SportsLine NFL expert Mike Tierney has released his best parlay betting picks for Week 9, offering one parlay consisting solely of favorites and another of underdogs. Tierney, a veteran sportswriter whose work appears in the New York Times and Los Angeles Times, has covered the NFL for decades and reported from seven Super Bowls. He holds a 320-271-16 record over the past four seasons, returning $1,867 to $100 players, including a 130-101 against-the-spread mark (56.3 percent) over the last two seasons.
Favorites Parlay
Cowboys money line vs. Colts: Tierney remains anti-Colts with the trade deadline approaching. Indianapolis insists it will keep running back Jonathan Taylor, but if the team is shopping him, risking injury seems unlikely. The Colts' defense ranks 30th in points allowed, and they have already traded away two standouts, with locker-room concern evident in a 35-point loss to Jacksonville.
Lions money line vs. Dolphins: Detroit has allowed just 32 combined points in wins over Green Bay and Minnesota coming off their bye. Their lowest yardage yields of the season have come in the last three games. Miami has improved recently but still has a long way to go, and the Lions cannot afford to take any opponent lightly in the competitive NFC North.
Rams money line vs. Commanders: After a 2-4 start, Los Angeles has won its last two games by 14 and 15 points. Edge rusher Myles Garrett is practicing, potentially pairing with Aaron Donald, though Garrett may be a week or two away. Donald and the Rams' pass rush will pressure quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has yet to throw an interception. Washington's defensive line is depleted, with Javon Kinlaw becoming the third starter lost for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Underdogs Parlay
Packers money line vs. Patriots: Green Bay has covered the spread in five straight games, while New England has failed to cover in its last three. The Packers' ground game struggles against a Patriots defense ranked sixth against the run, but quarterback Jordan Love leads the league in passing yards and averages two touchdown passes per game. Green Bay's defense has held opponents to 20 or fewer points in each of its last five games.
Panthers money line vs. Broncos: Denver's offense ranks 30th in the NFL, alongside Philadelphia and Tennessee, despite a 6-2 record built on defensive strength. Carolina's offense is inconsistent, but quarterback Bryce Young has shown flashes of stardom. A lengthy injury list for the Panthers is concerning, but extra rest after a Thursday night game could help.
Vikings money line vs. Bills: Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores, mastermind of the league's most blitz-heavy unit, will target Josh Allen, whose passer rating against extra rushers ranks 20th among starters. Injured Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray gives way to backup Carson Wentz, who is 2-0 as a starter this season. Minnesota leads the NFL in points allowed (13.3 per game), so Wentz may not need to produce much offense to secure an upset.
