I know. Technically speaking, we’re kicking off Week 9 with a Thursday Night Football matchup of two-win teams. Sounds like another classic in the pantheon of TNF, right?
Well… This tilt could actually be pretty entertaining. I swear. Not only do we have a recent history of some pretty memorable games between the Ravens and the Dolphins, but Lamar Jackson will be back in action for Baltimore for the first time since Week 4. On the other side, Miami is fresh off absolutely dominating Atlanta, with Tua Tagovailoa throwing four touchdowns in the victory.
So, let’s strap in and try to be optimistic. Let’s also try and predict who is going to find the end zone first. Here are a couple picks for a first touchdown scorer prop bet on the DraftKings Sportsbook.
Ravens vs. Dolphins First Touchdown Scorer Prop Bets
De’Von Achane First Touchdown Scorer (+550)
I know they aren’t the longest odds in the world, but it’s pretty difficult to pick against De’Von Achane if the Dolphins are going to score the first touchdown in tonight’s contest. Essentially, you’re getting two different players in one. While there have always been questions about Achane’s ability to run between the tackles — which is the main reason Ollie Gordon II (+2200) is on the roster — the veteran RB has handled 16 red zone rushing attempts through eight weeks. That equates out to a 57.1% share of Miami’s carries inside the 20-yard line for the season. However, you’re not just getting a “bell cow” running back, you’re also getting a high-leverage receiver. In fact, in the four games that the Dolphins have played since losing Tyreek Hill (knee) to injury, Achane has racked up 24 targets and 18 receptions, both figures good enough for the second-most among all running backs in that same span of time. He’s hauled in two touchdowns since Week 5, as well. Seems relevant!
DeAndre Hopkins First Touchdown Scorer (+2500)
If the Achane pick was eating chalk, allow me to take a flier on a long shot when it comes to the Ravens offense. At this point in his career, there’s no question that DeAndre Hopkins is a part-time player. Heck, Hopkins has only logged a 29.9% snap share in Baltimore’s first seven games, a figure which puts him miles back of the roles for Zay Flowers (+850) and Rashod Bateman (+1900). However, at least early in the season, Hopkins’ specialty appeared to be as an end zone threat. The veteran wideout only saw seven total targets in his four games with Lamar Jackson (+900) under center, yet 71.4% of those opportunities came in the red zone and Hopkins converted two into touchdowns. Jackson’s back in action on Thursday, and while his hamstring issue may keep him from scrambling too much near the goal line, the rocket launcher attached to his right shoulder still works perfectly fine. I could certainly envision Hopkins getting a chance to score in the first-half.
