NFL Week 9 First Touchdown Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions (2022)
Someone must score the first TD 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 a selection for each game of the Sunday slate.
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Los Angeles Chargers @ Atlanta Falcons
Cordarrelle Patterson
Odds: +900 (via BetMGM)
Cordarrelle Patterson is a great value to get in the end zone first. The Chargers have been slow starters this season, with only 16 first-quarter points, compared to 37 for the Falcons. The Chargers give up an average of 5.7 rushing yards per carry, which is perfect for Patterson and his big-play ability. Patterson returned to practice on Wednesday and claimed he was close to 100% health. If he does not suit up, Tyler Allgeier is the next man up and still worth a bet.
Miami Dolphins @ Chicago Bears
Raheem Mostert
Odds: +650 (via DraftKings Sportsbook)
The Dolphins have three players in the same value range, but Raheem Mostert should have the best chance of scoring first. The Bears have allowed 14 rushing TDs this season, which is the most in the league. The Dolphins also added Jeff Wilson Jr. to the backfield, and he is expected to eat into some of Mostert’s workload, given that he has played in McDaniel’s system before in San Francisco. Still, Mostert has control of the backfield and has a good matchup. The Bears also allow 156 rushing yards per game while holding opponents to just 188 passing yards per game. The Dolphins may have a run-heavy game plan based on those stats.
Carolina Panthers @ Cincinnati Bengals
Tyler Boyd
Odds: +750 (via FanDuel Sportsbook)
The Bengals did not look good on Monday night in a loss to the Browns. Nonetheless, they have a good matchup this week and are playing at home. Joe Burrow should have a cleaner pocket this week and more time to throw the ball, as the Panthers have 12 sacks on the season. They will be without Ja’Marr Chase again this week, and Tyler Boyd is the biggest beneficiary of his absence. Boyd saw five targets last week and was the only player to receive a red zone target from Burrow. Boyd has a solid chance this week, especially if Jaycee Horn follows Tee Higgins around the field.
Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions
Jamaal Williams
Odds: +650 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Even though the Lions are bottom five in most defensive stats, they do not allow many first-quarter points. They also have one of the better offenses statistically in the league, mainly because they are playing from behind most of the game. They could potentially get off to a good start, similar to last week when they went up 14 on the Dolphins early. Jamaal Williams is the clear goal-line back, while D’Andre Swift is the big-play threat and receives plenty of targets. The Packers have allowed 141.3 rushing yards per game this season and are good against the pass. Williams scored the first TD last week and is a good bet to do it again.
Las Vegas Raiders @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Evan Engram
Odds: +1400 (via BetMGM)
In the opening quarter, Jacksonville has been a solid team, as they have outscored opponents 49 to 14 this season. The Raiders tend to get beat through the air, as they have allowed just six rushing TDs this season and 15 passing TDs. Since Week 5, Evan Engram has also been one of Trevor Lawrence’s favorite targets. In his last four games, he has had at least four receptions and has tallied more than 50 yards in three of those games. Christian Kirk was the only player to receive more targets than Engram last week. Given how the Jaguars start the game, Engram is an exceptional value this week.
Indianapolis Colts @ New England Patriots
Tyquan Thornton
Odds: +750 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
None of the running backs were available in this prop market, but it does not matter. Tyquan Thornton is likely the best value, especially once other books come out with each of their prop numbers. Caesars typically has the lowest odds across all the sportsbooks. Thornton is carving a role in this offense, even though his stats do not show it. He played 78% of snaps last week, which was second behind Jakobi Meyers. He has blazing speed and is a threat with the ball in his hands. With DeVante Parker missing practice Wednesday and Thursday, Thornton is in line for another opportunity.
Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets
Josh Allen
Odds: +900 (via BetMGM)
The Bills will have a stiffer test this week than many people expect. The Jets have one of the better defenses in the league, but their offense is not up to par. They may have a tough time moving the ball against the Bills’ defense, which is ranked third in total yards allowed (318). Josh Allen has scored two rushing TDs this season and has not scored on the ground since Week 4. He has had at least five rushing attempts in his last five games and is averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He has 11 rushing attempts inside the 20 and five attempts inside the five. So if they find the red zone, Allen has a good chance of running it in.
Minnesota Vikings @ Washington Commanders
Justin Jefferson
Odds: +650 (via DraftKings Sportsbook)
Justin Jefferson scored two receiving TDs in Week 1 but has not scored through the air since. He has 52 receptions on 71 targets for 751 yards this season, so production is not a problem. Jefferson just has not found pay dirt. He should begin to get in the end zone more often as the season progresses, mainly since they traded for T.J. Hockenson. Teams will likely focus on Hockenson in the red zone, which could lead to more Jefferson targets. The Commanders allow 11.4 yards per completion and have given up 14 passing TDs this season. Jefferson should have plenty of space this week in a good matchup.
Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals
Rondale Moore
Odds: +950 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Since the return of DeAndre Hopkins, the Cardinals’ offense has performed much better than in their first six games. Last week, Hopkins and Rondale Moore were on the field for nearly every snap (Moore missed one), which means Moore is going to have opportunities. Hopkins will receive most of the attention, which should leave Moore in single coverage. The Seahawks allow 236.6 passing yards per game, which ranks 21st. Moore received eight targets last week and ran the ball twice, so he will have a decent chance of finding the end zone from his slot position, where he lines up about half the time.
Los Angeles Rams @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chris Godwin
Odds: +625 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Cooper Kupp practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday, so it seems he may play this week. If he does not play, the Rams may be in for a long day, as their running game has been almost nonexistent. The only team worse in rushing yards per game this season is the Buccaneers. All that to say, this game will likely take place through the air, even though the Buccaneers allow 132.4 rushing yards per game. Chris Godwin has received at least 11 targets in his last three games. With Mike Evans battling an ankle injury, Godwin is the better play this week. Jalen Ramsey will move around the field and cover both players at some point, and a healthy Godwin has the best chance of getting open.
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