NFL Week 8 picks: 49ers beat Rams; Eagles, Raiders, Cowboys win

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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 8-6 (.571); season 61-46-1 (.570). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 5-9 (.357); season 52-54-2 (.491). Off: Chargers, Chiefs. Times are Pacific.

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Ravens (4-3) at Buccaneers (3-4)

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in action against the Cleveland Browns.

Thursday, 5:15 p.m.

TV: Amazon Prime Video.

Line: Buccaneers by 1 1/2. O/U: 45 1/2

The Buccaneers have lost four of five and somehow scored only three points at Carolina on Sunday. The Ravens have alternated wins and losses every week and are coming off a win.

Prediction: Ravens 24, Buccaneers 21

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Broncos (2-5) vs. Jaguars (2-5)

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. rushes for yardage during the second half against the New York Giants.

Sunday, 6:30 a.m.

TV: ESPN+. DirecTV: 712. (at London).

Line: Jaguars by 2 1/2. O/U: 39 1/2

Both of these teams have dropped four games in a row. Jacksonville gets the edge, though, because even if Russell Wilson is back, he’ll be walking gingerly with that injured hamstring.

Prediction: Jaguars 21, Broncos 17

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Dolphins (4-3) at Lions (1-5)

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert runs the ball during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: None. DirecTV: 705.

Line: Dolphins by 3 1/2. O/U: 51 1/2

The Lions were playing teams close earlier this season yet have averaged a mere three points in their last two games. The Dolphins are climbing back to their feet after stopping a three-game slide.

Prediction: Dolphins 30, Lions 23

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Raiders (3-4) at Saints (2-5)

Las Vegas Raiders safety Duron Harmon intercepts the ball against the Houston Texans.

Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 706.

Line: Raiders by 1 1/2. O/U: 49 1/2

The Raiders are using the run effectively and it has given Derek Carr more time in the play-action. It would help if Darren Waller is able to return and contribute. New Orleans is hobbled and has issues.

Prediction: Raiders 24, Saints 20

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Patriots (3-3) at Jets (5-2)

New England Patriots quarterbacks Bailey Zappe and Mac Jones walk out of the tunnel before a game.

Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: None. DirecTV: 707.

Line: Patriots by 2 1/2 O/U: 40 1/2

Losing Breece Hall and Alijah Vera-Tucker is going to hurt the Jets, who won’t be as powerful on offense. The Patriots aren’t going to look that bad on defense two weeks in a row.

Prediction: Patriots 23, Jets 21

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Steelers (2-5) at Eagles (6-0)

Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts plays during a game.

Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: None. DirecTV: 708.

Line: Eagles by 10 1/2. O/U: 43 1/2

The Eagles are healthy and might be the best team in the league. The Steelers had a great game against Tampa Bay, then came back to earth in a low-scoring slugfest against Miami.

Prediction: Eagles 33, Steelers 21

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Panthers (2-5) at Falcons (3-4)

Atlanta Falcons' Darren Hall, BoPete Keyes, Grady Jarrett and Troy Andersen play during a game.

Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: None. DirecTV: 709.

Line: Falcons by 4 1/2. O/U: 41 1/2

The Panthers are coming off a stunning win over Tampa Bay, but they figure to regress a bit Sunday on the road against a team that runs well. Carolina will miss Christian McCaffrey.

Prediction: Falcons 24, Panthers 16

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Bears (2-4) at Cowboys (5-2)

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott hands the ball off during a game against the Detroit Lions.

Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 710.

Line: Cowboys by 9 1/2. O/U: 42 1/2

The Cowboys’ defense is back on track after a dip in Philadelphia, and Dak Prescott is still finding his footing. Chicago is coming off a big win at New England but don’t expect that to be a trend.

Prediction: Cowboys 27, Bears 20

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Cardinals (3-4) at Vikings (5-1)

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins warms up before a game against the Miami Dolphins.

Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: None. DirecTV: 711.

Line: Vikings by 3 1/2. O/U: 48 1/2

The Cardinals have lost 10 in a row at Minnesota. Make it 11 after Sunday, as the Vikings are coming off their bye and have the NFC North title in their sights. Offense is rolling.

Prediction: Vikings 28, Cardinals 21

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Titans (4-2) at Texans (1-4-1)

Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill looks for a receiver during their game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Sunday, 1:05 p.m.

TV: None. DirecTV: 712.

Line: Titans by 2 1/2. O/U: 40 1/2

The Titans aren’t that good, but Mike Vrabel has his team prepared. The Texans are going to control the clock with the run and they’ll be moderately effective that way, but not good enough.

Prediction: Titans 26, Texans 21

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Commanders (3-4) at Colts (3-3-1)

Indianapolis Colts running back Deon Jackson is knocked off his feet during a game against the Tennessee Titans.

Sunday, 1:25 p.m.

TV: None. DirecTV: 713.

Line: Colts by 3. O/U: 39 1/2

The Commanders have won two in a row, and the Colts have a new (and inexperienced) quarterback under center. Still, if Sam Ehlinger doesn’t take a ton of sacks and turn it over, Indianapolis can win.

Prediction: Colts 24, Commanders 20

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49ers (3-4) at Rams (3-3)

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey runs the ball in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Sunday, 1:25 p.m.

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 714.

Line: 49ers by 1 1/2. O/U: 42 1/2

Even though San Francisco has lost two in a row, giving up 72 points in the process, the 49ers have the Rams’ number. The Rams have yet to prove they can consistently win these games.

Prediction: 49ers 28, Rams 24

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Giants (6-1) at Seahawks (4-3)

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley scores a touchdown past Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs.

Sunday, 1:25 p.m.

TV: None. DirecTV: 715.

Line: Seahawks by 3. O/U: 44 1/2

Without D.K. Metcalf, the Seahawks are going to have a much harder time with this one. The Giants are 6-1 and undefeated on the road. What’s more, they’re gathering confidence by the week.

Prediction: Giants 27, Seahawks 23

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Packers (3-4) at Bills (5-1)

Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller rushes against Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr.

Sunday, 5:20 p.m.

TV: Channel 4.

Line: Bills by 10 1/2. O/U: 47 1/2

Green Bay’s pass defense is pretty good, and the Bills don’t run it great. But Josh Allen is so dangerous, and that Buffalo front seven is beastly. Aaron Rodgers is going to be swarmed.

Prediction: Bills 35, Packers 24

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Bengals (4-3) at Browns (2-5)

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase makes a catch for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons defense.

Monday, 5:15 p.m.

TV: ESPN.

Line: Bengals by 3. O/U: 47

The Bengals are getting it rolling. Joe Burrow has lots of targets and the Bengals’ defense has been solid all season. The Browns have Nick Chubb, who is an amazing runner, but little else.

Prediction: Bengals 28, Browns 24