NFL Betting: Roethlisberger returns victorious as Las Vegas sports books take a hit

After serving a four-game suspension for misconduct off the field, Ben Roethlisberger returned to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 28-10 victory over Cleveland today, a rare losing day for Las Vegas sports books.

The betting public put its money on Pittsburgh, the biggest favorite on the board in Week 6 of the NFL season, and the Steelers covered the 14-point spread on Roethlisberger's 14-yard touchdown pass with 1:25 remaining.

There were several close point-spread decisions throughout the day. The bettors also benefited by wins from Miami, Minnesota, San Francisco and the New York Jets.

"Everyone has been talking about the books doing great. We enjoyed a pretty good run through September," MGM Resorts sports book director Jay Rood said. "The pendulum swung back the players' way. We're going to have a losing day. You're going to have days in the NFL that just don't go your way."

Underdogs have dominated this season, contributing to several losing weeks for the betting public, but favorites went 6-5-1 against the spread today.

Chicago, Green Bay and San Diego were upset victims.

Rood said the books' losses were relatively minor, but the losses could swell if the Indianapolis Colts cash for the public in tonight's game. The Colts are 3-point favorites over the Washington Redskins.