(Tim Hubbard / Los Angeles Times)
Los Angeles Times NFL writer Sam Farmer examines the matchups this week. Lines according to FanDuel Sportsbook (O/U = over/under). Record last week 14-2 (.875); season 177-79 (.691). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 9-7 (.536); season 135-119-2 (.532). Times Pacific. TV channels are Los Angeles local.
Cleveland Browns (3-13) at Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson scrambles against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 21. (Nick Wass / Associated Press)
Saturday, 1:30 p.m. TV: Channel 7 (ABC), ESPN
Line: Ravens by 17½. O/U: 42½.
The AFC North is within reach, so the Ravens are going pedal to the metal. It’s going to be cold and that home crowd will be amped. Dorian Thompson-Robinson or Bailey Zappe versus Lamar Jackson?
Pick: Ravens 31, Browns 13
Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) at Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson looks to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 25. (Matt Freed / Associated Press)
Saturday, 5 p.m. TV: Channel 7 (ABC), ESPN
Line: Bengals by 1½. O/U: 48½.
There’s something at stake for both teams. The Bengals are fighting to keep their longshot playoff hopes alive. The Steelers are just playing for seeding and they’ve lost three in a row..
Pick: Bengals 24, Steelers 20
Carolina Panthers (4-12) at Atlanta Falcons (8-8)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix passes against the Washington Commanders on Dec. 29. (Nick Wass / Associated Press)
Sunday, 10 a.m. TV: Channel 2 (CBS)
Line: Falcons by 7½. O/U: 48½.
Until they ran into the Buccaneer buzz saw, the Panthers were playing better. Atlanta is more explosive with Michael Penix at quarterback than Kirk Cousins, and the Falcons have a chance to win the NFC South.
Pick: Falcons 28, Panthers 20
New Orleans Saints (5-11) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield passes for a touchdown against the…
..
