NFL Week 18 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 18 first touchdown scorers.
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NFL Week 18 First Touchdown Scorers Picks & Predictions
Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans
The Texans have clinched a playoff berth, but could win the AFC South if the Jaguars lose to the Titans. Both games kick off on the early slate, so the Texans will likely watch the scoreboard to see the outcome of that game. It should not impact the beginning of this game, however, unless the Jaguars get a big lead early.
Jayden Higgins is averaging 3.9 targets per game this season and caught a 75-yard touchdown last week. He has seven red-zone targets and three of his five touchdowns have come inside the 20-yard line. The Colts' secondary has struggled to stop wide receivers all season, allowing two touchdowns to the position in two of the last three weeks. Higgins offers a lot of value this week against a struggling Colts defense.
Pick: Jayden Higgins (+2000 at bet365)
Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants
The Giants and the Cowboys have no chance of making the playoffs, but they have the second-highest total of the slate. Tyrone Tracy Jr. has taken control of this backfield, eclipsing more than 60% of snaps in the past three games. He is averaging 15 rushing attempts per game over the last three games, and has averaged 2.8 targets per game this season.
The Cowboys' defense has struggled against running backs all season, especially receiving backs. They have allowed the third-highest explosive run rate since Week 13, which should help Tracy on the ground. He is averaging four yards per carry this season and should fare well against the Cowboys, who allow 4.7 yards per carry.
Pick: Tyrone Tracy Jr. (+750 at bet365)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos
The Chargers are starting Trey Lance over Justin Herbert in the final game of the regular season against the Broncos. Denver has to win to secure the No. 1 overall seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Broncos are large favorites and should have a solid chance of scoring first.
Courtland Sutton torched this secondary in Week 3, finishing with six receptions, 118 yards and one touchdown. He has 10+ targets in each of his last four games, with two touchdowns in that time. He also has a team-leading 19 red-zone targets. Sutton is a great value option this week in a game the Broncos should dominate.
Pick: Courtland Sutton (+750 at Hard Rock Bet)
Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears
The Lions are eliminated from the playoffs, but the Bears are playing for the No. 2 seed, which gives them home-field advantage if they reach the divisional round. This game has the highest total of the week, but it will be cold in Chicago.
D'Andre Swift has scored four touchdowns in his last three games. He is also averaging 4.9 yards per carry this season. The Bears should lean on him early and often, and may look to him as a target out of the backfield. Swift is averaging 3.1 targets per game, so he should get plenty of opportunities in what is predicted to be a high-scoring game.
Pick: D'Andre Swift (+700 at DraftKings Sportsbook)