With every team back playing this week, we’re in for a big Red Zone, and I’ve looked at the matchups and odds to pick out the best value first touchdown scorers to add to your NFL picks card for December 13.
For more tuddy action, check out Josh Inglis' anytime touchdown picks for Week 15!
Best Week 15 first TD scorer props
Travis Etienne
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Mark Andrews
TD prop #1: Travis Etienne first TD scorer
The Jacksonville Jaguars are 14-point favorites to beat the Jets this Sunday, the largest spread on the slate. With that in mind, we have to consider backing a Jags player to score the first touchdown, and that simply has to be Travis Etienne.
The Jets have given up 19 touchdowns to running backs this season, the most of any team in the NFL.
We’ve seen Bhayshul Tuten eat into Etienne’s workload, but the former Clemson man still has the bulk of carries and has had a redemptive season with nine touchdowns thus far.
He’s also scored the first touchdown three times this season, the most of anyone on his team.
TD prop #2: Jaxon Smith-Njigba first TD scorer
One of the bigger spreads this week is the Colts' trip to Lumen Field to face the Seattle Seahawks.
The Seahawks have the No. 1-ranked defense per defensive DVOA, and 44-year-old Phillip Rivers is starting his first game since the 2020 season at quarterback. It’s not impossible to rule out the Colts scoring the first touchdown, but let’s be honest, that looks incredibly unlikely.
Instead, take Jaxon Smith-Njigba to score. He leads his team in red zone targets, has scored the opening touchdown in three Seahawks games, and has nine scores on the year.
TD prop #3: Mark Andrews first TD scorer
The Baltimore Ravens are short-priced favorites to win the divisional matchup against the Bengals, and I'm taking one of their veteran stars to open the score.
Mark Andrews hasn’t had his best year, but he’s still on six touchdowns and is a key part of the offense, leading the team in red zone targets with 14 — six more than the next player on the list.
What really leaps out about this matchup in particular is the Bengals have been awful against tight ends. Not just bad, but historically bad.
They’ve allowed a mind-blowing 15 touchdowns to the position this season. We’re seeing them get torched — both in yardage and touchdowns — by the position, and with Andrews being a favorite target for Lamar Jackson, he’s incredibly good value to score the opener here.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
