Sam Farmer’s NFL Week 8 picks

The Times’ NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week’s matchups. Lines according to Glantz-Culver (O/U = over/under). Last week’s record 7-6 (.539); season 70-33 (.680). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 9-4 (.692); season 48-50-5 (.490).

Jacksonville (2-5)

at Houston (4-3)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Texans 21, Jaguars 15

TV: None. DirecTV: 704.

Line: Texans by 9. O/U: 40.

The Texans have been running the ball better and are in line for their first three-game winning streak since 2009. Last time the Jaguars came off a win, they lost by 29.

Miami (0-6)

at NY Giants (4-2)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Giants 24, Dolphins 17

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 705.

Line: Giants by 10. O/U: 43.

This could be a trap game for the Giants, who are coming off a bye. Miami’s defense isn’t bad, and the Dolphins have proved to be a tougher team away from home.

Indianapolis (0-7)

at Tennessee (3-3)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Titans 28, Colts 24

TV: None. DirecTV: 706.

Line: Titans by 8. O/U: 43.

Both teams are coming off humiliating losses, and the Titans looked as if they simply quit against Houston. The Colts can’t stop the run, and that’s bad news against Chris Johnson.

Arizona (1-5)

At Baltimore (4-2)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Ravens 27, Cardinals 10

TV: None. DirecTV: 707.

Line: Ravens by 13. O/U: 43.

The Ravens were embarrassed on Monday night, and that’s bad news for the Cardinals, a struggling team in the cross hairs of a very tough defensive front seven.

Minnesota (1-6)

at Carolina (2-5)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Panthers 30, Vikings 23

TV: None. DirecTV: 708.

Line: Panthers by 3. O/U: 47.

Rookie quarterback Cam Newton knows how to put pressure on a defense, and the Vikings’ secondary is vulnerable. Watch for a big game from Carolina receiver Steve Smith.

New Orleans (5-2)

at St. Louis (0-6)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Saints 35, Rams 14

TV: None. DirecTV: 709.

Line: Saints by 13. O/U: 47.

Who needs Coach Sean Payton on the sideline when the Saints can score 62 with him in the booth? The Rams don’t have the defense to stop — or slow — this train.

Washington (3-3)

at Buffalo (4-2)

Sunday, 1 p.m.

Bills 27, Redskins 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 710.

Line: Bills by 6. O/U: 46.

Quarterback John Beck will have a tough time keeping pace in a shootout with the rested Bills. Running back Fred Jackson has been very effective for Buffalo and could have a big game in front of Toronto crowd.

Detroit (5-2)

at Denver (2-4)

Sunday, 1 p.m.

Lions 20, Broncos 15

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 711.

Line: Lions by 3. O/U: 42.

Yes, Tim Tebow led the Broncos back at Miami. But he was sacked six times in that game. Even with the Lions’ problems running the ball, their defense should set the tone.

New England (5-1)

at Pittsburgh (5-2)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Patriots 35, Steelers 31

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 712.

Line: Patriots by 3. O/U: 52

Tom Brady is 4-1 at Heinz Field, and the Patriots have had an extra week to prepare for this matchup. The game is likely to be a shootout with the way these offenses can score.

Cleveland (3-3)

at San Francisco (5-1)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

49ers 17, Browns 10

TV: None. DirecTV: 713.

Line: 49ers by 8. O/U: 38.

The 49ers have the defense to make the Browns one-dimensional, and Colt McCoy will be hard-pressed to beat them through the air. Conservative game plans on both sides.

Cincinnati (4-2)

at Seattle (2-4)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Seahawks 17, Bengals 15

TV: None. DirecTV: 714.

Line: Bengals by 3. O/U: 38.

The Seahawks strongly considered drafting Andy Dalton, so this game could be their comeuppance. But with Cedric Benson suspended for a game, the Bengals could have problems.

Dallas (3-3)

at Philadelphia (2-4)

Sunday, 5:15 p.m.

Eagles 28, Cowboys 24

TV: Channel 4.

Line: Eagles by 3. O/U: 50.

The Cowboys can run the ball, and teams that can do that have presented a major challenge for the Eagles. Still, the week off should have helped Philadelphia regroup.

San Diego (4-2)

At Kansas City (3-3)

Monday, 5:30 p.m.

Chargers 35, Chiefs 17

TV: ESPN.

Line: Chargers by 3. O/U: 44.

Philip Rivers has been struggling lately, but the threat posed by the surging Chiefs — coupled with the holes in K.C.’s secondary — should have Chargers on track.

Off: Atlanta, Chicago, Green Bay, N.Y. Jets, Oakland, Tampa Bay.