NFL Week 9 kicks off tonight with a Thursday Night Football match-up that, surprisingly has everyone’s attention. We’re looking at the spread, the game total and the player props and while the Tennessee Titans visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers doesn’t command a whole lot of buzz, we’ve definitely got some action brewing for this game. With the way Titans rookie quarterback Will Levis came out slinging the rock last week, everyone wants to see what the kid brings to the table on a short week. On the other side, it looks like Kenny Pickett and his ribs have been left off the NFL Week 9 Injury Report which means you get to watch him, along with Diontae Johnson and George Pickens, tangle with a Tennessee secondary that leaves little to be desired. So how do we approach this game from a football betting standpoint? Both teams are still very much in the NFL playoff hunt, but a loss tonight could certainly put a damper on those plans. With the narrative set, let’s set up our best bets for tonight’s game.

 

 

NFL Thursday Night Football Best Bets: Tennessee Titans vs Pittsburgh Steelers

The Spread: Steelers -2.5 

The spread has been back-and-forth between minus-2.5 and minus-3. Obviously, money is coming in on both sides and we are all expecting a close game. In favor of the Steelers is the Titans porous pass defense which should give way to Diontae Johnson and George Pickens. For the Titans, it comes down to whether or not you believe in Will Levis. The world seems to think he’s something special and ready to dominate which immediately gives me pause, especially here on a short week. I think, even without Minkah Fitzpatrick, that Levis is going to endure some growing pains and we usually see the Steelers defense dominate at home. If it goes up to three, take the alt-line and make sure you’re giving just 2.5. The juice won’t be too bad on that. Pick: Steelers -2.5 (-120)

The Total: 37

The total is super-low here, but no one seems to believe in either offense or that Vegas has this one wrong. We expect it to be a hard-nosed battle, but it’s difficult to see either team having a clear-cut edge in scoring. The under is 4-4 this year for Thursday Night football, but 5-2 in Titans games this season and 6-1 in Steelers games. Champion those kickers tonight because we’re likely to see a lot of field goals. Pick: Under 37 (-110)  

Favorite Thursday Night Football Player Props:

  • Chigozium Okonkwo over 24.5 receiving yards (-115)
  • Diontae Johnson over 57.5 receiving yards (-115)
  • Najee Harris under 50.5 rushing + receiving yards (-110)
  • T.J. Watt over 2.5 tackles + assists (-150) 

**all odds & lines courtesy of BetMGM