What is in the water in San Francisco? As has been the case most of the past half-decade, the 49ers just can not stay healthy, and that’s been reflected in the team’s most recent injury report for Week 5. Despite returning to action in Week 4, Brock Purdy won’t be able to handle the quick turnaround, and he’s been ruled out on Thursday. Joining him in street clothes will be both Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Jauan Jennings (ankle/hip). Not ideal!
On the other side of this TNF matchup, the Rams are healthy, and they’ll be looking to take advantage of San Francisco’s woes and take sole possession of first place in the NFC West.
Will Los Angeles get off on the right foot in that pursuit by scoring tonight’s first touchdown? Let’s break it all down with some odds from the DraftKings Sportsbook.
49ers vs. Rams First Touchdown Scorer Prop Bets
Christian McCaffrey First Touchdown Scorer (+650)
The last man standing. I know I should have a temptation to take a longer shot with the 49ers. Heck, Christian McCaffrey is literally the team’s only player with first touchdown odds lower than +2000. Yet at the same time, the lack of tertiary offensive threats will likely only make McCaffrey that much more featured in high-leverage situations — though that might not be physically possible. Through four weeks, McCaffrey has already garnered 16 red zone carries and a 76.2% share of San Francisco’s total red zone rushing attempts, both of which stand as top five marks in the league. On top of that, the former All-Pro has seen eight targets inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. That figure is not only the third-highest in all of football, trailing only Amon-Ra St. Brown and Davante Adams (+550), but it’s more than twice the volume of any other 49ers’ skill position player. In layman’s terms, McCaffrey is the team’s first, second and third option near the goal line.
Davis Allen First Touchdown Scorer (+2500)
It is not easy to find “value” in this Rams offense. The aforementioned Adams has been the second-most targeted player in the red zone though four weeks (9). Puka Nacua (+550) leads the NFL in receiving yards (503). Kyren Williams (+360) is a true bell cow back, possessing a 73.7% snap share entering action in Week 5. That said, with Tyler Higbee currently listed as doubtful to suit up on Thursday due to a hip ailment, there’s an opening for Davis Allen to have an impact on this game. It’s not like the former fifth-round pick is new to being utilized around the end zone, either. In fact, of Allen’s four receptions this season, two have been touchdown catches of less than 15 yards. The 6’6 tight end is the perfect target when the field gets small and he should be on the field a lot more often if Higbee is eventually ruled out against the 49ers.
