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Los Angeles Times NFL writer Sam Farmer examines the matchups this week. Lines according to FanDuel Sportsbook (O/U = over/under). Record last week 12-4 (.750); season 189-83 (.695). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 9-7 (.563); season 144-126-2 (.533). Times Pacific. TV channels are Los Angeles local.
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No. 5 Chargers at No. 4 Houston
Saturday, 1:30 p.m. TV: Channel 2 (CBS), Paramount+
Line: Chargers by 2½. Over/Under: 42½.
Houston’s offensive line has struggled all season, and C.J. Stroud hasn’t been as hot as he was as a rookie. What’s more, he lacks really good receivers. The Texans have lost two of their last three. The Chargers’ Justin Herbert should collect his first postseason win, especially with the way he’s distributing the ball. J.K. Dobbins sets the tempo. Chargers 27, Texans 17
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No. 6 Pittsburgh at No. 3 Baltimore
Saturday, 5 p.m. TV: Amazon Prime Video
Line: Ravens by 9½. Over/Under: 43½.
The Steelers have lost four in a row, including a 34-17 thumping at Baltimore two weeks ago. Generating offense has been a problem for Pittsburgh, which hasn’t scored more than 17 in the last four games. Meanwhile, Baltimore has topped 30 four weeks in a row. This game is usually close, but … Ravens 28, Steelers 16
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No. 7 Denver at No. 2 Buffalo
Sunday, 10 a.m. TV: Channel 2 (CBS), Paramount+
Line: Bills by 8½. Over/Under: 47½.
Denver is coming off a decisive win, but against Kansas City’s JV team. As well as Bo Nix has played, it’s a daunting task to make a playoff debut on the road against these Bills. Buffalo has scored at least 40 points in three of its last five games and was 8-0 at home this season. Difficult to keep pace with Josh Allen. Bills 28, Broncos 21
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No. 7 Green Bay at No. 2 Philadelphia
Sunday, 1:30 p.m. TV: Channel 11 (Fox), Fox Deportes
Line: Eagles by 4½. Over/Under: 45½.
Both quarterbacks are banged up, with Green Bay’s Jordan Love dealing with numbness in his throwing hand and Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts coming off a concussion. The Eagles’ Saquon Barkley ran for three touchdowns in opener against the Packers and now is fresh and rested. Philadelphia’s defense makes the difference in this matchup. Eagles 28, Packers 23
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No. 6 Washington at No. 3 Tampa Bay
Sunday, 5 p.m. PST. TV: Channel 4 (NBC), Peacock, Universo
Line: Buccaneers by 3. Over/Under: 50½.
Amazing season for quarterback Jayden Daniels, but the Commanders have been up and down this season, at times failing to get star receiver Terry McLaurin involved. Despite a four-game midseason losing streak, Baker Mayfield and Tampa Bay have come on strong in recent weeks. Buccaneers 27, Commanders 23
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No. 5 Minnesota at No. 4 Rams
Monday, 5 p.m. PST. TV: Channel 7 (ABC), ESPN, ESPN+, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes
Line: Vikings by 1½. Over/Under: 47½.
There’s no doubt the Vikings have been impressive this season and have lots of ways to score but Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford gets the nod over Sam Darnold. The Rams haven’t consistently clicked on offense recently, but their prime-time performers are rested and should step up. Rams 28, Vikings 24
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