NFL Week 17 First Touchdown Scorers Picks & Predictions (2025)
Someone must score the first touchdown of the game, and this article will help you increase your odds of hitting on that player based on matchups and team strengths. It will feature selections for games on the Sunday slate.
I will track my plays here on BettingPros. Let's get to the NFL Week 17 first touchdown scorers.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
NFL Week 17 First Touchdown Scorers Picks & Predictions
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cleveland Browns
Kenneth Gainwell has come on strong in the final part of the season and is getting a lot of respect in the betting markets. Jaylen Warren offers more value than ever, especially in this market. Warren exploded last week for 143 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, but Gainwell made the catch of the day (maybe the year) at the end of the half.
This backfield is a true committee, but Warren is getting the goal-line touches. Gainwell is getting almost all of the work as a pass-catcher. I like Warren to score first this week as the Steelers clinch the AFC North with a victory.
Pick: Jaylen Warren (+800 at DraftKings Sportsbook)
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts
Travis Etienne Jr. is the primary back in Jacksonville as Bhayshul Tuten deals with a hand injury. He has played 70% of the snaps in two of his last three games, and logged 61% in the other. He has six touchdowns in the previous three weeks and 13 total on the season.
Etienne also has 57 total touches in the red zone this season, and is the team's clear option near the goal line. He offers a lot of value this week since Jonathan Taylor is the favorite in the matchup.
Pick: Travis Etienne Jr. (+450 at theScore Bet)
Seattle Seahawks @ Carolina Panthers
Zach Charbonnet is the clear goal-line back for the Seahawks. He and Kenneth Walker have similar rushing attempts in the red zone, but there is a wide gap inside the 10-yard line.
Charbonnet has 22 attempts to Walker's 10 inside the 10-yard line, with eight going for touchdowns. The Seahawks should have no trouble moving the ball against the Panthers, and Charbonnet is the most likely player to finish the drive.
Pick: Zach Charbonnet (+550 at FanDuel Sportsbook)
Philadelphia Eagles @ Buffalo Bills
James Cook has five touchdowns in his last two games and is averaging 5.9 yards per carry. The Eagles are surprisingly a good matchup for running backs, as they have a depleted front seven. They have allowed 96.8 rushing yards and 0.8 rushing touchdowns per game to running backs.
Cook is the hottest back in the league, and the Bills are utilizing him at a high rate. The Bills lead the league in rushing plays this season at 50.27%. They know they can move the ball on the ground with Cook and Josh Allen, and are not afraid to keep the ball on the ground. Their offensive line is clicking, and Cook should continue to dominate early and often this week.
Pick: James Cook (+650 at DraftKings Sportsbook)