Sam Farmer, the NFL correspondent for The Times, analyses the games this week. FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines (O/U = over/under). Record for last week: 9–6 (.600); overall: 125–83 (.601). If Farmer’s scores had been used as point spreads, the record against the spread for the previous week would have been 10-4-1 (.714); for the season, it would have been 102-101-5 (.502). All times are Pacific.
Although Jake Browning isn’t Joe Burrow, he is far superior to what most people realised. Although Minnesota’s defence is doing well, the team still needs to find a new quarterback and an offensive identity.
Easton Stick and Aidan O’Connell compete at quarterback. Now that they’ve caught up defensively, the raiders ought to be able to move. It’s not blowing sails for the Chargers anymore.
Detroit suffered a humiliating loss to Chicago, but the Lions have risen over setbacks this year. It won’t be simple to defeat a Denver club that is on the rise and has won six straight games, but support the home team.
The Chiefs have lost three straight games and lost their collective mind after the Buffalo loss. However, they must be able to defeat the Patriots, who will be unable to maintain their attacking pace.
In the first half, the Panthers are able to hang with teams; however, turnovers and other errors start to occur. This game seems to be written that way, with the Falcons dominating the second half.
The Bears have just won two straight division titles. Joe Flacco may be a more dependable player for the Browns than Deshaun Watson was. Cleveland’s defence is their strongest suit.
Lambeau Field football in December is home team advantage, thus the Packers should have Aaron Jones back. Tampa Bay has defeated weak opponents in back-to-back division victories.
After losing by just one score, the Dolphins ought to recover. However, Tyreek Hill is playing on an injured ankle, and they have injuries on the offensive line. The Jets’ defence may cause issues.
With the Giants having won three straight, what is going on? Tommy Devito keeps the momentum going against the unremarkable Saints. Derek Carr of the Saints and his centre nearly faced off. Not favourable.
C.J. Stroud, who started the week in concussion protocol, is a major factor, but backup Davis Mills is also capable. Houston’s receivers are still injured. It’s possible that the Titans can keep up their momentum.
Despite their terrible defence, the Commanders should be able to move the ball because they had a week off. The Rams, who played well against Baltimore, maintain their prospects of making the playoffs.
The Cardinals’ games are more entertaining because of Kyler Murray. Nevertheless, the 49ers are the best football team and should produce high totals in all categories. defeated Arizona 19 to start.
The Cowboys are having a great season. Dallas will start the ground game, and Dak Prescott will dispose of the ball quickly. Josh Allen, the quarterback, will find it challenging to run all over that Dallas defence.
There are other playmakers on the Ravens besides Lamar Jackson. Despite having a sprained ankle, Trevor Lawrence managed to play on Sunday, and he will face a lot of criticism.
Seahawks quarterback problems have led to five of the team’s six losses. For Philadelphia, which is trying to get back on track after two straight losses, that is a favourable time to do it. Unforgiving environment for play.
Sam Farmer has covered the NFL for 25 seasons and has been honoured by the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his “long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football.” A two-time recipient of California Sportswriter of the Year and the top spot for beat writing by Associated Press Sports Editors, he is an Occidental College alumnus.
