NFL Week 18 First TD Scorers Picks & Predictions (2025)
Someone must score the first touchdown of the game. 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.
I will track my plays here on BettingPros. Let's get to the first touchdown scorer predictions for NFL Week 18.
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NFL Week 18 First Touchdown Scorer Odds, Picks & Predictions
Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers
The Packers will probably rest their starters for the majority of this game, so the Bears may have a chance to score some points this week. They are averaging 10.7 points per game over their last three games and 17.9 per game for the season.
The biggest factor is that the Bears are expected to play their starters in their final game. D'Andre Swift has not had a 100-yard game since Week 8, and the last time he scored was in Week 11 against the Packers. He had 12 carries and five targets in the previous game and should be involved early for Chicago.
Pick: D'Andre Swift (+850 via Caesars Sportsbook)
Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons
The Panthers allow 176.9 rushing yards per game and have been the worst defense against the run all season. Bijan Robinson ran for 95 yards and two touchdowns in their first matchup in Week 6.
The Falcons still have a chance to make the playoffs but need the Buccaneers to lose against the Saints, which does not seem likely. Robinson has scored twice on the ground in each of his last two games and should have another massive day.
Pick: Bijan Robinson (+290 via DraftKings Sportsbook)
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts
The hottest player in the league might be Jonathan Taylor. He is averaging 150 rushing yards per game since the Colts returned from their bye in week 15. That includes five touchdowns in the last two games.
The Jaguars allowed 159 rushing yards to the Titans last week. That bodes well for Taylor, who is scoring at will against teams. There is no reason for him to have a bad outing, especially early in the game.
Pick: Jonathan Taylor (+390 via DraftKings Sportsbook)
New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have already decided to rest their starters before the playoffs, and the Giants average 16.3 points per game. If there is a chance for them to score first, it is against the Eagles' second unit.
Malik Nabers caught seven passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns last week. He officially eclipsed 1,000 yards for his rookie season last week. Drew Lock played well last week and should have an easier matchup this week. Nabers is the most dynamic player on the offense and should get fed.
Pick: Malik Nabers (+850 via DraftKings Sportsbook)
Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans
Tony Pollard missed last week's game because of an ankle injury but has a chance to return this week. He has a lot of incentives to play for this week. He can meet his incentives with two rushing touchdowns and 83 rushing yards, which will earn him $250,000 and $200,000, respectively.
The Texans have already locked up the No. 4 seed in the AFC, so they likely will not be motivated in this matchup. Tyjae Spears will also miss this game after suffering a concussion last week. Pollard has a solid chance of meeting his incentives and finding the end zone.
Pick: Tony Pollard (+425 via DraftKings Sportsbook)
San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray ran for 83 yards and a touchdown in the first matchup against the 49ers this season. Both teams have nothing to play for this week, but Murray can earn $750,000 with 50 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
James Conner is out for this game after suffering a knee injury last week. Michael Carter is expected to start for the Cardinals. Murray could be called on to use his legs more in this game, much like he did in the first matchup.
Pick: Kyler Murray (+950 via DraftKings Sportsbook)
Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos
The Broncos are in the playoffs with a win this week. The Chiefs are planning to rest their starters. Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime have been receiving the carries for the Broncos recently, with Javonte Williams taking a back seat.
Sean Payton can still throw a curveball, but Estime offers a lot of value this week. He has had three red-zone attempts in the last two weeks and seems to be the preferred option. The Broncos should take care of business this week and score easy touchdowns against the Chiefs' second unit.
Pick: Audric Estime (+850 via DraftKings Sportsbook)
Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets
The Dolphins will be starting Tyler Huntley and Aaron Rodgers is coming off one of the worst games of his career. He also might be playing his final game, or at least his final game as a Jet.
Rodgers needs one more passing touchdown for 500 in his career. Davante Adams has already said he wants to catch it. I expect those two to connect early and often as Rodgers hunts for that milestone.
Pick: Davante Adams (+750 via Caesars Sportsbook)