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    Mike Tierney

    Top Dog

    A veteran sportswriter whose work appears periodically in the New York Times and Los Angeles Times, Mike Tierney has covered the NFL for decades and reported from seven Super Bowls. Mike does not consider himself a pet lover. But he likes 'dogs, preferring to evaluate each game from the underdog's point of view. Mike is coming off a typically strong 2022 NFL season in which he went 68-54-6, returning $815 to $100 players. For Mike Tierney media inquiries, contact SportsLine@CBSInteractive.com.

    @MTierneySports
    LAST 97 NFL PICKS
    +913
    RECORD: 54-40-3
    +913
    54-40-3 IN LAST 97 NFL PICKS

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    Mike's Picks (4 Live)

    Dec 03 2023, 9:05 pm UTC
    League
    Carolina
    @ Tampa Bay
    Mike's PickSubscribers Only
    Unit1.0
    +913
    54-40-3 in Last 97 NFL Picks
    +650
    12-5 in Last 17 NFL O/U Picks
    +178
    4-2 in Last 6 CAR O/U Picks
    Analysis:

    Coaching changes in Carolina probably will not hurt the offense

    Pick Made: Dec 02, 6:45 pm UTC
    Dec 03 2023, 6:00 pm UTC
    League
    Denver
    @ Houston
    Mike's PickSubscribers Only
    Unit1.0
    +913
    54-40-3 in Last 97 NFL Picks
    +437
    36-28-2 in Last 66 NFL ATS Picks
    +358
    18-13-2 in Last 33 HOU ATS Picks
    Analysis:

    Texans QB C.J. Stroud has excelled at home yet must cope with the loss of

    Pick Made: Dec 01, 6:51 pm UTC
    Dec 03 2023, 6:00 pm UTC
    League
    Detroit
    @ New Orleans
    Mike's PickSubscribers Only
    Unit1.0
    +913
    54-40-3 in Last 97 NFL Picks
    +437
    36-28-2 in Last 66 NFL ATS Picks
    +137
    9-7-1 in Last 17 NO ATS Picks
    Analysis:

    Lions QB Jared Goff could find a cure for his turnover ills against

    Pick Made: Dec 01, 6:32 pm UTC
    Dec 03 2023, 6:00 pm UTC
    League
    Indianapolis
    @ Tennessee
    Mike's PickSubscribers Only
    Unit1.0
    +913
    54-40-3 in Last 97 NFL Picks
    +437
    36-28-2 in Last 66 NFL ATS Picks
    +696
    28-19-1 in Last 48 TEN ATS Picks
    Analysis:

    Since his promotion to first-string, rookie QB Will Levis is

    Pick Made: Nov 28, 10:33 pm UTC

    Mike's Past Picks

    Dec 02 2023, 9:00 pm UTC
    League
    SMU
    26
    @ Tulane
    14
    Over / UnderUNDER 47.5 -115
    WIN
    Unit1.0
    +290
    4-1 in Last 5 CFB Picks
    +90
    2-1 in Last 3 CFB O/U Picks
    +500
    5-0 in Last 5 TULANE O/U Picks
    Analysis:

    Blend the two premier defenses in the AAC and a QB injury. Stir in projected thunderstorms and stiff winds. These are the ingredients for an Under. The broken leg that has taken out QB Preston Stone means SMU will be inclined to try running the ball. The task could be futile, given the Green Wave's No. 6 rank for ground yards allowed. Tulane has yielded the 18th fewest points in FBS. Impressive, but the Mustangs rank five spots higher. Both offenses can score, to be sure, but will be pressed with stout defenses and possibly nasty weather working against them.

    Pick Made: Nov 30, 6:06 pm UTC
    Dec 02 2023, 9:00 pm UTC
    League
    App. St.
    23
    @ Troy
    49
    Over / UnderUNDER 52.5 -110
    LOSS
    Unit1.0
    +290
    4-1 in Last 5 CFB Picks
    +90
    2-1 in Last 3 CFB O/U Picks
    Analysis:

    The total has conveniently inched up even as the weather forecast calls for rain and wind. App State's five-game win streak has been triggered by an altered defensive approach. In three outings, the Mountaineers allowed nine, 14 and 20 (in regulation) points. The conditions might tempt App State to stick to the ground. Good luck with that. Troy's 12th-ranked defense is especially stingy against the rush. If the visitors want to throw, be forewarned that the Trojans have amassed 20 sacks the past three games.

    Pick Made: Nov 30, 5:56 pm UTC
    Nov 27 2023, 1:20 am UTC
    League
    Baltimore
    20
    @ L.A. Chargers
    10
    Point SpreadBaltimore -3 -110
    WIN
    Unit1.0
    +913
    54-40-3 in Last 97 NFL Picks
    +437
    36-28-2 in Last 66 NFL ATS Picks
    +1950
    35-14-1 in Last 50 BAL ATS Picks
    Analysis:

    The betting public, taking notice of the Chargers' habitually playing in (and mostly losing) games decided by three points, knocked down this line from 3.5. Such moves are often significant, and this one fit right in. Baltimore excels in projected tight games - i.e., with spreads of three or less -- having gone 3-0 outright this season. More important is a contrast in defenses: Baltimore's is one of the best, L.A.'s among the worst. With Chargers' pass rusher Joey Bosa sent to injured reserve, QB LamarJackson could be afforded extra time in the pocket.

    Pick Made: Nov 26, 7:26 pm UTC
    Nov 26 2023, 9:05 pm UTC
    League
    Cleveland
    12
    @ Denver
    29
    Point SpreadDenver -1.5 -110
    WIN
    Unit1.0
    +913
    54-40-3 in Last 97 NFL Picks
    +437
    36-28-2 in Last 66 NFL ATS Picks
    +267
    17-13-4 in Last 34 CLE ATS Picks
    Analysis:

    Denver has built a four-game outright win streak in less than dazzling fashion and bumps into the league's foremost defense. Yet Cleveland QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson is a limited passer dealing with high altitude in his initial road start. Counterpart Russell Wilson is not his former self but sports the NFL's best TD/interception ratio. Avoiding turnovers is paramount against the Browns' D. Wilson need only get Denver to 20 points for a probable cover.

    Pick Made: Nov 26, 7:13 pm UTC
    Nov 26 2023, 6:00 pm UTC
    League
    Tampa Bay
    20
    @ Indianapolis
    27
    Point SpreadTampa Bay +3 -115
    LOSS
    Unit1.0
    +913
    54-40-3 in Last 97 NFL Picks
    +437
    36-28-2 in Last 66 NFL ATS Picks
    +428
    23-17-1 in Last 41 IND ATS Picks
    Analysis:

    The Bucs are kings of the road in ATS terms this season, having covered in all five travel gigs. They were underdogs in each, same as this one. Their last-ranked rushing game might get a lift since Indy's run defense has suffered lately without suspended NT Grover Stewart. On the flip side, an absent lineman -- C Ryan Kelly -- has impact the Colts' ground game. Tampa Bay's run defense is a bragging point for the visitors. The line is 2.5 in most jurisdictions; getting a field goal is the clincher for 'dog lovers.

    Pick Made: Nov 26, 3:58 pm UTC
    Nov 26 2023, 6:00 pm UTC
    League
    New England
    7
    @ N.Y. Giants
    10
    Point SpreadN.Y. Giants +4.5 -110
    WIN
    Unit1.0
    +913
    54-40-3 in Last 97 NFL Picks
    +437
    36-28-2 in Last 66 NFL ATS Picks
    +70
    3-2 in Last 5 NYG ATS Picks
    Analysis:

    When the league's worst offenses square off, resulting in a seriously low total, a speed of 4.5 appears inflated. New England has exceeded 20 points scored once all season. Bill Belichick has resorted to subterfuge by not announcing his quarterback, which seems beneath him. Not sure it matters who's behind center anyway. Much has been made of the coach's 24-6 straight-up record against rookie QBs. -- and, make no mistake, Tommy DeVito is a rookie -- but this is no normal Pats team. The Giants are coming off their high-water mark of the year -- 31-19 over Washington -- and should be in more of a fighting mood than New England.

    Pick Made: Nov 26, 3:43 pm UTC
    Nov 26 2023, 9:05 pm UTC
    League
    L.A. Rams
    37
    @ Arizona
    14
    Point SpreadL.A. Rams -2.5 -110
    WIN
    Unit1.0
    +913
    54-40-3 in Last 97 NFL Picks
    +437
    36-28-2 in Last 66 NFL ATS Picks
    +495
    6-1-1 in Last 8 LAR ATS Picks
    Analysis:

    The Rams roll out the red carpet for the return of healed WR Cooper Kupp and RB Kyren Williams, a likely one-two boost for a sputtering offense averaging below 20 ppg. Furthering the Rams' cause is two 'Zona defenders, lineman Leki Fotu and LB Kyzir White, landing on injured reserve this week. A slump of four consecutive ATS losses this season collides with an opposing trend; coach Sean McKay has covered in 12 of 14 meetings with the Cardinals. As much as QB Kyler Murray's grand re-entrance from a long rehab is a positive, they are still the Cards.

    Pick Made: Nov 24, 10:42 pm UTC
    Nov 24 2023, 8:30 pm UTC
    League
    Utah St.
    44
    @ New Mexico
    41
    Over / UnderUNDER 59.5 -115
    LOSS
    Unit1.0
    +290
    4-1 in Last 5 CFB Picks
    +90
    2-1 in Last 3 CFB O/U Picks
    Analysis:

    Utah State is devastated by injuries -- primarily on offense with the top two quarterbacks questionable and three running backs likely out. New Mexico's QB also is ailing but might get the green light. Both teams could lean on the ground game more than usual, resulting in fewer offensive fireworks than normal. The Lobos' shaky defense was vastly improved last week, which provides another argument in going Under here.

    Pick Made: Nov 24, 7:01 pm UTC
    Nov 24 2023, 5:00 pm UTC
    League
    Iowa
    13
    @ Nebraska
    10
    Over / UnderOVER 24.5 -110
    LOSS
    Unit1.0
    +290
    4-1 in Last 5 CFB Picks
    +90
    2-1 in Last 3 CFB O/U Picks
    Analysis:

    Oddsmakers first posted a total of 27.5, likely figuring anything lower would be driven up by Over wagering. Amazingly, it has plummeted three points to the most minuscule figure in FBS ever by a substantial margin. No doubt Under backers of Hawkeyes games who have collected all year are looking for one last hit in the regular season and have pounded the Under. Every data point cries out for a low score, but defenses and special teams can produce points, too, directly or indirectly. This is a close-your-eyes pick rooted in the simple fact that games ending 14-10 and 17-7 are rare.

    Pick Made: Nov 24, 4:17 pm UTC
    Nov 24 2023, 12:30 am UTC
    League
    Ole Miss
    17
    @ Miss. State
    7
    Point SpreadOle Miss -10 -105
    PUSH
    Unit1.0
    +290
    4-1 in Last 5 CFB Picks
    +200
    2-0-1 in Last 3 CFB ATS Picks
    +390
    5-1-1 in Last 7 MISS ATS Picks
    Analysis:

    Rivalry games sometimes bring spreads that appear reduced because the underdog presumably will find motivation. That's the apparent case here. Strip out the rivalry aspect, and Ole Miss would seem closer to a two-touchdown favorite. The Rebels' lone outright loss I the last seven outings was to No. 1 Georgia. Their typically potent offense averages 35-plus ppg. Underdogs need turnovers for an upset, yet the Rebs have committed just seven, fourth fewest in the land. Underdogs need to control the clock against foes with powerful offenses, but the Bulldogs cannot count on a subpar ground game. They are 3-8 ATS, one of the worst ledgers in FBS.

    Pick Made: Nov 23, 4:38 pm UTC
    Nov 23 2023, 5:30 pm UTC
    League
    Green Bay
    29
    @ Detroit
    22
    Prop1st Half UNDER 23.5 -110
    LOSS
    Unit1.0
    Analysis:

    It takes awhile for the Packers' offense to get revved up. Green Bay ranks 31st in first-half scoring, and the drought could continue without ailing RB Aaron Jones and with injuries to teammates. Detroit does crank up its offense early, but the Pack's defense has become accustomed to starting strongly to account for the offense's early lack of productivity. Sure wish the number were 24 but will take the hook just below two-dozen.

    Pick Made: Nov 23, 4:31 pm UTC