We’ve still got one more opportunity to bet NFL Week 1 on the DraftKings Sportsbook, as the Vikings will travel to Chicago to take on the Bears for Monday Night Football. However, the question on everyone’s mind is who will be traveling to the end zone first once this tilt gets underway.
Odds for the first touchdown scorer are listed below. So are a couple picks. Let’s break it all down.
Vikings vs. Bears First Touchdown Scorer Prop Bets
Aaron Jones First Touchdown Scorer (+850)
As of this very second, it’s unclear how much Aaron Jones’ role is going to change from a very successful 2024 campaign. Jones not only rushed for 1,138 yards, but he also added 51 receptions and 408 yards through the air for a total of 1,546 scrimmage yards — the second-highest mark of his career. The veteran’s opportunities were just as plentiful in high leverage spots last season, as Jones was one of eight running backs to handle at least a 70% share of his team’s carries inside the opponent’s five-yard line. On top of that, Jones saw 17 red zone targets, which both tied him with Jordan Addison for the second-most on the Vikings and was the most of any RB in the league. Does Minnesota have a new QB? Yes. Does the presence of Jordan Mason (+1000) portend a committee approach is on the horizon? Maybe. Either way, Jones was one of the most utilized running backs near the goal line last year and it’s a huge reason why he finished with 9.2 expected rushing touchdowns and 3.7 expected receiving touchdowns. It’s not like you’re getting all that large an odds difference with Mason, anyway. You might as well ride with the man who has done this before.
Colston Loveland First Touchdown Scorer (+1900)
Let’s be honest about Colston Loveland. For as talented as the 10th-overall pick is, he’s never going to be a traditional in-line tight end that pancakes an opposing EDGE rusher. No, Loveland is on the team to be a pass catcher and, to me, it would seem that his 6’6 frame could be quite useful down towards the goal line. While Amon-Ra St. Brown finished 2024 as one of the most featured receivers in red zone usage in Ben Johnson’s offensive system, don’t overlook the fact that Sam LaPorta wound up second on the Lions in targets inside the 20-yard line (17). Johnson isn’t afraid to utilize TEs near the goal line and he obviously has big plans for Loveland. Why else would he have been Johnson’s first draft pick in his new organization? These odds are far too long for a receiving weapon as talented and large as Loveland. Take advantage.
