SportsLine Analyst Backs Underdog Parlay With Packers, Panthers, and Vikings in Week 9
Mike Tierney, a veteran NFL writer, selected three underdogs for his Week 9 betting parlay, citing defensive trends and specific player matchups against the Patriots, Broncos, and Bills.
By Matthew Collins ·
SportsLine NFL expert Mike Tierney has released his Week 9 betting picks, featuring a three-leg underdog parlay that includes the Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers, and Minnesota Vikings.
Tierney, who covers the NFL for the New York Times and Los Angeles Times, has compiled a record of 320 wins, 271 losses, and 16 ties over the past four seasons. His picks returned $1,867 on a $100 stake during that period. He also posted a 130-101 record against the spread, or 56.3 percent, in the last two seasons.
The analyst has offered two distinct parlay options for the upcoming slate, which includes high-profile games such as the Patriots hosting the Packers and the Bills visiting the Vikings on Monday Night Football. One parlay consists exclusively of favorites, while the other, which this article details, focuses on underdogs.
Tierney selected the Packers as underdogs against the Patriots in Foxboro. He noted that Green Bay has covered the point spread in five consecutive games, while Boston has failed to cover in its last three attempts. Although the Packers' running game has struggled against a defense ranked sixth against the rush, quarterback Jordan Love leads the league in passing yards and averages two touchdown passes per game. The Packers' defense has allowed 20 or fewer points in each of its last five tests.
The second leg of the underdog parlay involves the Panthers betting on the money line against the Denver Broncos. Tierney pointed out that Denver's offense ranks 30th in the NFL, a position that contrasts with the Broncos' 6-2 record. He described the Broncos as relying heavily on their defense. While Carolina has a long injury list, Tierney suggested that extra rest days following a Thursday night game could help mitigate those issues. He also noted that quarterback Bryce Young has shown signs of reaching stardom.
The final selection features the Vikings as underdogs against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night. Tierney highlighted that Minnesota's defense, coordinated by Brian Flores, allows the fewest points in the league, averaging 13.3 per game. He predicted that the Vikings' blitz-heavy scheme would trouble quarterback Josh Allen, whose passer rating ranks 20th among starters when facing extra rushers. Backup quarterback Carson Wentz is expected to start for Minnesota, as Kyler Murray is injured. Wentz is 2-0 as a starter this season.
Tierney also provided picks for a favorites parlay, selecting the Dallas Cowboys against the Indianapolis Colts, the Detroit Lions against the Miami Dolphins, and the Los Angeles Rams against the Washington Commanders. For the Cowboys game, he cited the Colts' 30th-ranked defense and potential uncertainty surrounding running back Jonathan Taylor ahead of the trade deadline. For the Lions, he noted their recent defensive dominance after a bye week. For the Rams, he pointed to the return of edge rusher Myles Garrett to practice and the Commanders' defensive line injuries.
