Sports

Los Angeles Times NFL writer Sam Farmer examines the matchups and makes his predictions for Week 11 of the NFL season.

All lines and over/under numbers are according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Last week, Farmer posted a 9-5 (.643) record. Through the first 10 weeks of the season, he is 97-52 (.651).

Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, his record against the spread in Week 10 would have been 8-6 (.571). For the season, his record against the spread is 75-74 (.503).

All times are Pacific and TV reflects broadcasts in the Los Angeles area. The Colts and Saints are off.

Jets (2-7) at Patriots (8-2)

Tonight, 5:15. TV: Amazon Prime.

Line: Patriots by 12½. O/U: 43½.

New England’s defense looks like something out of Mike Vrabel’s prime years: disciplined, physical, and stingy against the run. Justin Fields just beat Cleveland with 54 yards passing, and that won’t happen again. With their quarterback playing at an elite level, the Patriots roll.

Pick: Patriots 31, Jets 10

Commanders (3-7) at Dolphins (3-7)

Sunday, 6:30 a.m. TV: NFLN

Line: Dolphins by 2½. TV: 47½.

Miami’s offense has been up and down, but Washington’s defense has been worse. The Commanders haven’t shown up on that side of the ball, and the Dolphins have the better quarterback (with Jayden Daniels hurt) and more playmakers. Expect a close one, but Miami finds a way.

Pick: Dolphins 27, Commanders 20

Chargers (7-3) at Jaguars (5-4)

Sunday, 10 a.m. TV: CBS, Paramount+

Line: Chargers by 2½. O/U: 43½.

Injuries along the offensive line have hugely hampered the Chargers’ protection, but Justin Herbert keeps them competitive. The Jaguars are coming off an embarrassing loss and should respond at home. Expect Trevor Lawrence to settle in late.

Pick: Jaguars 27, Chargers 23

Panthers (5-5) at Falcons (3-6)

Sunday, 10 a.m. TV: NFL Ticket.

Line: Falcons by 3½. O/U: 42½.

The Falcons can’t seem to finish games, while the Panthers have been more physical up front and are running it effectively with Rico Dowdle. Michael Penix Jr. can make throws over the middle, but struggles on the perimeters. Carolina’s defense limits the big plays.

Pick: Panthers 24, Falcons 21

Buccaneers (6-3) at Bills (6-3)

Sunday, 10 a.m. TV: NFL Ticket.

Line: Bills by 5½. O/U: 47½.

The Buccaneers have struggled against man coverage, but the Bills’ secondary can’t stay in that look all day. Baker Mayfield has enough weapons, with or without Bucky Irving, to keep drives alive. Buffalo’s offense has been inexplicably out of sync.

Pick: Buccaneers 28, Bills 24

Texans (4-5) at Titans (1-8)

Sunday, 10 a.m. TV: NFL Ticket.

Line: Texans by 7. O/U: 38½.

Houston’s defense has been excellent, and even with C.J. Stroud possibly recuperating, Davis Mills keeps things steady. Davis is a solid quarterback. The Titans’ offense simply can’t be relied upon to score against this front.

Pick: Texans 27, Titans 10

Bears (6-3) at Vikings (4-5)

Sunday, 10 a.m. TV: NFL Ticket.

Line: Vikings by 3. O/U: 47½.

After six wins in seven games, the Bears have built a belief. They’re playing with confidence, running the ball, and getting better defensively. Minnesota is improving and recently won at Detroit, but still can’t find rhythm in the run game. Chicago keeps cruising.

Pick: Bears 24, Vikings 21

Packers (5-3-1) at Giants (2-8)

Sunday, 10 a.m. TV: NFL Ticket.

Line: Packers by 7. O/U: 43½.

The Packers are unlikely to drop three in a row, and their defense is built to take advantage of a turnover-prone quarterback like Jameis Winston. The Giants’ defense keeps it close, but Green Bay controls the line of scrimmage.

Pick: Packers 24, Giants 13

Bengals (3-6) at Steelers (5-4)

Sunday, 10 a.m. TV: NFL Ticket.

Line: Steelers by 5½. O/U: 49½.

The Bengals can score, but they can’t stop anyone. Expect Aaron Rodgers to rebound after looking all of his 41 years for the first time this season. Pittsburgh’s defense won’t get enough pressure, and Cincinnati’s defense springs more leaks. But a Bengals season sweep? I don’t think so.

Pick: Steelers 31, Bengals 27

Seahawks (7-2) at Rams (7-2)

Sunday, 1:05 p.m. TV: Fox, Fox One.

Line: Rams by 3. O/U: 48½.

This is a great NFC West showdown. Both teams are strong up front, but Los Angeles has a touch more balance and creativity. Seattle can run it, as can L.A., but the Rams make more explosive plays through the air.

Pick: Rams 28, Seahawks 24

49ers (6-4) at Cardinals (3-6)

Sunday, 1:05 p.m. TV: NFL Ticket.

Line: 49ers by 2½. O/U: 48½.

The 49ers were tested last week in a loss to the Rams, who were relentless, but San Francisco remains the more complete team than the Cardinals. Arizona could wind up making this interesting, but San Francisco’s physicality wins out.

Pick: 49ers 28, Cardinals 23

Ravens (4-5) at Browns (2-7)

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

Line: Ravens by 8½. O/U: 39½.

The Browns are reeling, coming off an embarrassing loss to the hapless Jets, while the Ravens are starting to regroup and surge. Baltimore’s defense is forcing mistakes, and Lamar Jackson is in rhythm.

Pick: Ravens 27, Browns 10

Chiefs (5-4) at Broncos (8-2)

Sunday, 1:25 p.m. TV: CBS, Paramount+.

Line: Chiefs by 3½. O/U: 44½.

The Chiefs’ defense keeps improving, and that offense has been on a tear all season. Matching Patrick Mahomes touchdown for touchdown will be a challenge for Denver. Expect another tight one decided by a late field goal.

Pick: Chiefs 24, Broncos 21

Lions (6-3) at Eagles (7-2)

Sunday, 5:20 p.m. TV: NBC, Peacock.

Line: Eagles by 2½. O/U: 46½.

This might be the best matchup of the week. The Lions’ offense is balanced and creative under a new play-caller, while the Eagles’ offense remains uneven. Monday night was draining. Detroit finds the edge with Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams.

Pick: Lions 27, Eagles 21

Cowboys (3-5-1) at Raiders (2-7)

Monday, 5:15 p.m. TV: ABC, ESPN.

Line: Cowboys by 3½. O/U: 50½.

Tight end Brock Bowers gives the Raiders a jolt, and their offense is much better with him, but it won’t be nearly enough. Coming out of the bye, Dallas is healthier, faster and deeper. The Raiders could keep this close for a while, though.

Pick: Cowboys 30, Raiders 21

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Rob Gronkowski has fulfilled the dying wish of a friend by signing a one-day contract with the New England Patriots, nearly four years after his last NFL appearance, in order to retire with the team.

The 36-year-old tight end won three Super Bowls alongside star quarterback Tom Brady during an eight-year stint with the Patriots.

Gronkowski retired in 2019, but came out of retirement to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers alongside Brady for two more seasons, winning a fourth championship ring in Florida.

But 'The Gronk' is best known for his time in New England, and there are plans to enlist him in the Patriots' hall of fame in 2026.

Since leaving the side, Gronkowski has continued working with charities in the greater Boston area.

But earlier this month, Gronkowski's charity partner Susan Hurley, a former Patriots cheerleader who founded CharityTeams in 2008, died from cancer.

Before her death, Hurley publicly requested that Gronkowski return to the Patriots so that he could officially retire at his "home".

Gronkowski said on Wednesday: "We are 100% here today for her, no doubt about that.

"I've never seen anyone have so much passion and so much grace for what they do and in raising money for other charities."

He added that honouring his long-time friend was an "absolute no-brainer".

Patriots owner Robert Kraft praised Gronkowski, saying: "His clutch performances were legendary, and his larger than life personality and connections with the fans has truly made him a New England icon."

The American is third in the all-time ranking among tight ends for received touchdowns (92).

The Patriots face the New York Jets on Thursday evening (01:15 GMT on Friday).

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