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 12-4 (.750); season 70-52 (.574). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 7-8-1 (.467); season 52-68-2 (.433). OFF: Broncos, Lions, Jaguars, 49ers. (Editor’s note: Farmer’s score prediction matched the result of the Thursday game between Tampa Bay and Buffalo.) All times Pacific.
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Titans (3-4) at Steelers (4-3)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) carries the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
(Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press)
Thursday, 5:20 p.m.
TV: Amazon Prime Video
Line: Steelers by 2 1/2. O/U: 36 1/2.
Tennessee’s offensive line hasn’t stopped anybody good, so T.J. Watt will be a problem. The Steelers will throw a lot of different looks at rookie QB Will Levis, whose team is better at home than on the road.
Prediction: Steelers 21, Titans 17
3
Dolphins (6-2) vs. Chiefs (6-2)
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay (50) and Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna (51) celebrate against the Denver Broncos.
(Bart Young / Associated Press)
Sunday, 6:30 a.m. at Frankfurt, Germany
TV: NFL Network
Line: Chiefs by 2 1/2. O/U: 50 1/2.
The Chiefs were embarrassed last week, scoring just nine points in a loss at Denver. QB Patrick Mahomes had the stomach flu and wasn’t himself. They are in bounce-back mode for this matchup.
Prediction: Chiefs 28, Dolphins 24
4
Rams (3-5) at Packers (2-5)
Rams safety Jordan Fuller is seen during a game against the Dallas Cowboys.
(Brandon Wade / Associated Press)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: Channel 11
Line: Packers by 3. O/U: 39 1/2.
Stay away from betting this game because of the uncertainty at quarterback for the Rams. Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry, formerly of the Rams, knows this opponent. Still, Green Bay is pretty bad.
Prediction: Rams 20, Packers 17
5
Vikings (4-4) at Falcons (4-4)
(George Walker IV / Associated Press)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: NFL Ticket
Line: Falcons by 4 1/2. O/U: 37 1/2.
The Falcons lack a great pass rush but might not need one to fluster Vikings rookie QB Jaren Hall, making his debut. Atlanta controls the clock with the run and has automatic kicker Younghoe Koo.
Prediction: Falcons 23, Vikings 13
Matthew Stafford didn’t practice Wednesday because of his injured thumb, but the Rams, who signed quarterback Dresser Winn, don’t rule him out for Sunday.
6
Seahawks (5-2) at Ravens (6-2)
Baltimore Ravens safety Geno Stone (26) celebrates his interception with teammates against the Arizona Cardinals.
(Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: NFL Ticket
Line: Ravens by 5 1/2. O/U: 42 1/2.
Seattle has struggled with running QBs, so Lamar Jackson could present problems. Geno Smith has been erratic lately, with two picks versus Cleveland in a game the Seahawks probably should have lost.
Prediction: Ravens 23, Seahawks 18
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Cardinals (1-7) at Browns (4-3)
Cleveland Browns quarterback PJ Walker runs the ball against the Seattle Seahawks.
(Lindsey Wasson / Associated Press)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: NFL Ticket
Line: Browns by 7 1/2. O/U: 37 1/2.
No matter who starts at quarterback for the Browns (no clear answer), the big problem for Arizona is going to be that Cleveland defense. The Cardinals have a decent ground game but that’s about it.
Prediction: Browns 21, Cardinals 12
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Buccaneers (3-4) at Texans (3-4)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (88) looks at the sideline from the field against the Buffalo Bills.
(Gary McCullough / Associated Press)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: NFL Ticket
Line: Texans by 3. O/U: 40.
Losing to Carolina last week was a big blow to the Texans, who will have problems running in this matchup. This matchup should be close, and Tampa will throw a lot of looks at rookie C.J. Stroud.
Prediction: Buccaneers 23, Texans 21
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Commanders (3-5) at Patriots (2-6)
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones drops back to pass against the Miami Dolphins.
(Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: NFL Ticket
Line: Patriots by 3 1/2. O/U: 40 1/2.
Neither team is going anywhere. New England’s defense has been playing a bit better lately, and that’s not good news for Commanders QB Sam Howell, a sack magnet. The home team wins on defense.
Prediction: Patriots 19, Commanders 16
10
Bears (2-6) at Saints (4-4)
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr celebrates a first down against the Indianapolis Colts.
(Michael Conroy / Associated Press)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: NFL Ticket
Line: Saints by 7 1/2. O/U: 41.
Saints QB Derek Carr is starting to develop chemistry with his weapons and the Saints’ point total is ticking upward by the week. Bears QB Tyson Bagent is gutsy, but his team doesn’t have much firepower.
Prediction: Saints 28, Bears 17
The Las Vegas Raiders fired coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler on Tuesday night, the club announced.
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Colts (3-5) at Panthers (1-6)
(Michael Conroy / Associated Press)
Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: Channel 2
Line: Colts by 2 1/2. O/U: 44 1/2.
The Colts have lost three weeks in a row but have put up points against a trio of good defenses. The Panthers got their first win last Sunday but will have a tough time keeping Indianapolis under 20.
Prediction: Colts 24, Panthers 16
12
Cowboys (5-2) at Eagles (7-1)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin (9) is seen during a game the Rams.
(Brandon Wade / Associated Press)
Sunday, 1:25 p.m.
TV: Channel 11
Line: Eagles by 3. O/U: 46.
This figures to be fairly high-scoring and close. Jalen Hurts is banged up, and that’s a concern versus a swarming Dallas defense. Dak Prescott, coming off a monster game, could have his line at full strength.
Prediction: Cowboys 27, Eagles 23
13
Giants (2-6) at Raiders (3-5)
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper runs the ball against the Detroit Lions.
(Rick Osentoski / Associated Press)
Sunday, 1:25 p.m.
TV: NFL Ticket
Line: Raiders by 1 1/2. O/U: 37 1/2.
Big changes for the Raiders, who fired their coach, offensive coordinator and GM. Sometimes dramatic moves provide a burst for a team, and it doesn’t take much burst to topple the Giants.
Prediction: Raiders 17, Giants 13
14
Bills (5-3) at Bengals (4-3)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) reacts after a first down against the San Francisco 49ers.
(Scot Tucker / Associated Press)
Sunday, 5:20 p.m.
TV: Channel 4.
Line: Bengals by 2 1/2. O/U: 48 1/2.
Premier teams, top-shelf quarterbacks. While Cincinnati has been gathering momentum, Buffalo has been alternating wins and losses. That trend continues, and the Bengals hold on at home.
Prediction: Bengals 28, Bills 24
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.
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Chargers (3-4) at Jets (4-3)
Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack takes the field before a game against the Chicago Bears.
(Kyusung Gong / Associated Press)
Monday, 5:15 p.m.
TV: Channel 7, ESPN
Line: Chargers by 3. O/U: 41 1/2.
The Jets are finding ways to win. The Chargers, though coming off a convincing victory, are going to have a hard time dealing with the Jets’ defensive front. Still, too much firepower on the visitors’ side.
Prediction: Chargers 24, Jets 20
