The Los Angeles Times' NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week's matchups. Lines according to Pregame.com (O/U = over/under). Farmer's record last season was 174-82, for a winning percentage of .680. Using point spreads with the scores Farmer had predicted, the record against the spread last season would have been 124-119-13, for a winning percentage of .510. Team records below are from last season. Times are Eastern.
BUF (9-7) at BAL (9-7)
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Ravens 24, Bills 13
TV: None. DirecTV: 705.
Line: Ravens by 7{. O/U: 40{.
Pivotal season for John Harbaugh and Joe Flacco in Baltimore. The Bills figure to struggle this season. Nathan Peterman isn't going to blow anybody away, and especially on the road.
PIT (13-3) at CLE (0-16)
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Steelers 38, Browns 17
TV: None. DirecTV: 706.
Line: Steelers by 4. O/U: 44.
The Browns are going to be vastly improved. Then again, they were 0-16 last year. Ben Roethlisberger owns Ohio, and the Steelers will make clear there's still an AFC North pecking order.
CIN (7-9) at IND (4-12)
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Bengals 31, Colts 21
TV: None. DirecTV: 707.
Line: Colts by 2{. O/U: 48.
It's great that Andrew Luck is back, but the last Colts regime did a lousy job of building a roster around him. The Bengals are loaded with offensive talent and could do some damage on that side.
HOU (4-12) at NE (13-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Texans 27, Patriots 23
TV: None. DirecTV: 708.
Line: Patriots by 6. O/U: 50{.
Deshaun Watson is going to be fun to watch, but this one will fall to the Houston defense, which will be smothering with healthy starters. Patriots have come out flat at home before _ as in, last year.
TEN (9-7) at MIA (6-10)
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Titans 21, Dolphins 17
TV: None. DirecTV: 709.
Line: Titans by 1. O/U: 45.
The Dolphins are an underdog at home, although they might be a little better than expected. They'll have a tough time stopping the run, though, and the Titans are going to grind it out on the ground.
SF (6-10) at MIN (13-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Vikings 28, 49ers 17
TV: Fox. DirecTV: 710.
Line: Vikings by 6{. O/U: 46.
Improved as the 49ers are, they're getting too much hype. They're banged up and facing an opponent that could wind up with a top-five offense and defense. Big debut for Kirk Cousins.
TB (5-11) at NO (11-5)
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Saints 28, Buccaneers 17
TV: None. DirecTV: 711.
Line: Saints by 9{. O/U: 49{.
The expectation is that the Saints will come out and run the way they did last year, but watch for Drew Brees to light up the scoreboard. Buccaneers will struggle without Jameis Winston.
JAC (10-6) at NYG (3-13)
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Jaguars 24, Giants 20
TV: None. DirecTV: 712.
Line: Jaguars by 3. O/U: 43.
Eli Manning looks comfortable in a new scheme and the Giants will take the wrapper off budding star Saquon Barkley. The Jaguars are ultra-talented on defense and have the edge.
KC (10-6) at LAC (9-7)
Sunday, 4 p.m.
Chargers 28, Chiefs 24
TV: CBS. DirecTV: 713.
Line: Chargers by 3. O/U: 48.
The Chiefs have an explosive offense, and Patrick Mahomes is an intriguing talent, but they are old and vulnerable on defense. Philip Rivers will take advantage and get his team started right.
WAS (7-9) at ARI (8-8)
Sunday, 4:15 p.m.
Cardinals 21, Redskins 17
TV: None. DirecTV: 714.
Line: Cardinals by 1. O/U: 43{.
Both teams figure to struggle this season. The Cardinals have David Johnson back, and he could be a pivotal factor. Washington's Adrian Peterson could put up some yards against his old team.
DAL (9-7) at CAR (11-5)
Sunday, 4:15 p.m.
Panthers 21, Cowboys 17
TV: Fox. DirecTV: 715.
Line: Panthers by 3. O/U: 42{.
Everybody is going to load the box against the Cowboys and make Dak Prescott beat them with his arm. The Panthers can stop the run anyway. Cowboys will struggle to score.
SEA (9-7) at DEN (5-11)
Sunday, 4:15 p.m.
Broncos 24, Seahawks 20
TV: None. DirecTV: 716.
Line: Broncos by 3. O/U: 42{.
Hard to pick against the Broncos at home. Case Keenum is solid, and rookie receiver Courtland Sutton is dangerous. Overhauled Seahawks defense will need some time.
CHI (5-11) at GB (7-9)
Sunday, 8:15 p.m.
Packers 24, Bears 20
TV: NBC.
Line: Packers by 7{. O/U: 47.
It's dangerous to bet against Aaron Rodgers, especially at home, and the Packers have won 16 of their last 20 against the Bears. Still, Chicago's defense will keep this interesting.
NYJ (5-11) at DET (9-7)
Monday, 7 p.m.
Lions 28, Jets 21
TV: ESPN.
Line: Lions by 6{. O/U: 45.
There's a lot of excitement surrounding Jets rookie Sam Darnold, but it's tricky to bet on a rookie making his debut on the road. The experienced Matt Stafford gets the nod in this one.
LAR (11-5) at OAK (6-10)
Monday, 10:15 p.m.
Rams 34, Raiders 20
TV: ESPN.
Line: Rams by 4. O/U: 49{.
Rams could be rusty, considering their starters did not play this summer, but that shouldn't hold them back long. The Raiders will be regaining their equilibrium after trading Khalil Mack.
