First TD Scorer: NFL Odds & Props for 2026

First touchdown scorer bets are a popular type of prop bet you can make at many top NFL betting apps and prediction markets.

This page will help you break down how a first TD scorer bet works, rules and grading, strategic considerations, and which sportsbooks you can find odds at.

What Is a First Touchdown Scorer Bet?

A first touchdown scorer bet is exactly what it sounds like: a wager on which player will score the first touchdown of the game. This type of bet is settled once the first TD is scored and officially credited to the player you have picked to score those first six points.

For example, if you pick Ja’Marr Chase to score the first TD of the game and he catches a pass from Joe Burrow to become the first player to reach the endzone in that game — you win the bet. If Burrow decides to throw the ball to someone else, say Tee Higgins, and he gets the TD then the first touchdown scorer bet you placed on Chase will count as a loss.

Field goals and safeties do not count as touchdowns, so they are excluded from this type of wager.

First Touchdown Scorer Rules and Grading

The most important rule of first touchdown scorer betting is that it is only applicable to the player who crosses the endzone first, not the player that throws the ball to them.

If Burrow throws a touchdown pass to Chase, the first touchdown scorer is Chase and not Burrow. The only way Burrow would be able to get the first touchdown would be if he rushes into the endzone himself or another player throws it to him and he gets the TD (a rare and generally unseen circumstance for quarterbacks).

Defensive and special teams players can be included in first TD scorer bets at many major sportsbooks as well, but it’s important to double-check any terms related to this kind of bet. Kevin Byard of the New England Patriots is a good example of defensive player with first TD scorer potential as he led the NFL with seven interceptions in 2025.

Overtime is also typically included in first touchdown scorer bets, but always look at settlement rules before placing your wager.

First Touchdown Scorer Odds Explained

With a deep pool of first touchdown scorer options, you’ll typically see plus-money on first TD scorers since there are usually many to choose from.

Favorites and known TD scorers might come in around the +250 to +400 odds mark with other starters and secondary options around +500 to +1000 odds. Longer shots can reach well over the +1500 odds mark.

If you chose a first TD scorer at +300 odds, for example, you’d get $300 in profit on a $100 wager. If you placed the same wager with +1000 odds, you could get $1,000 in profit on your bet if it’s a win.

First TD Scorer vs Anytime Touchdown Scorer

A first TD scorer is the first player to register a touchdown in the game while an anytime touchdown scorer can register a touchdown scorer at any time in the game.

This is typically why first TD scorer bets are harder than anytime TD scorer bets. You not only need to accurately predict who will get a TD, but also the fact that they’ll be the first player in the game to do it. That’s also why higher odds are typically given to a first TD scorer bet.

Check out our anytime TD scorer page for more details on how that particular type of wager works.

First Touchdown Scorer Strategies

Many NFL offenses go into games with specific plays that are designed for their most trusted players to get early touches, which are known as opening drive scripts. These create an opportunity for running backs, receivers, and tight ends to get the ball early on, potentially for the first TD of the game.

Find players who are consistently part of these opening drive scripts and there’s a good chance they may be able to break through for a TD early in the game.

Simply focusing on big-name players can also be a mistake as they’re not necessarily going to get you the value on your wager. Instead, look for opportunities to bet on players that get the ball in redzone situations and on the goal line. That’s where you might see better betting value.

Best Sportsbooks for First TD Scorer Props

The best sportsbooks for first TD scorer betting typically offer deep player prop menus, competitive odds and the ability to add touchdown markets to parlays or same-game parlays. Here are some of our personal favorites:

First Touchdown Scorer FAQs