The Los Angeles Times' NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week's matchups. Lines according to FanDuel Sportsbook (O/U = over/under). Last week's record 9-5 (.643); season 98-65-1 (.601). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 5-8-1 (.385); season 76-84-4 (.475). Times Pacific.
Ravens (7-3) at Jaguars (3-7)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: Ravens by 4. O/U: 43 1/2.
The Ravens are banged up, but they keep finding ways to win. The Jaguars had an off week so maybe they can find a way to reboot after six losses in seven games. Not this week.
Prediction: Ravens 27, Jaguars 21
Texans (1-8-1) at Dolphins (7-3)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: Dolphins by 13 1/2. O/U: 46 1/2.
The Texans have played a lot of teams close and are going to try to keep running it, but there aren't a lot of teams that have the speed to match up with this Dolphins offense. They're rested and healthy.
Prediction: Dolphins 33, Texans 17
Bengals (6-4) at Titans (7-3)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: Bengals by 2 1/2. O/U: 42 1/2.
Should be a great game. The Bengals are getting hot at the right time and Joe Burrow is playing really well. The Titans' Mike Vrabel gets more out of his players than most every coach in the NFL.
Prediction: Bengals 24, Titans 21
Broncos (3-7) at Panthers (3-8)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: Broncos by 2 1/2. O/U: 36 1/2.
Neither team inspires a lot of confidence. The Panthers are OK on defense, and Denver can't seem to get much going offensively. But the Broncos still have enough to win this matchup on the road.
Prediction: Broncos 16, Panthers 9
Buccaneers (5-5) at Browns (3-7)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: Buccaneers by 3 1/2. O/U: 42 1/2.
Tom Brady is smiling again and finally holding the ball long enough for plays to develop. This isn't a great matchup for the Browns, who want to run and play-action off that. Tampa Bay stops the run.
Prediction: Buccaneers 27, Browns 20
Bears (3-8) at Jets (6-4)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: Jets by 6. O/U: 38 1/2.
The shoulder injury to Justin Fields really would set back the Bears, but he might play. The Jets were a mess on offense last week so they switched to Mike White at quarterback.
Prediction: Bears 20, Jets 16
Falcons (5-6) at Commanders (6-5)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
Line: Commanders by 4. O/U: 41 1/2.
The Falcons don't really throw it, and now Kyle Pitts is out. That puts a lot of pressure on rookie Drake London. Washington is playing well and gaining confidence with Taylor Heinicke at quarterback.
Prediction: Commanders 27, Falcons 21
Chargers (5-5) at Cardinals (4-7)
Sunday, 1:05 p.m.
Line: Chargers by 3. O/U: 48 1/2.
With or without Kyler Murray, the Cardinals are OK at best and their injury list is long. The Chargers are smarting after the loss to Kansas City, but they played well and are getting healthier.
Prediction: Chargers 31, Cardinals 20
Raiders (3-7) at Seahawks (6-4)
Sunday, 1:05 p.m.
Line: Seahawks by 3 1/2. O/U: 47 1/2.
The Raiders stopped their slide by beating a bad Broncos team. Seattle is coming off an off week and D.K. Metcalf should be healthier. Being at home helps and the Seahawks get back on track.
Prediction: Seahawks 28, Raiders 21
Rams (3-7) at Chiefs (8-2)
Sunday, 1:25 p.m.
Line: Chiefs by 15. O/U: 43 1/2.
These franchises are heading in opposite directions. The Rams are ravaged by injuries and matters won't be getting better any time soon. The Chiefs are starting to gather momentum.
Prediction: Chiefs 34, Rams 13
Saints (4-7) at 49ers (6-4)
Sunday, 1:25 p.m.
Line: 49ers by 8 1/2. O/U: 42 1/2.
Getting Elijah Mitchell back allows the 49ers to use Christian McCaffrey more strategically. This is going to be a tough team down the stretch. The Saints will not be.
Prediction: 49ers 28, Saints 17
Packers (4-7) at Eagles (9-1)
Sunday, 5:20 p.m.
Line: Eagles by 6 1/2. O/U: 46 1/2.
The Eagles got a scare at Indianapolis but survived it. That should have them tuned up to handle a really bad Green Bay team. Packers receivers will have a hard time getting open against those corners.
Prediction: Eagles 28, Packers 20
Steelers (3-7) at Colts (4-6-1)
Monday, 5:15 p.m.
Line: Colts by 2 1/2. O/U: 39 1/2.
Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis front seven is the difference. Matt Ryan probably will get sacked a lot, but the Colts have enough to give Jeff Saturday his second win.
Prediction: Colts 24, Steelers 18
