Football odds were definitely popular on the opening game of the 2009 NFL regular season. The Pittsburgh Steelers won in overtime 13-10 against the Tennessee Titans although they did not cover the NFL betting odds at the online sportsbook. The game drew the biggest TV audience for the NFL’s season football odds opener in seven years.
Football odds had the Steelers as a six point favorite and although they didn’t cover the NFL betting odds at the sportsbook, the game was popular. NBC had the broadcast and it had a 13.8 overnight rating and a 23 share. Those numbers are up 37 percent from last year as football odds indicate.
Football odds action was exciting even though the game only had 23 points. Jeff Reed kicked a 33-yard field goal with 4:32 gone in overtime as the Super Bowl champs started the season with a win. “It’s nice to know we can win close games,” Reed said. “This is my eighth year here and I’ve been in a lot of close games, and we usually are on the up side of those.” Pittsburgh wasn’t able to run the ball so it was all Ben Roethlisberger on Thursday. He was 33 of 43 for 363 yards and a TD. Santonio Holmes, the football odds hero in the Super Bowl had 131 yards while Hines Ward added 103 yards.
Football odds tell us that the Steelers have now won seven straight season openers, the longest active Week 1 win streak in the NFL as NFL betting odds indicate. The defending Super Bowl champion has won its opener for 10 straight football odds seasons.
Football odds noted that Pittsburgh lost safety Troy Polamalu to injury and he will be out at least the next few weeks. “It is speculation at this point [how long he will be out],” Tomlin said.
Although the Titans covered the football odds they did not win the game and players were not happy about it. “The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t beat the Tennessee Titans, the Tennessee Titans beat the Tennessee Titans,” said wide receiver Nate Washington. “We had chances and opportunities but missed a field goal, had a field goal blocked,” coach Jeff Fisher said. “I believe we’ve got a good football team in that locker room and we’re going to bounce back.” The Titans are still considered one of the favorites in football odds to reach the Super Bowl as are the Steelers. They both trail the Patriots in NFL betting odds though as New England is the top choice.