We have TWO NFL games on Saturday to keep your football fix going over the holiday weekend. With that in mind, we’re going to be making our NFL Week 16 first touchdown picks for Saturday’s slate.
Each game features teams looking to cement trips to the postseason so expect plenty of playoff atmospheres across both Pittsburgh and Los Angeles. The Steelers open the day hosting the Bengals, followed by the Bills in LA taking on the battered Chargers. There’s plenty of drama and desperation in each building to say the least! Here are the best First TD props for the two Saturday NFL games.
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NFL Week 16 First Touchdown Picks (Saturday’s Slate)
Cincinnati Bengals Touchdown Scorer
The Steelers and Mike Tomlin are now resting their playoff hopes on the shoulders of Mason Rudolph – at least for this week. Kenny Pickett is still out and so is the Steelers offense. Rudolph will be held under wraps similar to the way they did with Mitchell Trubisky. The Bengals on the other hand are moving the ball rather effortlessly, something that should be factored when making a First TD bet in this game. Jake Browning is averaging 300+ yards per game over his past three starts and they will be as aggressive against the Steelers.
Missing Ja’marr Chase is not easy to overcome, but the one guy who has already established connections with Browning is Tyler Boyd. Cincy isn’t going to change who they are – a pass happy/heavy team no matter who is passing the ball. They’ve been able to thrive as of recent with aggressive throws down field, not just dinking and dunking down the field. Boyd has the second most targets since Browning took over and will be a major focus for Saturday. Expect the Bengals to take a shot or two early in this game to Boyd.
Bengals-Steelers First Touchdown Picks: Tyler Boyd +1100 at FanDuel for 0.25 Units
Los Angeles Chargers First Touchdown Scorer
There’s something you should know about this game before placing any wager – neither team is interested in stopping the run. The Chargers are the worst pass defense in the NFL so being bottom third in rush D doesn’t look as bad. The Bills give up 4.6 yards per rush – just putrid. If either team has any sense they will commit and stick to the run game, even if Buffalo can throw on the Chargers. Even more so for the Chargers who remain starting backup Easton Stick – who can also move a little with his feet.
LA needs Austin Ekeler to pick it up in order to have any shot at winning the game. The Chargers aren’t winning outright as double digit dogs by not involving Ekeler, and are now without excuse as Buffalo gives up so much on the ground. It may seem too obvious that he gets the first TD, but Ekeler is also their best pass catcher. He’s got big play capability, pass catching possibility, and the number one red zone target. Take Ekeler at 12-1 to score first.
Bills-Chargers First Touchdown Picks: Austin Ekeler +1200 at PointsBet for 0.25 Units
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