The Times’ NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week’s matchups. Lines according to FanDuel Sportsbook (O/U = over/under). Last week’s record 7-7 (.500); season 89-60-1 (.597). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 8-6 (.571); season 71-76-3 (.483). Off: Jacksonville, Miami, Seattle, Tampa Bay. Times Pacific.
Thursday, 5:20 p.m.
TV: Amazon Prime Video.
Line: Packers by 3. O/U: 41.
A home game on a short week favors the Packers, who are coming off a big win. Titans are banged up, especially on defense, but Derrick Henry can do some damage against this bad run defense.
Prediction: Packers 21, Titans 20
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 705.
Line: Bills by 8 1/2. O/U: 43 1/2.
After an emotional loss, the Bills bounce back in a big way with Josh Allen carving up a suspect secondary. The Browns were pushed around by the Dolphins last week to drop to 1-3 on the road.
Prediction: Bills 34, Browns 17
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 706.
Line: Eagles by 6 1/2. O/U: 43 1/2.
Colts are riding high after beating the Raiders in Jeff Saturday’s coaching debut. Jonathan Taylor should get some traction against a shaky Eagles run defense, but Philly will rebound from loss.
Prediction: Eagles 24, Colts 18
Matthew Stafford is still in concussion protocol but is expected to be cleared before the Rams’ game at New Orleans. However, he will behind another new line ane will be short on receivers.
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 707.
Line: Patriots by 3 1/2. O/U: 38 1/2.
Prove-it game for the Jets, who never seem to be able to beat the Patriots. Watch for Jets to establish the run and lean on Zach Wilson and a short passing game. Lot at stake. Visitors can win this.
Prediction: Jets 24, Patriots 21
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 708.
Line: Falcons by 3. O/U: 49 1/2.
The Bears have made games interesting with Justin Fields running, even though they’ve lost six of seven. The Falcons aren’t much better and just got thumped by Carolina. Chicago finally gets it done.
Prediction: Bears 28, Falcons 24
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 709.
Line: Ravens by 13. O/U: 41 1/2.
Baltimore is better but the Panthers have some grit and can hang in games when they’re big underdogs. The Ravens eventually pull away in this matchup, but Carolina makes it interesting.
Prediction: Ravens 24, Panthers 16
Chargers star safety Derwin James Jr. has done a good job containing Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce in the past, but latest matchup will be another key to victory.
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 710.
Line: Commanders by 3 1/2. O/U: 40 1/2.
Could be a trap game for Washington, which has won four of five and spoiled Philadelphia’s bid for a perfect season. Commanders should be able to control the clock with the run, but it’s close.
Prediction: Commanders 23, Texans 21
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 711.
Line: Saints by 4 1/2. O/U: 38 1/2.
Matters already were going poorly for the Rams, and then they lost Cooper Kupp to ankle surgery. Saints are in a spiral, too, having scored a total of 23 points the last two games. But they’re at home.
Prediction: Saints 18, Rams 14
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 712.
Line: Giants by 3. O/U: 44 1/2.
After losing five in a row, the Lions have won two straight and are gathering confidence. Saquon Barkley should take a pin to that balloon, though, and Detroit will have a tough time stopping him.
Prediction: Giants 31, Lions 27
Injuries to defensive linemen Otito Ogbonnia and Christian Covington leave the Chargers will just three on the roster after 49ers game.
Sunday, 1:05 p.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 713.
Line: Broncos by 2 1/2. O/U: 41 1/2.
Just wince, baby. Neither coach inspires confidence. Barring a tie, somebody is going to win, though, and the Raiders have more firepower. The Broncos have broken 20 points only twice this season.
Prediction: Raiders 21, Broncos 17
Sunday, 1:25 p.m.
TV: None. DirecTV: 714.
Line: Bengals by 4 1/2. O/U: 40 1/2.
The Bengals are rested after a week off, and they can score in bunches. The Steelers haven’t proved that. Pittsburgh is showing signs of life, but Cincinnati evens the score in the season series.
Prediction: Bengals 28, Steelers 23
Sunday, 1:25 p.m.
TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 715.
Line: Cowboys by 1 1/2. O/U: 47 1/2.
The Cowboys have a ferocious pass rush and create havoc. Kirk Cousins is ready for that, though, and the combination of Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson is a lot to handle. Plus, Minnesota’s at home.
Prediction: Vikings 27, Cowboys 24
Where do NFL fans gather to watch games in Southern California? From Packers to Bears and 49ers to Rams, use our guide to find your game-day spot.
Sunday, 5:20 p.m.
TV: Channel 4.
Line: Chiefs by 5 1/2. O/U: 50 1/2.
The Chargers tend to play the Chiefs tough, so should be interesting for a while. But the Chargers are broken down, just losing two more interior stoppers on their defensive line. Kansas City pulls away.
Prediction: Chiefs 30, Chargers 21
Monday, 5:15 p.m.
TV: ESPN at Mexico City.
Line: 49ers by 8 1/2. O/U: 43 1/2.
Colt McCoy running a depleted Cardinals offense? Go with the 49ers, who are continuing to gain traction in the NFC West and have lots of ways to move the ball. Neutral site and altitude are factors.
Prediction: 49ers 27, Cardinals 21
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