The Los Angeles Times' NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week's matchups. Lines according to Pregame.com (O/U = over/under). Last week's record 8-7-1 (.533); season 16-14-2 (.533). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 6-10 (.375), All times eastern;
DEN (2-0) at BAL (1-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Ravens 21, Broncos 17
TV: None. DirecTV: 705.
Line: Broncos by 5{. O/U: 44{.
Broncos aren't a powerhouse, but there's a lot to like about them, including a good defense and a QB who can win close games. But this is a tough road game versus a defense that can be smothering.
CIN (2-0) at CAR (1-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Panthers 28, Bengals 24
TV: None. DirecTV: 706.
Line: Panthers by 3. O/U: 43{.
The Bengals are rolling on offense, even though they've now lost Joe Mixon for a couple weeks. But solid teams tend not to lose two in a row, particularly when the second game is at home.
TEN (1-1) at JAC (2-0)
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Jaguars 28, Titans 17
TV: None. DirecTV: 707.
Line: Off the board. O/U: Off the board.
The Jaguars are legit. They're one of the elite teams, and they're at home. Their defense is an East Coast answer to the Rams and isn't likely to falter to Tennessee, no matter who's at QB for the Titans.
OAK (0-2) at MIA (2-0)
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Dolphins 24, Raiders 20
TV: None. DirecTV: 708.
Line: Dolphins by 3. O/U: 45{.
The Raiders got the passing game going at Denver but then did Raiders stuff _ dumb penalties, defensive miscues, etc. The Dolphins are 2-0, a head-scratcher, but they're home against zero pass rush.
BUF (0-2) at MIN (1-0-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Vikings 31, Bills 10
TV: None. DirecTV: 709.
Line: Vikings by 16{. O/U: 40{.
The Bills aren't good, and they're heading into a meat grinder. The Vikings are one of the top teams, and they're steamed after blowing a chance to knock off Green Bay at Lambeau.
NO (1-1) at ATL (1-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Saints 31, Falcons 27
TV: None. DirecTV: 710.
Line: Falcons by 3. O/U: 53{.
The Saints will bounce back after a lackluster Week 2 performance. They have more firepower than the Falcons, and Atlanta losing Deion Jones and Keanu Neal really hurts. Drew Brees gets it done.
NYG (0-2) at HOU (0-2)
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Texans 23, Giants 17
TV: None. DirecTV: 711.
Line: Texans by 6. O/U: 42.
Giants have many offensive weapons, but the line is really bad. The Texans are com ing off a humiliating loss to a bunch of Titans backups. Will Fuller's return helps Deshaun Watson and Houston wins.
SF (1-1) at KC (2-0)
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Chiefs 34, 49ers 27
TV: Fox. DirecTV: 712.
Line: Chiefs by 6{. O/U: 55{.
Patrick Mahomes threw four TD passes in the opener, then six more in Week 2. That's scary. The Chiefs can score in so many ways, plus they're at home. The 49ers scored 30 on a bad Detroit defense.
IND (1-1) at PHI (1-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Eagles 27, Colts 23
TV: None. DirecTV: 713.
Line: Eagles by 6{. O/U: 47{.
Eagles need a win, and good teams don't lose two in a row. Carson Wentz might be rusty, but he'll have the backing of a typically solid defense that will bounce back from embarrassment in Tampa.
GB (1-0-1) at WAS (1-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Packers 28, Redskins 21
TV: None. DirecTV: 714.
Line: Packers by 3. O/U: 45{.
Andrew Luck tore up the Redskins last weekend. The Packers are coming in with Aaron Rodgers, and it doesn't matter if he's on the road or playing on a tender knee. The Packers will run a little too.
LAC (1-1) at LAR (2-0)
Sunday, 4 p.m.
Rams 28, Chargers 24
TV: CBS. DirecTV: 715.
Line: Rams by 7. O/U: 48.
Never count out Philip Rivers, and the Chargers offense is explosive. Their defense isn't the same without Joey Bosa, but talented nonetheless. The Rams look excellent in all three phases.
CHI (1-1) at ARI (0-2)
Sunday, 4:15 p.m.
Bears 24, Cardinals 13
TV: None. DirecTV: 716.
Line: Bears by 5{. O/U: 38.
The Bears defense is too good for a team that didn't cross midfield against the Rams until the final play. The Cardinals need to reboot and rebuild around Josh Rosen, who should be starting at QB.
DAL (1-1) at SEA (0-2)
Sunday, 4:15 p.m.
Seahawks 24, Cowboys 21
TV: Fox. DirecTV: 717.
Line: Seahawks by 1{. O/U: 41{.
Retooled Seahawks have taken a big step backward. The line can't protect Russell Wilson, who has been sacked a league-high 12 times. Cowboys aren't very good, though, and Seattle is still a tough place.
NE (1-1) at DET (0-2)
Sunday, 8:15 p.m.
Patriots 31, Lions 20
TV: NBC.
Line: Patriots by 6{. O/U: 54.
The Patriots aren't going to lose back-to-back games, and certainly not in prime time. They come back and handle business against a defense that is bad, and a Detroit running game that's worse.
PIT (0-1-1) at TB (2-0)
Monday, 8:15 p.m.
Steelers 30, Buccaneers 21
TV: ESPN.
Line: Steelers by 1. O/U: 54.
Is Ryan Fitzpatrick going to throw for 400 yards three weeks in a row? Not against a Steelers team that, albeit flawed, isn't going to lay an egg in prime time. A revealing game for both teams.
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