Week 9 of the NFL season offers a diverse array of betting opportunities, highlighted by high-profile matchups including the Patriots hosting the Packers and the Bills visiting the Vikings on Monday Night Football. SportsLine NFL expert Mike Tierney has analyzed these games to construct two separate betting parlays. One parlay consists exclusively of favorites, while the other focuses solely on underdogs.
Tierney is a veteran sportswriter whose work appears in the New York Times and Los Angeles Times. He has covered the NFL for decades and reported from seven Super Bowls. Over the past four seasons, he has a record of 320-271-16 in the NFL, returning $1,867 to players who bet $100. In the last two seasons alone, he has gone 130-101 against the spread, a success rate of 56.3 percent.
For the favorites parlay, Tierney selects the Cowboys money line against the Colts. He notes that the Indianapolis team is expected to ride running back Jonathan Taylor as the trade deadline arrives on Tuesday. However, there are concerns about the Colts' defense, which is ranked 30th in points permitted. Tierney believes quarterback Dak Prescott and the Dallas offense will be able to score enough to overcome any production from Taylor, especially after the Colts suffered a 35-point loss to Jacksonville last week.
The Lions money line against the Dolphins is the second pick in the favorites parlay. Although Detroit has historically struggled defensively, the Lions have recently allowed only 32 combined points in wins over Green Bay and Minnesota. Tierney points out that the Lions have posted their lowest yardage yields of the season in their last three games. He argues that as a member of the NFC North, a division with no teams below .500, the Lions cannot afford to take the improved Dolphins lightly.
The final selection in the favorites parlay is the Rams money line against the Commanders. The Rams, who were preseason Super Bowl favorites, started slowly but have won their last two games by 14 and 15 points, respectively. Edge rusher Myles Garrett is currently practicing, though he is likely a week or two away from returning. Tierney highlights that the Commanders are thin on the defensive line, with Javon Kinlaw becoming the third starter to be scratched for the remainder of 2026. Quarterback Jayden Daniels has not thrown an interception this year, but the Rams' defense is expected to pressure him.
For the underdogs parlay, Tierney begins with the Packers money line against the Patriots. He admits that finding three attractive underdogs was challenging. The Packers have covered the spread in five consecutive games, while the Patriots have not covered in their last three. Despite a struggling ground game, 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 contests.
The second underdog pick is the Panthers money line against the Broncos. Denver's offense is ranked last in the NFL, a surprising fact given the team's 6-2 record. Tierney suggests that the Broncos have relied heavily on their defense. Meanwhile, the Panthers have shown offensive flashes with quarterback Bryce Young. Although the Panthers have a long injury list, the extra rest following a Thursday night game may help mitigate those issues.
The final underdog selection is the Vikings money line against the Bills. Minnesota's defense, coordinated by Brian Flores, is known for aggressive blitzing. Tierney notes that quarterback Josh Allen has a passer rating of just 20th among starters when facing extra rushers. Injured Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray will be replaced by backup Carson Wentz, who is 2-0 as a starter this year. With the Vikings averaging 13.3 points allowed, the lowest in the league, Wentz does not need to perform at an elite level to secure a victory.
