Los Angeles Times NFL writer Sam Farmer examines the matchups and makes his predictions for the NFL divisional playoffs.

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

Last week, Farmer posted a 2-4 (.333) record. He has a 173-99 (.636) record over the regular season and playoffs.

Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, his record against the spread in last week would have been 1-5 (.167). For the season, his record against the spread is 127-151 (.457).

All times are Pacific and TV reflects broadcasts in the Los Angeles area.

No. 6 Bills at No. 1 Broncos

Today, 1:30. TV: CBS, Paramount+.

Line: Broncos by 1 1/2. O/U: 46 1/2.

It will be huge for the Bills if they can get a timely turnover or two against an offense that struggled against the Chargers' second-string defense in a regular-season finale. The concern is the idea of Josh Allen, as beat up as he is, putting the team on his back yet again, this time against a rested team and at altitude. Sean Payton is the kind of coach who makes good use of an extra week of preparation, and the Broncos have proven this season they can close out tight games.

Pick: Broncos 27, Bills 24

No. 6 49ers at No. 1 Seahawks

Today, 5 p.m. TV: Fox, Fox Deportes.

Line: Seahawks by 7. O/U: 44 1/2.

The Seahawks beat the 49ers soundly in their finale and now they're coming off a week's rest. San Francisco just traveled across the country and won a physical game in which they lost star tight end George Kittle. These division opponents know each other well so this is likely to be a fairly close game. The edge goes to the healthier and more-rested team, and it helps that Seattle will have that deafening crowd.

Pick: Seahawks 24, 49ers 20

No. 5 Texans at No. 2 Patriots

Sunday, noon. TV: ABC, ESPN.

Line: Patriots by 3. O/U: 40 1/2.

Although the Texans roughed up the Steelers in the first round, C.J. Stroud had a difficult outing. New England's defense doesn't have great pass rushers but can stop the run and put the pressure on Stroud to make plays. Drake Maye is outstanding and Mike Vrabel is an elite coach. The Patriots will need their best performance against the NFL's top defense. This feels like a low-scoring game between two of the league's best-coached teams.

Pick: Patriots 20, Texans 17

No. 5 Rams at No. 2 Bears

Sunday, 3:30 p.m. TV: NBC, Peacock, Universo.

Line: Rams by 3 1/2. O/U: 48 1/2.

Weather could be a significant factor here, and this game figures to be cold. Chicago has lived off of turnovers and late-game heroics, and that could come into play. The Rams are certainly capable of a letdown. But they also have Matthew Stafford, who should win league MVP and has been to the mountaintop before (unlike all the other remaining playoff quarterbacks). The Rams' defense needs to contain Caleb Williams without over-pursuing him.

Pick: Rams 28, Bears 23

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