First touchdown scorer props have become increasingly popular over the years, and it’s easy to see why. They are fun wagers that tend to settle quickly unless you are locked into an old-school defensive struggle.
Below, we’ll run through our favorite NFL first touchdown scorer props. Then, we’ll outline some strategy tips for this special type of bet, which could be helpful if you are new to this specific bet type.
So let’s start with the all-important question: who will be the first touchdown scorer tonight?
Best DFS Apps in All States
First Touchdown Scorer: Week 2 Monday
What are the best NFL first touchdown scorer props tonight? Here are our top picks for the upcoming slate:
MIKE EVANS FIRST TOUCHDOWN SCORER
The Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers square off at NRG Stadium on Monday night in a Week 2 matchup between playoff hopefuls.
Both offenses sputtered in their openers, as the Texans managed just nine points in a loss to the Rams, while Baker Mayfield had to engineer a late drive to push the Bucs past the Falcons 23-20.
Neither quarterback eclipsed 200 passing yards, and neither rushing attack cracked 115 yards on the ground. Both teams also dealt with shaky offensive line play, as Tampa continues to be without All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs and Houston moved on from its anchor on the blind side in the offseason.
Nick Chubb and Bucky Irving enter as the favorites to score the first touchdown on Monday night, but given the line play issues and lack of ground-game efficiency in Week 1, there’s more value among the pass catchers.
For Tampa Bay, rookie Emeka Egbuka stole the spotlight in his debut, hauling in two long touchdown passes from Mayfield. Irving accounted for the other Bucs score, taking a short reception into the end zone.
Noticeably absent from the Week 1 touchdown sheet was Mike Evans, who finished fourth in the NFL last season with 11 receiving touchdowns. Only three players saw more end-zone targets than Evans in 2024, and that trend should carry into 2025.
A big-bodied, elite contested-catch receiver, Evans has been among the league leaders in touchdown production in four of the last five seasons. He’s unlikely to relinquish that role anytime soon, and he can be found at longer odds than Texans alpha receiver Nico Collins.
With his dominant red-zone presence and proven history of striking early and often, Mike Evans stands out as the best choice to score the first touchdown in the first of two Monday night contests.
ASHTON JEANTY FIRST TOUCHDOWN SCORER
In the second game of Monday night’s doubleheader, the Las Vegas Raiders take on the Los Angeles Chargers.
Both teams are coming off strong Week 1 performances, with the Raiders defeating the Patriots 20-13 and the Chargers upsetting the Chiefs 27-21. Rookie Ashton Jeanty and Tre Tucker found the end zone for Las Vegas, while Quentin Johnston and Keenan Allen accounted for the Chargers’ three scores.
The biggest question mark heading into this matchup is the health of second-year tight end Brock Bowers. Head coach Pete Carroll has said he expects Bowers to play, so we’ll proceed under that assumption.
The Chargers enter as 3.5-point road favorites. Rookie running back Omarion Hampton is the betting favorite to score the first touchdown, and his debut was impressive. Hampton logged more than 80% of the snaps and handled 60% of the rushing share, a hefty workload for a rookie.
Still, with Najee Harris lurking in a complementary role and no clarity yet on goal-line duties (the Chargers didn’t record a carry inside the five in Week 1), there’s some risk attached to backing Hampton at short odds.
On the other side, the Raiders wasted no time unleashing Jeanty, who was drafted sixth overall and the highest running back selection since Saquon Barkley in 2018.
Jeanty played 85% of the snaps, took 79% of the rushing share, and handled the team’s only carry inside the five, which he converted for his first career touchdown. With Bowers’ status muddying the outlook for the Raiders’ pass catchers, and Jeanty already locked into a workhorse role, the choice is clear.
Ashton Jeanty is the best bet to score the first touchdown in the Monday night-cap.
Players most likely to Score First Touchdown tonight
Ahead of tonight’s slate, here are the odds-on favorites to score the first touchdown across the two MNF games:
- Omarion Hampton (+500)
- Bucky Irving (+550)
- Ashton Jeanty (+600)
- Nick Chubb (+600)
- Nico Collins (+700)
- Ladd McConkey (+900)
- Mike Evans (+950)
- Emeka Egbuka (+950)
- Brock Bowers (+1000)
- Quentin Johnson (+1200)
- Dalton Schultz (+1200)
- Najee Haris (+1200)
The Best sportsbooks for placing your first TD scorer props
The following sportsbooks have more than enough options to satisfy your first touchdown scorer needs. And as we always say, make sure to shop around for the best prices and possible bonuses when it comes to first touchdown scorer bets.
The Best DFS Pick’em apps for First Touchdown props
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) pick’em apps offer a different approach to prop-style betting. They focus on player stat projections and picks without traditional odds. These platforms operate in more states than conventional sportsbooks, making them accessible to more fans.
Popular DFS pick’em options for first touchdown picks:
First touchdown bet types, typical odds, and win conditions
The table below shows the main first-TD bet types. It explains what each bet type is, the typical odds ranges you’ll see, and what constitutes a win or a loss.
Use this as a quick overview, then we’ll delve into more detail on each bet type in the rest of the article below.
| Bet Type | Description | Typical Odds | Win Conditions | Loss Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Touchdown Scorer – Full Game | Bet on a specific player to score the first touchdown of the game, regardless of team. | +300 to +800 | Your chosen player scores the game’s very first TD. | Any other player scores the first TD, or no touchdown is scored and no “No TD” market was selected. |
| First Touchdown Scorer – Team-Specific | Bet on a specific player to score the first touchdown for their team, ignoring what the opponents do. | +300 to +1000 | Your chosen player scores the first TD for his team. | Another teammate scores the first TD for that team, or the team fails to score a TD. |
| Team to Score First Touchdown | Bet on which team will score the game’s first TD, not tied to an individual player. | -200 to +150 | The team you selected scores the first touchdown of the game. | The other team scores the first touchdown, or no touchdown is scored. |
| First Scoring Play (Method) | Bet on the method of the game’s first score (touchdown, field goal, or safety). | 150 to +5000 | The first score of the game matches your chosen method. | A different scoring method happens first. |
| First Touchdown by Position Group | Bet on which position group will score the first TD, either: RB, WR, TE, QB, Defense/Special Teams. | +300 to +3000 | The first touchdown is scored by a player in your chosen position group. | A player from another position group scores the first TD, or no touchdown is scored. |
| Same-Game Parlay – First TD Combo | Combine a first touchdown scorer bet with other legs such as moneyline, spread, or totals. | 0 up to...no ceiling! | All legs of your parlay must hit, including the first TD scorer. | Any leg of the parlay fails. |
What are single-player first touchdown props?
First-touchdown (TD) props let you bet on who will score a touchdown first. Variants include props for individual players, team-specific bets, and same-game parlays.
These kinds of bets really come down to how a team starts out. It’s about the early rhythm, the play calls, and who gets the ball in the red-zone.
The best shots usually come from players the coaches already plan to feature on that opening drive, rather than players who do not start the game and only come on later.
What is a standard first touchdown scorer bet?
A standard first-touchdown scorer prop is where you bet on a single player from any team that you think will score the game’s opening touchdown (TD). The bet settles once the first touhdown is scored. If your chosen player makes the first TD, you win. If not, you lose. Simple.
Only rushing, receiving, or special-teams touchdowns count with this bet, with passing touchdowns credited to the receiver rather than the quarterback who made the throw.
If no touchdown is scored in the entire game, the bet is usually void unless a “no touchdown” market is listed.
The odds for this bet vary depending on the player’s role. Favorites like goal-line backs or top receivers often sit between +500 and +1500, while backups or low usage players can reach +3000 or more.
Many small factors can influence these bets. If a game turns into a blowout, you sometimes see random guys sneak in with a late touchdown. Down near the goal line, coaches often send in fresh legs or a bruising back to punch it in. And when the clock is running tight, teams love looking to their slot guys or tight ends for those quick, safe throws.
What is a team-specific first touchdown scorer prop?
Team-specific first-touchdown bets are all about picking the player who scores the first touchdown for just one team, not necessarily the first touchdown of the game. So instead of worrying about every player on the field, you’re zeroing in on fewer players, which can make it a bit easier to choose who to bet on, and hopefully for your ticket to hit.
Your bet wins if your chosen player scores the first touchdown for your team. if the other team hits the red-zone first, your bet is still live. You only lose if your player never scores a touchdown, or a player from his same team touches down first.
The odds fluctuate significantly depending on the player. Big-name running backs or top receivers usually land somewhere around +300 to +600, with the go-to red-zone guys averaging in the mid-300s last season.
If you like rolling the dice, backups and role players can be way higher at +1000 or more, and if one of them hits, you’re looking at a decent payout, but obviously, they hit far less.
Because what counts is who scores your team’s first touchdown, not the first one of the game, game script is crucial! If a team is trailing, the quarterback will probably throw more, which puts wide receivers and tight ends in the mix. If they’re near the goal line and stick to running, the ball usually goes to the running back to finish the job.
And remember, quarterback touchdowns only count if they run it themselves, since passing touchdowns go to the receiver.
You can spot good picks by watching teams that get to the red zone a lot and seeing which players they lean on right away, especially in those first scripted plays.
How do same game parlay combos work with first TD props?
Same-game parlays combine first-touchdown scorer picks with other possible outcomes in the same game, such as a team win, point total, or individual player stats, to create a bet with higher odds and hopefully a bigger payout.
When you combine bets like this, every leg must win for the parlay to pay out. If any part of it results in a loss, the entire bet loses.
These bets carry higher risk because multiple things must happen for you to win, but they reward you handsomely if you have strong game script-reading skills.
Odds usually fall between +500 and +2000, depending on the number of legs and the particular things you bet on. Two-leg parlays will average at the lower end, but 3 or more-leg parlays often combine to over +1500, but the sky’s the limit!
Early game planning and matchups between offense and defense matter because teams often plan plays for the first series, giving key players early chances to score. Wide receivers facing soft zone coverage can find space quickly when defenses are keyed on the run.
To find value, limit parlays to two or three solid legs only. Sticking 4, 5, or even 7 bets together is not only far less likely to hit, but you also lose any value you may have found due to the baked-in overround in sportsbooks’ odds.
For example, pairing a top running back to score first TD, with a good winning team to finish first can produce odds between +600 and +750, and it will come in a good 30% to 40% of the time if you look at last season’s stats.
What are team and game-based first touchdown prop types?
Team and game-based first-touchdown props don’t focus on individual players; they instead ask bigger-picture questions, such as which team scores first, how that touchdown occurs, or what position the scorer plays.
These bets are more about team style, coaching choices, and overall scoring patterns instead of singling out a specific guy.
Let’s now look at the standard betting options you have in this arena.
Which team will score a TD first?
With this type of prop bet, you have to choose which team will score the first touchdown, regardless of the individual player who scores. If your team scores a TD first, you win; if they fail to score a TD or the other team scores a TD first, then you lose.
It is simpler than the player-specific prop bets, but it does still need analysis of opening drives, offensive efficiency, and defensive weaknesses to try to find value.
Key factors that affect this bet include opening-drive efficiency and defensive matchups, especially weak pass defenses. Teams that win the coin toss and choose to receive the opening kickoff have a modest advantage of a few percentage points when it comes to scoring first.
To spot value, focus on teams with strong first-quarter scoring and red-zone efficiency, particularly those with a history of effective opening drives.
Method of the first touchdown prop bet
With this prop, you have to decide and bet on HOW the first touchdown will be scored, such as passing, rushing, or defensive or special-teams.If you correctly bet on how the first touchdown is scored, you win; if it is scored any other way, you lose.
Passing touchdowns typically sit at odds around -200 to +100 and are common for pass-heavy teams. Rushing touchdowns often show odds near +150 to +300 and are common for run-heavy teams. Defensive or special-teams touchdowns are the riskiest, with odds from +800 to +2500 and much higher payouts.
Factors that influence this market include the distribution of red-zone plays, teams that favor the run inside the ten-yard line, and even weather conditions, which can impact the success rates of teams that prefer running or passing.
For example, adverse weather conditions, such as wind or rain, often necessitate more run-heavy game plans, which can increase the chances of rushing touchdowns.
First touchdown by position group prop bets
This bet asks which position group, either running back, wide receiver, quarterback, or tight end, will score the first touchdown in the game. It can be from one team or both.
If you pick the correct position of the player who scores the first TD, you win; if a player from any other position scores a TD first or there’s no TD in the game, then you lose.
This kind of bet is the one for you if you like to bank more on particular roles, but not specific players.
QB odds are typically +400 to +800 for quarterbacks who both run and throw. TE odds range from +300 to +600. RB odds normally range from +150 to +250 and favor run-heavy teams, while WR odds often show +100 to +200 for teams with elite receivers.
Things to think about to find value include red-zone target shares and who a team usually throws to near the end zone, which players they use in goal-line sets, and how the defense lines up. A team like the 49ers, with creative formations, might give their running backs or fullbacks more chances. Against zone defenses, wide receivers often get open on quick, short crossing routes.
What are parlay and combo first TD props?
Parlay and combo bets let you amplify payouts by combining multiple first-touchdown outcomes. They come with high risk because every selection in the parlay must hit for your bet to win.
You need to build parlays thoughtfully to balance the higher rewards against the decreasing likelihood of every outcome happening to win.
What are the core mechanics of parlay and combo bets?
- Same-game parlays combine first-touchdown scorer predictions with other outcomes in the same game, like a team’s win or total points. An example is betting Breece Hall to score the first touchdown plus the Jets over 21.5 points.
- Cross-game parlays link first-touchdown scorers from different games. An example is Christian McCaffrey scoring the first touchdown, as well as Ja’Marr Chase scoring the first touchdown.
- Combo props mix various first-touchdown related markets, such as betting on both the method of the first touchdown and the scorer. An example is a rushing touchdown first, plus Derrick Henry to score.
What are some key rules to understand?
- All legs must hit. For a parlay to pay out, every leg of the bet has to win. If one or more legs fail, then the entire bet loses.
- Odds multiply. If you combine two +300 selections, the parlay would pay out at +900. Three legs at +300 would pay out at +2700.
- Correlation matters. Avoid combining inherently contradictory selections because only one team can score first in a head-to-head matchup. So if you bet both teams to score first in a parlay or combo, there is 0% it can come off!
You should build parlays around strong correlations. For example, combining Lions first-TD team at +120 with Sam LaPorta first-TD at +900 is logical because Detroit’s red-zone trends favor tight ends. Pairing Jalen Hurts first-TD at +400 with Eagles first-TD team at minus 120 also makes sense given Philly’s top-ranked QB sneak success rate at the goal-line.
Avoid conflicting outcomes like pairing Travis Kelce’s first TD with Patrick Mahomes to throw for 300-plus yards because Mahomes’ downfield passing can reduce Kelce’s red-zone opportunities.
Use red-zone data to find players with significant target shares, such as Davante Adams, or teams with high red-zone touchdown rates.
Limit parlay legs since each extra leg reduces your chance of winning. Stick to two to three legs that together might hit at 5% or so. Combining parlays with three or more legs that might typically hit at less than 1.5% can result in demoralizing, bankroll-busting losing streaks of hundreds of bets if you’re unlucky.
You should also manage correlation risk by avoiding overlapping dependencies. For example, do not pair Justin Jefferson’s first-TD with the Vikings’ first-TD team because Jefferson’s first-TD guarantees the team’s leg. You’d get better long-term value picking one or the other, not combining both.
Instead, focus on teams with plays planned for the first series; for example, betting Cooper Kupp first-TD and Rams first-drive TD when the Rams excel at those openings.
Live hedging can also be useful. If your first TD parlay fails early, you might hedge by betting on the last TD for the same player to potentially recover losses.
How does in-game first TD betting work?
Live first-TD betting allows you to place bets on first touchdowns even after the game is underway, and keeps the market active from kickoff until the first score with odds that update in real time. Things that can affect the odds are on-field position, drive momentum, and substitutions.
As with pre-game props, your chosen player must score via a rush reception or return for your bet to settle, with other scoring types not included.
When you’re betting on a live first touchdown, the odds don’t stay still. They move with every play, and a few key factors tend to drive the most significant swings:
- Field position – If a drive starts near midfield or close to the goal line, the odds on star players get shorter because a touchdown feels more likely. If the team is stuck way back near their own end zone, the odds naturally get longer.
- Drive momentum – When an offense is moving the ball easily, odds on their top players will of course usually drop. However, if the defense is stopping them easily and forcing tough downs, the odds will, of course, go back up.
- Injuries and subs – If a starter leaves the game, the backup’s odds get better. If the starter comes back in, the backup’s odds will worsen again.
- Play tendencies – Teams often reuse plays that worked for them in previous games. If you see a familiar setup from a team, the odds are that the player might tighten. But if the defense figures it out, the odds naturally swing the other way.
- Matchups – If a strong player is covered by someone weaker, their odds will decrease with the increased chances of scoring. However, if the defense fixes the matchup, the odds will revert to normal.
- Formations – Heavy sets with extra blockers usually mean running plays, which lowers odds for running backs. Spread sets mean quick passes, which help receivers. If the formation changes, so do the odds.
- Game flow – A penalty that keeps the drive alive can shorten odds on likely scorers. However, if the drive stalls, the odds will get longer.
Live first-touchdown betting makes the game more fun to follow. The odds can swing in an instant due to any of a long run, a flag, or even a quick substitution. It can keep you interested in the game from the kickoff to the end, and if you notice changes before the sportsbook does, you can often find a nice edge.
Basic first TD Scorer Strategy
Just like with anytime touchdown scorer props, there is no surefire way to guarantee a win on first touchdown scorer props. That said, there are several steps you can take to increase your win rate significantly.
Pay Attention To Injuries
Simply being on top of the injury report is one of the easiest ways to get value as a bettor. By knowing which players are questionable, you can often pounce on lines before the sportsbook has a chance to react.
For example, if the starting running back is questionable, I like to have some bets queued up on the backup running back. If he’s ultimately ruled out, you can potentially beat the sportsbook for a significant amount of closing line value.
It’s not a fool-proof method, and the sportsbooks aren’t dumb. However, there are at least a few times a year when unexpected news leaves them open.
Make sure you’re plugged into the news – Twitter alerts from top news reporters are the best source – and take advantage of it when you can.
Defense (& Coaching) Matters
One of the most annoying things about betting on first-scorer props is that you are occasionally powerless. Only one team gets the first possession of each game, which means there’s a roughly 50/50 chance that your chosen player will start the game on the sidelines. If the opposing team goes down the field and scores, your player will have zero chance of scoring the first TD.
That’s why backing a player with a solid defense makes sense. If they can keep the opposing offense out of the end zone, it creates more chances for your player to score the first touchdown.
Additionally, knowing which coaches like to receive the ball after winning the coin toss is another way to create some value. The vast majority of coaches choose to defer at this point, but new coaches enter the league every year. Finding one who prefers to receive the ball almost guarantees they will start the game on offense, which is a huge boost for first touchdown props.
Know The Goal Line Stats
Not all red zone touches are created equal. For running backs, in particular, getting the ball inside the five-yard line is a great way to rack up a high number of touchdowns.
There are some ways to exploit this. Last year, Boston Scott was the most profitable anytime TD scorer in the entire league. He had just 20 red zone touches, which put him well behind most of the top runners in the league. However, 16 of those attempts came from inside the 10-yard line, and 12 came from inside the five. Ultimately, only 10 running backs had more carries from inside the five-yard line than Scott last season.
I’m not sure who this year’s version of Scott will be, but staying on top of the numbers can help you turn a profit.
How To Deal With The Swings
Betting on first touchdown scorer props is similar to playing large tournaments in daily fantasy sports. Your win rate is likely to be low, so you’ll need to be prepared for periods without any wins. That can be demoralizing for bettors.
The key is to maximize your upside when you win. That allows you to survive the downswings and preserve your bankroll. If you’re increasing your bets every time you hit a first touchdown prop, you won’t be able to survive the inevitable cold streaks. Like most things in life, discipline is key.
Important terms and conditions for first touchdown props
First-TD bets sound easy: pick who scores first, and if they do, you’re in business! However, there can be different rules at various sportsbooks, some of which may be more significant than you think.
If you don’t pay attention to some of the little details, it can be easy to walk away thinking you nailed it, only to find your bet has lost, or even, for some reason, voided.
Here are some of the things you need to look out for:
Passing touchdowns do not count for this bet
For first touchdown bets, the scoring method must be a rushing, receiving, or particular return score, which means the player must actually run the ball in or catch it in the end zone.
So just like with anytime touchdown scorer props, passing touchdowns are not included in first touchdown scorer props. If the first touchdown of a game is a passing touchdown, then whoever caught the ball would be considered the first TD scorer.
However, that doesn’t mean that quarterbacks are irrelevant in first touchdown scorer props. Quarterbacks will run for more touchdowns than you think, especially as more athletic passers enter the league every year.
23 quarterbacks ran for multiple scores last year, with Jalen Hurts leading the pack at 10. There are some familiar suspects on the list – Hurts, Josh Allen, and Kyler Murray each had at least five rushing touchdowns – but you don’t need to be a great rusher to score touchdowns. Ryan Tannehill was second among quarterbacks with seven touchdowns, while noted statue Tom Brady even had two scores.
Ultimately, quarterbacks were some of the most profitable players last year in any-time touchdown scorer props. If quarterbacks are scoring more rushing touchdowns than expected, it stands to reason they’d be underpriced in first-touchdown odds as well.
Also be aware that extra points, safeties, and two-point conversions don’t count, and overtime only matters at some books. So if you’re betting a game you think could be low-scoring and head to OT, you’ll want to check if that first overtime score actually counts toward your ticket.
Player participation rules
Your guy has to be on the field for your first TD bet to be live. If he never takes a snap, most places void the bet and give you your money back, but once he’s out there, even if only for a single play, then the bet usually stands.
This can mean if your chosen player pulls up hurt in the first series, you’re out of luck. This stings, but that’s how it works, I’m afraid.
And don’t forget, a snap on special teams doesn’t always qualify! Lining up on a kick return doesn’t count the same as lining up with the offense.
Overtime and no-touchdown outcomes
If regulation ends without a touchdown, some sportsbooks will roll the bet into overtime and settle it on whoever scores first there, but others don’t, especially if the market is labeled “First TD in Regulation.”
If nobody scores at all, most books will void and refund the bet unless they’ve posted a “No TD” market, in which case the bet stands.
Every now and then you’ll see a promo that softens the blow, like giving you your stake back if your pick ends up scoring the second touchdown instead of the first, which doesn’t happen often but is worth looking out for!
Defensive and special-teams touchdowns
This is another one people miss. Defensive scores, such as pick-sixes or fumble returns, and kickoff or punt return touchdowns, only count if the player is listed in that market. If he’s not on the board for that role, it doesn’t matter how crazy the play is, your bet is not a winner.
Quarterback scoring definitions
Quarterbacks only get credit for a TD if they run it in themselves or catch a pass. Throwing one doesn’t count for them, which trips up new bettors all the time, and on laterals or trick plays, the scorer is simply the guy who takes the ball over the line.
Market-specific rules and parlays
Wording is a bigger deal than people realize. “First TD scorer” is different from “First TD in Regulation,” and props like “First RB TD” won’t pay if a wideout gets there first.
If you drop one of these bets into a parlay, every leg has to hit or the whole ticket goes down, and since most books don’t let you cash out early on first-TD props, once it’s placed, you’re locked in for the duration.
Key clauses to keep in mind
- Void rules: Does the book cancel if your player never plays, gets hurt before a snap, or the game is called off?
- Dead-heat rules: Rare, but if two players are ruled to have scored on the same play, some books split payouts.
- Promotions: Odds boosts and insurance don’t always apply to “No TD” markets or parlays, so it’s worth checking before you bet.
Conclusion
That’s everything you need to know about how first-TD props are set up and what to watch for with the different markets. It’s one of those bets that adds a real spark right from kickoff, because every snap on that first drive feels like it could decide it. The rules can vary slightly from book to book, but once you’ve got the hang of them, the rest is just about enjoying the ride.
We’ve already shared our picks at the top, so now it’s about sitting back, following along, and hoping the ball finds the right hands early. Good luck if you’re tailing — here’s to our guys crossing the line first.
For more on how to bet on the NFL, check out some of the resources from the Props.com Betting 101 library:
