Sam Farmer’s Week 4 NFL picks
Lines according to Glantz-Culver (O/U = over/under). Last week’s record: 7-9 (.438); season 27-21 (.563). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the handicapped record would have been 7-9 (.438); season 20-28 (.417).
N.Y. Jets at Buffalo
Records: 2-1; 0-3
When: Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: none. DirecTV: 704
Line: Jets by 5. O/U: 36
The Bills put up a surprisingly good fight against the Patriots last week, but they don’t match up well against this Jets defense. Jets 17, Bills 9
Cincinnati at Cleveland
Records: 2-1; 0-3
When: Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: none. DirecTV: 705
Line: Bengals by 3. O/U: 37
The Bengals have won the last three meetings, though this time the Browns finally break out of their downward spiral — for a week. Browns 14, Bengals 13
Baltimore at Pittsburgh
Records: 2-1; 3-0
When: Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 706
Line: Steelers by 1. O/U: 34
These are two of the best defenses in the league, which — in this bizarro season — probably means there will be a lot of scoring. Steelers 24, Ravens 21
Denver at Tennessee
Records: 1-2; 2-1
When: Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: none. DirecTV: 707
Line: Titans by 6. O/U: 42
The Titans are still looking to get their passing game going. When they do, that will create even more opportunities for Chris Johnson. Titans 20, Broncos 16
Detroit at Green Bay
Records: 0-3; 2-1
When: Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: none. DirecTV: 708
Line: Packers by 14. O/U: 45
The Packers have to come out a lot sharper than they did in their penalty-filled loss to the Bears. The Lions will keep things interesting. Packers 28, Lions 21
San Francisco at Atlanta
Records: 0-3; 2-1
When: Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: none. DirecTV: 709
Line: Falcons by 7. O/U: 42
The 49ers are reeling, and firing their offensive coordinator is only the first shoe to drop. Atlanta has to watch for an emotional letdown. Falcons 30, 49ers 24
Carolina at New Orleans
Records: 0-3; 2-1
When: Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 710
Line: Saints by 13. O/U: 44
The Panthers would like to control the clock by running the ball, but the Saints can turn this into a shootout in short order. Saints 31, Panthers 17
Seattle at St. Louis
Records: 2-1; 1-2
When: Sunday, 10 a.m.
TV: none. DirecTV: 711
Line: Seahawks by 1. O/U: 39
Even though the Seahawks have won their last five games in St. Louis, four of those matchups were tight games. The Rams are rising. Rams 21, Seahawks 20
Indianapolis at Jacksonville
Records: 2-1; 1-2
When: Sunday, 1 p.m.
TV: none. DirecTV: 712
Line: Colts by 7. O/U: 46
Establishing the run will be difficult against a stout Jacksonville front. Peyton Manning should be able to pick apart that secondary, though. Colts 27, Jaguars 16
Houston at Oakland
Records: 2-1; 1-2
When: Sunday, 1 p.m.
TV: none. DirecTV: 713
Line: Texans by 3. O/U: 43
The Texans have given up 24, 27 and 27 points, and their defense has some holes. Matt Schaub gets the nod over Bruce Gradkowski in a shootout, however. Texans 27, Raiders 24
Washington at Philadelphia
Records: 1-2; 2-1
When: Sunday, 1:15 p.m.
TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 714
Line: Eagles by 6. O/U: 43
If the Redskins couldn’t stop those St. Louis receivers, they’re not going to be able to corral DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Brent Celek. Eagles 31, Redskins 20
Arizona at San Diego
Records: 2-1; 1-2
When: Sunday, 1:15 p.m.
TV: none. DirecTV: 715
Line: Chargers by 8. O/U: 46
As long as they can patch the holes in their coverage units, the Chargers should win handily in a place where they have won five of six against Arizona. Chargers 28, Cardinals 17
Chicago at N.Y. Giants
Records: 3-0; 1-2
When: Sunday, 5:15 p.m.
TV: Channel 4.
Line: Giants by 4. O/U: 44
The Bears have won seven of eight the week after Monday night games. The Giants are really struggling, particularly running the ball. Bears 24, Giants 20
New England at Miami
Records: 2-1; 2-1
When: Monday, 5:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Line: Patriots by 1. O/U: 46
The Dolphins have a lot of creative ways to attack a defense, and the Patriots have shown a tendency for breakdowns on that side of the ball. Dolphins 21, Patriots 20
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