Touchdown dances aren’t just reserved for the guys getting across the goal line.
Touchdown props allow NFL bettors to celebrate alongside their favorite players, which makes anytime touchdown and first touchdown odds among the most popular NFL player props bets every week.
If you think you know which players will strike pay dirt, you can bet on them to score a TD at any point in the game. And if you’re really locked in on who will get past the goal line first, you can pump up your payouts by betting the “first touchdown scorer” markets when you make your NFL picks.
Anytime touchdown prediction
James Cook anytime touchdown
James Cook scored 21 touchdowns (19 rushing and two receiving) in 19 total games last season. He has rushed for 176 yards and three scores through two games this year.
The Dolphins have been brutal on defense. They are last in the league in defensive EPA and have surrendered more than 30 points in back-to-back games against the Colts and Patriots.
If they couldn't stop those middling offenses, they won't be able to stop a Bills attack that leads the NFL in EPA/play.
-Rohit Ponnaiya
Bhayshul Tuten anytime touchdown
Following the trade of Tank Bigsby to Philly, Bhayshul Tuten has emerged as Jacksonville's clear-cut RB2 behind Travis Etienne Jr. The rookie tallied a touchdown and 100 all-purpose yards against the Bengals in Week 2, and Tuten should thrive against a Houston defense that has allowed 120.5 rushing yards per game during its 0-2 start.
-Trevor Knapp
Javonte Williams anytime touchdown
Javonte Williams is the clear No. 1 running back in the Dallas Cowboys backfield, handling 33 of 50 carries through two weeks, with the remaining 17 divided among three other players. Considering the sky-high total of 50.5 placed on this game, I’m shocked we’re not dealing with a short price on Williams to find the end zone for a fourth time this season. I would play his TD prop down to -125 against a Chicago Bears defense that just gave up 52 points in Week 2.
-Robert Criscola
Tucker Kraft anytime touchdown
With Jayden Reed out after breaking his collarbone last week, there’s opportunity for more targets to go around, and tight end Tucker Kraft stands out as the best value. He’s led all Packers skill players (RB/WR/TE) in snap share for two straight weeks and posted a team-high 79% route participation in Week 2.
Kraft found the end zone again last week and racked up 124 receiving yards on seven targets, including two in the red zone. He’s now caught two touchdowns on just three red-zone targets this season.
-Josh Inglis
First touchdown prediction
Check back soon for more picks.
Multi-touchdown prediction
Jacory Croskey-Merritt 2+ touchdowns
With Jayden Daniels banged up and Austin Ekeler done for the year with a torn Achilles, rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt could see his number called even more against the Raiders. The seventh-round pick is averaging 7.1 yards per carry heading into Week 3, and I expect Kliff Kingsbury to center the red-zone game plan around him, taking the ball out of Marcus Mariota's hands inside the 20s.
-Trevor Knapp
More Covers NFL Week 3 touchdown scorer predictions
What is a first touchdown scorer bet?
A first touchdown scorer bet involves wagering on which player will score the first touchdown in a specific NFL game. This type of bet can be placed on any player who is eligible to score, and typically focuses on running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and quarterbacks.
If the player you choose scores the first touchdown, you win the bet; if not, you lose. The odds for these bets can vary based on the player’s likelihood to score first, which is influenced by factors like their position, recent performance, and the team's offensive strategy and efficiency.
What is an anytime touchdown scorer bet?
An anytime touchdown bet involves wagering on whether a specific player will score a touchdown at any point during the game, not just the first TD.
For example, if you bet on Ravens running back Derrick Henry to score an anytime touchdown and he finds the end zone at any time during the game, you win the bet. This type of bet is popular because it allows for more scoring opportunities, and you can often choose players based on advantageous matchups. The odds can vary based on the player’s scoring potential and the strength of the team’s offensive scheme.
How are touchdown prop odds determined in NFL betting?
Here are some of the key factors oddsmakers consider when setting touchdown prop odds:
- Player performance: Historical data on a player's scoring ability, including past touchdowns, carries, and target share, is crucial.
- Matchup analysis: The opposing defense's strengths and weaknesses are evaluated, including how well they defend against specific positions.
- Injury reports: Injuries to key players can impact a player's likelihood of scoring. Check out our NFL Injuries page to stay up to date before making your wager.
- Game script: Oddsmakers consider potential game scenarios, such as whether a team is expected to be ahead or behind and how that may impact their strategy.
- Public sentiment: Betting patterns and public perception can also sway odds. If a player is very popular or a big favorite, sportsbooks may adjust their odds to mitigate risk. You can check out our Covers NFL picks consensus to see how the public is leaning.
- Statistical models: Sportsbook use advanced analytics and data-driven models to help refine their lines.
NFL TD Prop Betting FAQ
Yes, both running touchdowns and receiving touchdowns count for both the first touchdown scorer and anytime touchdown bets. So, if a running back scores a touchdown by running the ball or a wide receiver scores by catching a pass, it will count for your bet in either category. As long as the player you bet on is the one who scores, you win!
Yes, an interception return for a touchdown counts as a touchdown in anytime touchdown betting props. If you bet on a defensive player to score an anytime touchdown and they return an interception for a touchdown, your bet would win. This also applies to fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns. However, it's important to check the specific rules of the sportsbook, as they can vary.
On an average Sunday of NFL football, six to seven touchdowns are typically scored per game. Since there are usually 12 to 16 games played, that can add up to 70 to 100 total touchdowns across the league.
Yes, an NFL center can score a touchdown, though it's quite rare. Centers primarily focus on snapping the ball and blocking, but they can score through a fumble recovery, a passing play if they are deemed eligible before the play, and a fake play.
Yes, you can parlay touchdown props in NFL betting. A parlay involves combining multiple bets into one wager, and if all selections win, the payout can be much higher than placing each bet individually. For instance, you can parlay bets on multiple players to score touchdowns in the same game, but keep in mind that all bets in the parlay must win for you to receive a payout.
