Saints-Vikings opener a TV ratings hit

The NFL is off to a strong start in its TV ratings after drawing big numbers last season.

Thursday’s Vikings-Saints opener earned the highest rating for a regular-season prime-time game in 12 years. NBC said that New Orleans’ 14-9 win in a rematch of the NFC championship game drew a 16.5 rating and 28 share.

That’s the best in prime time in the regular season since a Minnesota-Green Bay game in 1998.

It’s by far the highest rating for a Thursday night opener since the NFL started such games in 2002.

NFL Players Assn. chief Mawae retires as player

The president of the NFL Players Assn. said he got one offer from a team this year. But Kevin Mawae said Friday he decided being with family was more important than his passion to keep playing in the league.

The veteran offensive lineman announced his retirement from the NFL after 16 seasons and eight Pro Bowls.

Mawae played for Tennessee last season, starting all 16 games and helping block for Chris Johnson as he ran for 2,006 yards.

But his contract was up and the Titans went younger with Leroy Harris. Mawae, who turns 40 in January, finished his career playing in his final Pro Bowl. He will serve out his term as union president, which ends in March 2012.

Antwan Odom likely to play while appealing suspension

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Antwan Odom is expected to play Sunday in the season opener at New England while he appeals a suspension for using a banned substance.

Odom acknowledged on his Twitter account Friday that he tested positive for a banned substance. “Yes, I tested positive for a banned substance but it wasn’t steroids or [performance-enhancing drugs],” Odom tweeted.