Go beyond the scoreboard
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The Times’ NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week’s matchups. Lines according to FanDuel Sportsbook (O/U = over/under). Last week’s record 11-5 (.688); season 38-26 (.594). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 7-9 (.438); season 30-34 (.469). Off: Chargers, Browns, Seahawks, Buccaneers. All times Pacific.
2
Bears (0-4) at Commanders (2-2)
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell in action against the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia.
(Rich Schultz / Associated Press)
Thursday, 5:20 p.m.
TV: Amazon Prime Video
Line: Commanders by 5½. O/U: 44½.
The Commanders are better. QB Justin Fields got hot last Sunday against a bad Denver defense. Washington is a more formidable opponent and should be able to handle this at home.
Prediction: Commanders 27, Bears 17
3
Jaguars (2-2) vs. Bills (3-1)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen throws a pass during the second half against the Miami Dolphins in Orchard Park, N.Y.
(Adrian Kraus / Associated Press)
Sunday, 6:30 a.m.
TV: NFL Network (in London)
Line: Bills by 5½. O/U: 48½.
Losing cornerback Tre’Davious White to a torn Achilles hurts the Bills, but that Buffalo defense still is really tough. The Jaguars will hang in there, but QB Josh Allen will help his team pull away.
Prediction: Bills 28, Jaguars 23
4
Ravens (3-1) at Steelers (2-2)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) celebrates with wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) after scoring a 7-yard touchdown during the first half against the Cleveland Browns.
(Sue Ogrocki / Associated Press)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: Channel 2
Line: Ravens by 4. O/U: 38½.
Even with the injuries piling up, the Ravens keep winning. Go with the team that has the best player on the field, and that’s Ravens QB Lamar Jackson. Still, this always seems to be a close game.
Prediction: Ravens 23, Steelers 18
5
Saints (2-2) at Patriots (1-3)
(Adam Hunger / Associated Press)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: NFL Ticket
Line: Saints by 1. O/U: 40.
The Saints have yet to score more than 20 points. The Patriots are coming off the biggest blowout loss in Bill Belichick’s career. Go with the Hall of Fame coach bouncing back from embarrassment.
Prediction: Patriots 21, Saints 17
Rams receiver Cooper Kupp (hamstring) was not limited in practice and Matthew Stafford (hip) also appeared healthy in practice for a home game against Eagles on Sunday.
6
Texans (2-2) at Falcons (2-2)
(David J. Phillip / Associated Press)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: NFL Ticket
Line: Falcons by 2½. O/U: 41½.
Coach DeMeco Ryans has his young defense on point, and C.J. Stroud has looked like the best rookie QB by far. QB Desmond Ridder is struggling in Atlanta, although the Falcons do have weapons.
Prediction: Texans 24, Falcons 20
7
Panthers (0-4) at Lions (3-1)
(Mike Roemer / Associated Press)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: NFL Ticket
Line: Lions by 9½. O/U: 44½.
The Lions are legit. Carolina’s defense is hanging in there, but the offense is awful. Detroit is way too physical and can run and pass. QB Jared Goff has looked great, and his defense has improved.
Prediction: Lions 27, Panthers 16
8
Titans (2-2) at Colts (2-2)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry is introduced before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
(John Amis / Associated Press)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: NFL Ticket
Line: Titans by 1. O/U: 42½.
Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson was impressive in fighting back against the Rams last Sunday. Difficult to know what you’re getting from the Titans. They look lousy then great. Go with experience.
Prediction: Titans 24, Colts 21
9
Giants (1-3) at Dolphins (3-1)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa calls out a play during the first half against the Denver Broncos.
(Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: NFL Ticket
Line: Dolphins by 10½. O/U: 49½.
The Giants have massive problems, especially along the offensive line where they have used huge draft capital yet gave up 11 sacks to Seattle. The Dolphins figure to bounce back after a lackluster loss.
Prediction: Dolphins 31, Giants 20
J.C. Jackson will get a fresh start in a familiar place. Jackson is headed back to New England after the Chargers and Patriots agreed to a trade.
10
Eagles (4-0) at Rams (2-2)
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick reacts during a game against the Washington Commanders.
(Chris Szagola / Associated Press)
Sunday, 1:05 p.m.
TV: Channel 11
Line: Eagles by 4½. O/U: 50½.
Matthew Stafford showed his toughness in an overtime win at Indianapolis and got it done with a cobbled-together crew. But the Eagles are so good in the trenches, it’s hard to bet against them.
Prediction: Eagles 27, Rams 23
11
Bengals (1-3) at Cardinals (1-3)
(Michael Conroy / Associated Press)
Sunday, 1:05 p.m.
TV: NFL Ticket
Line: Bengals by 3. O/U: 44½.
Tanking doesn’t work in the NFL, not with players playing for their careers every season. Arizona is a prime example, much tougher than people thought. Still, the struggling Bengals have more talent.
Prediction: Bengals 24, Cardinals 20
12
Chiefs (3-1) at Vikings (1-3)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes runs with the ball against the New York Jets.
(Bryan Woolston / Associated Press)
Sunday, 1:25 p.m.
TV: Channel 2
Line: Chiefs by 5½. O/U: 53½.
Both offenses can put up points, but Kansas City’s defense is significantly better than Minnesota’s. If the Chiefs get an occasional stop, force a field goal here or there, that could be the difference.
Prediction: Chiefs 30, Vikings 24
13
Jets (1-3) at Broncos (1-3)
New York Jets’ players celebrate after a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in East Rutherford, N.J.
(Bryan Woolston / Associated Press)
Sunday, 1:25 p.m.
TV: NFL Ticket
Line: Broncos by 1½. O/U: 43½.
Even though they lost to Kansas City, the Jets turned a corner in believing in QB Zach Wilson. He got the ball out and knew where to go with it. Denver still is finding its way, and that defense is vulnerable.
Prediction: Jets 23, Broncos 17
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.
14
Cowboys (3-1) at 49ers (4-0)
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, left, celebrates with offensive tackle Trent Williams after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals.
(Godofredo A. Vásquez / Associated Press)
Sunday, 5:20 p.m.
TV: Channel 4
Line: 49ers by 3½. O/U: 45.
The 49ers are the most complete team in the league. Watch Christian McCaffrey. They will try to put the game on Dak Prescott’s shoulders — just as they have in 49ers playoff wins the last two years.
Prediction: 49ers 28, Cowboys 20
15
Packers (2-2) at Raiders (1-3)
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell throws (4) against the Chargers.
(Jeff Lewis / Associated Press)
Monday, 5:15 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Line: Packers by 1½. O/U: 44½.
Both teams are coming off dispiriting divisional losses. The Packers are notoriously slow starters and that could get them in trouble, especially if the Raiders get quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo back.
Prediction: Raiders 24, Packers 20
