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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 3-3 (.500). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 4-2 (.667). TV channels are for Los Angeles area. All times Pacific.
Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud kept his poise all season, even against the Browns in his first playoff game last week. The Ravens will be focused on keeping him under siege. (Eric Christian Smith / Associated Press)
When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m., Channel 7, ESPN. Line: Ravens by 9½.
What the Texans need to do: They need to pick up the blitz, avoid turnovers and stop the run. Baltimore is bringing pressure; the Ravens led the NFL in sacks. Turnovers give them an extra opportunity. Quarterback C.J. Stroud needs to be as sharp as he was against Cleveland. Play like they have nothing to lose.
What the Ravens need to do: Play their game. They were among the top teams in offense and defense all season. They should be healthier than they’ve been, and tight end Mark Andrews could come back from his ankle injury, which would be huge. Lean on their experience in these big games.
The pick: The Ravens will blitz more than Cleveland did and, as good as Stroud is, that will make a difference. Here’s betting Baltimore forces a turnover or two and, after a close first half, pulls away in the second. RAVENS 28, TEXANS 20
The running of Aaron Jones (33) late in the season has enabled Packers quarterback Jordan Love to excel down the stretch, and last week against Dallas. (Sam Hodde / Associated Press)
When: Saturday, 5:15 p.m., Channel 11. Line: 49ers by 9½.
What the Packers need to do: Quarterback Jordan Love needs to keep doing what he’s been doing. The Packers, the NFL’s youngest team, went through some growing pains early in the season and didn’t win their division, the NFC North,…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/breaking-down-matchups-picking-four-111009613.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2024-01-18 11:10:09
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