Cowboys beat Chiefs; Chargers, Patriots win

Week 11 of the 2021 NFL season begins Thursday with the New England Patriots visiting the Falcons in Atlanta. The Times’ NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week’s matchups.

Farmer’s record last week: 8-5-1 (.615); season 93-56-1 (.624). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 6-8 (.429); season 72-76-2 (.487).

Teams on bye: Rams, Broncos.

Times Pacific. Lines according to FanDuel (O/U = over/under):

Patriots (6-4) at Falcons (4-5)

Thursday, 5:20 p.m.

TV: Channel 11, NFL Network, Amazon.

Line: Patriots by 7. O/U: 471/2.

Veteran coach with rookie quarterback versus rookie coach with veteran quarterback? In this case, go with coach Bill Belichick over Arthur Smith, especially on a short week. Old guys rule.

Prediction: Patriots 31, Falcons 20

Colts (5-5) at Bills (6-3)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: None. DirecTV: 705.

Line: Bills by 7. O/U: 50.

The Bills are suddenly hearing New England’s footsteps. Josh Allen faces a secondary missing three of its four starters, and the Colts can’t seem to win a game against a playoff-caliber team.

Prediction: Bills 30, Colts 20

Ravens (6-3) at Bears (3-6)

Sunday, 10 a.m.

TV: None. DirecTV: 706.

Line: Ravens by 5. O/U: 45.

The Ravens are the better team, but have had their share of bad games this season. They are 3-6 against the spread, so even though they probably will beat the Bears, there’s a good chance it won’t be by much.

Prediction: Ravens 24, Bears 21

Dolphins (3-7) at Jets (2-7)