This season at DraftKings Network, I’ll be posting a weekly article on some of my favorite NFL Week 1 touchdown bets for the games on Sunday. DraftKings Sportsbook offers a plethora of options to choose from and I’ll do my best to comb through the markets and give you some of my best bets. Let’s jump into it.
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Atlanta Falcons vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kyle Pitts anytime touchdown +200
This game has my interest when it comes to anytime touchdown scorers. I like Pitts to score a lot as well as Justin Fields, who is currently at +255. Of course, if he doesn’t start, you’re likely dead in the water. But, currently, with the quarterback situation up in the air, his price has my attention, If/when he’s announced as the starter, that price would drop quickly.
Ok, back to Pitts. We’ve been hyping this guy up ever since he was drafted in 2021. It’s been a lot of pain and suffering since then. Sure, he’s showed flashes of brilliance here and there but he hasn’t been able to put it all together. A fresh start is coming and now, Arthur Smith can’t get his ass in the way. Pitts will be catching passes from Kirk Cousins and this is hopefully where we unlock Pitts. A report came out Saturday that Pitts is feeling “the healthiest he’s been” since he was hurt in 2022 when he tore his MCL. He’ll be a full-go on Sunday and he’s in a great matchup to start.
The Steelers really struggled against slot receivers. This is where Pitts lined up on nearly half of his snaps last season. They allowed the fifth-most touchdowns to opposing receivers in 2023. I firmly believe Pitts will have so many more opportunities this season, as I think the Falcons won’t run as much as they did last season. They were doing so at one of the highest rates in the league at just under 50% of the time. Fire up an anytime TD bet for Pitts with confidence in Week 1.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. New England Patriots: Zack Moss anytime touchdown +125
The Bengals are expected to roll over the Patriots in Week 1. Actually, I think most teams will be rolling over the Patriots every week, but that’s a story for another day. However, news came out Friday that has changed the landscape of the Bengals offense. Not only is Ja’Marr Chase a game-time decision (holdout reasons), but Tee Higgins is doubtful now as well. Normally, this would be a spot where someone like Tyler Boyd could step up, but he’s now with the Tennessee Titans. So, potentially, the Bengals top receivers could be Trenton Irwin (+300 anytime TD), Andre Iosivas (+245) and Jermaine Burton (+600).
For as bad as the Patriots will potentially be, they will have a good secondary. They’ll be getting back 2023 first-round pick Christian Gonzalez as well as returning corners Jonathan Jones and Marcus Jones. This could suddenly be a tough game for Burrow to efficiently move the ball around through the air. With this in mind, that’s where I’m looking at Moss for an anytime TD in his Bengals debut. He’ll take over the role that was last occupied by Joe Mixon. I wouldn’t be surprised if Moss sees at least a handful of targets in this game. Amongst the Bengals offensive players, as of now, Moss is the one I’d be more confident in.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Commanders: Rachaad White anytime touchdown +110
This is a huge spot for White to kick off the 2024 NFL season. The Commanders were abysmal against the run last season and allowed a total of 19 touchdowns to opposing running backs. 14 came on the ground while five came through the air. Despite not being overly efficient last season, White does a little bit of everything for the Bucs and earned a lot of touches. Averaging just under 20 per game, it’s that type of volume that will give White a very high chance of reaching the end zone, especially against a porous defense like the Commanders.
Tennessee Titans at Chicago Bears: Treylon Burks anytime touchdown +500
This is one of my longer shots I’m looking to take on Sunday. DeAndre Hopkins is currently listed as a game-time decision for Sunday’s game against the Bears. Even if he’s active, I’m not expecting him to get a usual full compliment of snaps. The Titans have been concerned about his inability to practice over the past month after suffering a knee injury. When Hopkins is off the field, Burks should be the one to benefit in the slot. He will have to contend with some big mouths to feed in Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, but at 5-1 odds, I like that number with the idea that Burks will be playing additional snaps with the uncertainty of Hopkins.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests. The contents contained in this article do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups.
