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Sam Farmer’s NFL picks for Week 15

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The Times’ NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week’s matchups. Lines according to Pregame.com (O/U = over/under). Last week’s record 9-7 (.563); season 125-83 (.601). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 5-11 (.313); season 106-94-4 (.520).

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NY Jets (8-5) at Dallas (4-9)

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Saturday, 5:15 p.m.

Jets 24, Cowboys 13

TV: NFL Network. DirecTV: 705.

Line: Jets by 3 1/2. O/U: 41 1/2.

The Jets have won three in a row, and there’s no reason to think that stops now. The Cowboys aren’t going to be able to run on New York, and its offense is clicking along fairly well.

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Kansas City (8-5) at Baltimore (4-9)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Chiefs 20, Ravens 10

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 705.

Line: Chiefs by 7. O/U: 41.

The Chiefs are on a roll, but aren’t likely to blow out anyone. The Ravens are playing hard, buthave been decimated by injuries. The Ravens might make this interesting but Chiefs pull away.

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Houston (6-7) at Indianapolis (6-7)

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Sunday, 10 a.m.

Texans 23, Colts 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 706

Line: Colts by 3. O/U: 49.

The Texans are 0-13 at Indianapolis since they were formed in 2002. This could be the year they snap that streak, but they will have to do it with T.J. Yates. Colts are hurting just as much at quarterback.

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Tennessee (3-10) at New England (11-2)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Patriots 30, Titans 13

TV: None. DirecTV: 707.

Line: Patriots by 14. O/U: 47.

The Patriots would clinch the AFC East with a win, and they’re just too good at home. They don’t often lose December games (or any) at Gillette Stadium. The Titans don’t have much of a chance.

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Buffalo (6-7) at Washington (6-7)

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Sunday, 10 a.m.

Redskins 24, Bills 20

TV: None. DirecTV: 708.

Line: Bills by 1. O/U: 44.

The Redskins have been good at home, especially quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Bills are talented, but they make a lot of mistakes and are flagged a ton. Go with the home team, but it will be close.

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Atlanta (6-7) at Jacksonville (5-8)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

Jaguars 31, Falcons 24

TV: None. DirecTV: 709.

Line: Jaguars by 3. O/U: 49.

The Falcons are enduring one of the worst collapses in NFL history. Jacksonville is a year away from being pretty good. Blake Bortles is third in touchdown passes, and he’s at home. Go with him.

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Chicago (5-8) at Minnesota (8-5)

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Sunday, 10 a.m.

Vikings 23, Bears 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 710.

Line: Vikings by 5 1/2. O/U: 42 1/2.

The Bears haven’t been mathematically eliminated, but that’s coming. Still, they’re playing hard for John Fox. Minnesota is banged up on defense, but should be able to control the clock and win at home.

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Carolina (13-0) at NY Giants (6-7)

Sunday, 10 am.

Panthers 27, Giants 23

TV: Channel 11. DirecTV: 711.

Line: Panthers by 5. O/U: 48.

The Giants have a history of knocking off undefeated teams, and Eli Manning is coming off a scorching performance. The Panthers are playing at another level, though, and should keep it rolling.

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Green Bay (9-4) at Oakland (6-7)

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Sunday, 1 p.m.

Raiders 31, Packers 27

TV: None. DirecTV: 712.

Line: Packers by 3. O/U: 47 1/2.

The Raiders showed huge heart in beating the Broncos, coming back from minus-12 yards of offense by halftime. If this winds up being a shootout, the Raiders could pull off another home upset.

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Cleveland (3-10) at Seattle (8-5)

Sunday, 1 p.m.

Seahawks 27, Browns 17

TV: None. DirecTV: 713.

Line: Seahawks by 15. O/U: 43.

The Seahawks have momentum, and don’t lose these games at home. Still, this could be entertaining with Johnny Manziel running all over the field to make plays, although that’s perilous vs. Seattle.

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Denver (10-3) at Pittsburgh (8-5)

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Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Steelers 24, Broncos 20

TV: Channel 2. DirecTV: 714.

Line: Steelers by 6 1/2. O/U: 44 1/2.

Denver’s offensive line is bad, and the Broncos have gotten away from letting Brock Osweiler throw down the field. The Steelers can put up a lot of points on anyone, but they can’t stop teams.

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Miami (5-8) at San Diego (3-10)

Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Dolphins 23, Chargers 10

TV: None. DirecTV: 715.

Line: Chargers by 2. O/U: 45 1/2.

Hard to know which Dolphins team is going to show, but they’re playing better with their new offensive coordinator. Could be the Chargers’ last game in San Diego, and they are out of gas.

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Cincinnati (10-3) at San Francisco (4-9)

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Sunday, 1:15 p.m.

Bengals 20, 49ers 18

TV: None. DirecTV: 716.

Line: Bengals by 5. O/U: 40 1/2.

The 49ers have been good at home. With the way their defense has been playing, it could be an interesting day for Bengals quarterback A.J. McCarron. Bengals are more talented across the board, though.

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Arizona (11-2) at Philadelphia (6-7)

Sunday, 5:30 p.m.

Cardinals 30, Eagles 20

TV: Channel 4.

Line: Cardinals by 3. O/U: 51.

The Eagles have created some excitement with two straight wins, but those games hinged on some big unexpected plays. The Cardinals have a more consistent winning formula and are rested.

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Detroit (4-9) at New Orleans (5-8)

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Monday, 5:30 p.m.

Saints 35, Lions 31

TV: ESPN.

Line: Saints by 3. O/U: 50 1/2.

With what these teams are capable of on offense and defense, there could be 1,000 yards of offense in this one. The Saints have the worse defense, but Drew Brees is better than Matthew Stafford.

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