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NFL Week 9 picks: Lions vs. Packers showdown and big tests for Rams and Chargers on the road

(Tim Hubbard/Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles Times NFL writer Sam Farmer examines this week’s matchups. Lines according to FanDuel Sportsbook (O/U = top/bottom). Record last week 12-4 (.750); season 78-45 (.634). If we were using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record over last week’s spread would have been 8-8 (.500); season 67-55-1 (.549). From: Steelers, 49ers. Times Pacific. TV channels are local from Los Angeles.

TEXANS (6-2) AT JETS (2-6)

Texas quarterback CJ Stroud, 7, has his arms outstretched like a jet plane as he runs in celebration.Texas quarterback CJ Stroud, 7, has his arms outstretched like a jet plane as he runs in celebration.

Texans quarterback CJ Stroud (7) should be able to swoop in and lead Houston to a road win. (Maria Lysaker / Associated Press)

Tonight, 5:15 PM. TV: Amazon Prime Video

Line: Jets with 1½. O/U: 42½.

The Jets couldn’t keep the lowly New England Patriots at bay, so it will be difficult to put pressure on CJ Stroud and the Texans. Houston has a tendency to get into very close games.

Choose: Texans 24, Jets 20

CHARGERS (4-3) AT BROWNS (2-6)

The Chargers' Ladd McConkey (15) celebrates with teammates after his second touchdown catch against the Saints last week.The Chargers' Ladd McConkey (15) celebrates with teammates after his second touchdown catch against the Saints last week.

The Chargers’ Ladd McConkey (15) celebrates with teammates after his second touchdown catch against the Saints last week. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Sunday, 10am TV: Channel 2 (CBS)

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Line: Chargers of 1½. O/U: 42½.

Chances are Jameis Winston won’t have a good hand two weeks in a row, so the Chargers could get some turnovers. Ladd McConkey is coming off a breakout game for Los Angeles.

Choose: Chargers 21, Browns 18

COWBOYS (3-4) AT FALCONS (5-3)

Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons looks at the stands from the sideline with his helmet off.Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons looks at the stands from the sideline with his helmet off.

The Cowboys are desperate to get a difference-maker like linebacker Micah Parsons back on the playing field. (Gareth Patterson/Associated Press)

Sunday, 10 a.m. TQ: Channel 11 (FOX)

Line: Falcons with 2½. O/U: 51½.

Dallas will have a hard time competing without Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. Maybe Parsons will come back for this. Atlanta can run and throw, and has a defense good enough to slow down the run.

Choose: Falcons 28, Cowboys 24

BRONCOS (5-3) AT RAVENS (5-3)

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) speaks to the media after a loss to the Cleveland Browns.Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) speaks to the media after a loss to the Cleveland Browns.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) was not happy after the Ravens were upset by the Browns. (David Richard/Associated Press)

Sunday, 10am TV: NFL ticket

Line: Ravens at 9½. O/U: 45½.

The Broncos have won five of six, but not against top teams. The Ravens are in need of a bounce back after a disheartening loss to Cleveland. Denver has a very good defense that will keep it close.

Choose: Ravens 24, Broncos 20

DOLPHINS (2-5) AT BILLS (6-2)

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) calls a play at the line of scrimmage against the Cardinals.Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) calls a play at the line of scrimmage against the Cardinals.

The Dolphins looked better with the return of Tua Tagovailoa (1) at quarterback last week, but they still couldn’t beat the Cardinals. (Lynne Sladky/Associated Press)

Sunday, 10am TV: NFL ticket

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Line: Bills per 6½. O/U: 49½.

While Miami is better with Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback, the team can be as muscular as it was against Arizona. That’s the physical way the Josh Allen-led Bills have played. Amari Cooper also gives Buffalo a boost.

Choose: Bills 28, Dolphins 21

SAINTS (2-6) AT PANTHERS (1-7)

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) catches a simulated snap during practice.New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) catches a simulated snap during practice.

The Saints are on a six-game losing streak and could use the return of injured quarterback Derek Carr (4). (Kyusung Gong / Associated Press)

Sunday, 10am TV: NFL ticket

Line: Saints with 7. O/U: 43½.

Two bad teams on long losing streaks. If the Saints get Derek Carr back as expected, it will be a game changer for them. Carolina just traded away its top receiver in Diontae Johnson.

Choose: Saints 18, Panthers 12

RAIDERS (2-6) AT BENGALS (3-5)

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles.Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Quarterback Joe Burrow (9) led the Bengals to a 10-0 lead over the Eagles last week, but Cincinnati couldn’t hold on in a 37-17 loss. (Emilee Chinn/Associated Press)

Sunday, 10am TV: NFL ticket

Line: Bengal with 7½. O/U: 46½.

The Bengals are getting healthier on defense. Joe Burrow and his receivers are going to make some points. The Raiders have a pretty good defense, but it’s just been on the field too long.

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Choose: Bengals 26, Raiders 17

COMMANDERS (6-2) AT GIANTS (2-6)

With arms outstretched, Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates their last-second victory over the Bears last week.With arms outstretched, Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates their last-second victory over the Bears last week.

Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates their last-second win over the Bears last week. (Nick Wass/Associated Press)

Sunday, 10am TV: NFL ticket

Line: Commanders with 3½. O/U: 43½.

Presumably Jayden Daniels is getting healthier and the Commanders are flying high after that Hail Mary victory. The Giants don’t seem to know how to score.

Choose: Commanders 24, Giants 13

PATRIOTS (2-6) AT TITANS (1-6)

Titans coach Brian Callahan walks along the sideline with his play sheet.Titans coach Brian Callahan walks along the sideline with his play sheet.

Titans first-year coach Brian Callahan seeks his second victory. (Carlos Osorio / Associated Press)

Sunday, 10am TV: NFL ticket

Line: Titans with 3½. O/U: 37½.

While the world thought they were soft, the Patriots responded to their coach and beat the Jets. This could come down to the trenches, and the Titans’ defensive line is much better than the Patriots’ offensive line.

Choose: Titans 21, Patriots 17

BEARS (4-3) AT CARDINALS (4-4)

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) runs in open field.Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) runs in open field.

Can quarterback Caleb Williams (18) keep the Bears going after their demoralizing loss to the Commanders last week? (Kamil Krzaczynski / Associated Press)

Sunday, 1:05 PM TV: NFL ticket

Line: Cardinals with 1½. O/U: 44½.

The Cardinals almost never win two games in a row, so this is a new feeling. They play hard, but they’re not that talented. The Bears have more talent and that should push them over the top.

Choose: Bears 23, Cardinals 21

JAGUARS (2-6) AT EAGLES (5-2)

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) tiptoes toward the end zone against the Cincinnati Bengals.Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) tiptoes toward the end zone against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26), shown tiptoeing toward the end zone against the Bengals, surpassed 100 yards rushing in Cincinnati. (Emilee Chinn/Associated Press)

Sunday, 1:05 PM TV: NFL ticket

Line: Eagles with 7½. O/U: 45½.

The Eagles are getting healthier on offense, and Saquon Barkley is a problem for any defense. Jacksonville is getting better, but still losing games. Philadelphia wins handily at home.

Choose: Eagles 31, Jaguars 20

RAMS (3-4) AT SEAHAWKS (4-4)

Rams receiver Puka Nacua is introduced before their home game against the Minnesota Vikings.Rams receiver Puka Nacua is introduced before their home game against the Minnesota Vikings.

The unexpected return of receiver Puka Nacua against the Vikings was a huge boost for the Rams. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Sunday, 1:25 p.m TV: Channel 11 (FOX)

Line: Rams with 1½. O/U: 48½.

The Rams have been reborn on offense now that they have Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua back. Plus, they usually play well in Seattle. DK Metcalf’s availability is a huge factor in this matchup.

Choose: Rams 27, Seahawks 24

LEONS (6-1) AT PAKKERS (6-2)

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff leads his team from scrimmage.Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff leads his team from scrimmage.

Quarterback Jared Goff has made the right decisions for the Lions offense. (Bruce Kluckhohn/Associated Press)

Sunday, 1:25 p.m TV: NFL ticket

Line: Lions with 3½. O/U: 48½.

If Jordan Love plays, he will definitely be delayed by that groin injury. Jared Goff is playing so well for the Lions, and that offense is rolling. Still, it’s a divisional game and should be pretty close.

Choose: Lions 28, Packers 24

FOLDING (4-4) BY VIKINGS (5-2)

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco (15) prepares to throw a pass.Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco (15) prepares to throw a pass.

The Colts have decided to switch to veteran quarterback Joe Flacco (15) for their game against the Vikings. (George Walker IV / Associated Press)

Sunday, 5:20 p.m TV: Channel 4 (NBC)

Line: Vikings with 5½. O/U: 46½.

The Colts are playing Joe Flacco, and that gives them a better chance than Anthony Richardson would. The Vikings should rebound after back-to-back losses, but it won’t be easy.

Choose: Vikings 27, Foals 21

BUCCANIERS (4-4) AT CHIEFS (7-0)

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15), still undefeated, walked away from Isaiah Pola-Mao of the Raiders last week.Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15), still undefeated, walked away from Isaiah Pola-Mao of the Raiders last week.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15), still undefeated, walked away from Isaiah Pola-Mao of the Raiders last week. (Rick Scuteri/Associated Press)

Monday, 5:15 PM TV: Channel 7 (ABC), ESPN

Line: Leaders with 8½. O/U: 45½.

The Chiefs haven’t blown away their opponents, but they have a solid defense and they have Patrick Mahomes. Without his full arsenal, Baker Mayfield has applied pressure.

Choose: Chiefs 28, buccaneers 23

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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.

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