NFL logo for Sam Farmer picks (Tim Hubbard / Los Angeles Times)
The Times’ NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week’s matchups. Lines according to FanDuel Sportsbook (O/U = over/under). Last week’s record 9-7 (.563); regular season 162-110 (.596). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 8-8 (.500); regular season 130-135-7 (.491). TV channels are for Los Angeles area. All times Pacific.
Browns receiver Amari Cooper (2) burned the Texans defense for 265 yards receiving and two touchdowns on Christmas Eve. (Maria Lysaker / Associated Press)
When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m., Channel 4, Peacock. Line: Browns by 2½.
How the Browns can win: Get some chunk plays from quarterback Joe Flacco, who has thrown for 300 yards in a club-record four consecutive games. Protect the ball. The Browns have given it up an NFL-high 37 times. Win the battle between defensive end Myles Garrett and Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil, two of the best in the game.
How the Texans can win: Improve against Browns receiver Amari Cooper, who had 265 yards and two touchdowns against them on Christmas Eve. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud must continue to avoid turnovers and play well in the red zone. Shut down the run as well as they did all season, before a letdown last week in the Indianapolis game. Play like they have nothing to lose.
Read more: Rancho Cucamonga’s C.J. Stroud is thriving deep in the hearts of Texans fans
Pick: Three weeks ago, the Browns won this matchup by two touchdowns. Stroud makes a difference, but it won’t bridge that gap. Cleveland’s defense is too good, and there are too many mismatches the Browns can exploit. Flacco keeps it rolling with a road win for his new team. BROWNS 27, TEXANS 20
No. 6 Miami (11-6) at No. 3 Kansas City (11-6)
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has an 11-3 record in the postseason. (Charlie Riedel / Associated Press)
When: Saturday, 5 p.m., Peacock. Line: Chiefs by 4.
How the Dolphins…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/breaking-down-predicting-six-nfl-113057255.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2024-01-11 11:30:57
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