well against Seattle, will bounce back from flameout vs. Jets, and Darrell Henderson could have a big game.
Prediction: Rams 28, Seahawks 24
Sunday, 1:25 p.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 714.
Line: Eagles by 21/2. O/U: 491/2.
Bit by bit, Jalen Hurts is proving it by the week. Philadelphia is starting to get healthier on offense and that’s the difference. The Cowboys’ defense is all-time bad and has its hands full in this one.
Prediction: Eagles 31, Cowboys 23
Sunday, 5:20 p.m.
TV: Channel 4.
Line: Packers by 31/2. O/U: 56.
Two high-scoring teams in what could be a snowy shootout. Ryan Tannehill has been fantastic, but it’s hard to bet against Aaron Rodgers in these situations, especially if weather is a factor.
Prediction: Packers 31, Titans 27
Monday, 5:15 p.m.
TV: ESPN.
Line: Bills by 7. O/U: 46.
Year after year, the Bills have been beaten down by New England. Buffalo exacts some measure of revenge. Postseason seeding is in play and Josh Allen, playing at an MVP level, does a little rubbing it in.
Prediction: Bills 34, Patriots 17
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