NFL Week 17 First TD Scorers Picks & Predictions (2024)
Someone must score the first touchdown of the game. This article will help you increase your odds of hitting on that player based on matchups and team strengths. It will feature a selection for each game of the Sunday slate.
I will track my plays here on BettingPros. Let's get to the first touchdown scorer predictions for NFL Week 17.
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NFL Week 17 First Touchdown Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions
New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen and the Bills may not be able to get the No. 1 overall seed from the 15-1 Chiefs, but Allen is still playing to win the MVP award. Lamar Jackson is closing the gap on him, but Allen can cement his season with a solid game against the Jets.
Allen threw for 215 yards and two touchdowns in Week 6 against them and added a rushing touchdown. The Jets have allowed the second-most (SEVEN) rushing touchdowns to quarterbacks this season. I expect Allen to use his legs early, so the Bills can build a lead and rest before the playoffs.
Pick: Josh Allen (+500 via DraftKings Sportsbook)
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Chig Okonkwo quietly has 21 targets over the past two weeks with Mason Rudolph as his quarterback. He has caught 17 for 140 yards but has not found the end zone. Okonkwo played 72% of snaps in their Week 14 matchup but only had four targets.
The Jaguars have struggled against tight ends this season and Rudolph may be better equipped than Will Levis to attack that weakness. The Jaguars have allowed seven touchdowns to the position this season, with averages of 5.3 receptions and 57 yards. Okonkwo should be the Titans' primary focus this week as they evaluate players to prepare for next season.
Pick: Chig Okonkwo (+1500 via DraftKings Sportsbook)
Las Vegas Raiders @ New Orleans Saints
The Saints scored zero points against the Packers on Monday night. Derek Carr (hand) and Alvin Kamara (groin) did not play last week and have not practiced this week. Spencer Rattler started for the Saints last week, and it was a poor performance from the offense without Kamara and Carr.
The Raiders should put points on the board first, and Brock Bowers is the prime candidate. He has not scored since Week 13 but has seen plenty of targets. The Saints allow the second-highest average yards (11.7) per reception to tight ends but have only allowed one touchdown to the position all season. Bowers can break the mold this week.
Pick: Brock Bowers (+675 via Caesars Sportsbook)
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Panthers have been playing well since Bryce Young became the starter again in Week 8. They are not winning games, but they are keeping a lot close, which is a step in the right direction with this young roster.
Chuba Hubbard has been a big reason for that. He struggled in the first meeting with the Buccaneers and did not receive a target. He has 14 targets in the three weeks following that game and 54 on the season. The Panthers need to get him the ball in any fashion, especially against a tough run defense. This price is too high to pass up for Hubbard, who has 11 total touchdowns this season.
Pick: Chuba Hubbard (+650 via DraftKings Sportsbook)
Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts (concussion) did not practice Thursday. Kenny Pickett will likely draw the start for the Eagles this week. They should lean on Saquon Barkley early in a great matchup. Barkley only ran 14 times for 66 yards in their first meeting, while Hurts scored twice on the ground.
Barkley should not have to share the touchdown equity with anyone this week, as Hurts will likely not play. CeeDee Lamb will also miss the two remaining games this season, so the Cowboys' offense may struggle without him. Barkley is the favorite for a reason and should be involved heavily.
Pick: Saquon Barkley (+240 via DraftKings Sportsbook)
Indianapolis Colts @ New York Giants
Jonathan Taylor may have run for 218 yards and three touchdowns last week, but Anthony Richardson also had a solid day on the ground. He carried the ball nine times for 70 yards and one touchdown. He has not practiced this week, but the team is optimistic he will play.
The Colts jump up to a 20% chance to make the playoffs with a victory, so they will need their young quarterback. The Giants have been awful recently and are on their way to securing the top overall pick. They have allowed four rushing touchdowns to quarterbacks this season. The Colts want to run the ball as much as possible. Richardson is a solid play this week.
Pick: Anthony Richardson (+650 via DraftKings Sportsbook)
Miami Dolphins @ Cleveland Browns
Dorian Thompson-Robinson will likely be under center for the Browns this week if he is healthy enough. Jerome Ford should see a healthy amount of attempts if that is the case. Ford has scored in two consecutive weeks and has a great matchup, especially as a check-down option.
The Dolphins have allowed 15 total touchdowns to running backs this season. Ford also has big-play ability, with runs of 66 and 62 in his last two games, respectively. The Browns have to be competent for the opening drive, which is a possibility, especially if Jameis Winston (shoulder) ends up playing instead of Thompson-Robinson.
Pick: Jerome Ford (+850 via DraftKings Sportsbook)
Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings
Jordan Addison came through for us last week and scored the first touchdown against the Seahawks. We might as well go back to the well in a matchup with many possibilities. There are so many weapons on each side of the ball, and these teams are fighting for seeding, which will matter if the Lions hold onto the division.
The matchup is tough for Addison, but both defenses present difficult matchups for both sides. Addison scored twice in their Week 4 matchup - one through the air and one on the ground. He has become more involved since and should see enough volume to make this price worth it.
Pick: Jordan Addison (+1200 via DraftKings Sportsbook)