NFL Anytime Touchdown Picks & TD Props for Week 1

Josh Inglis - Betting Analyst at Covers.com
Josh Inglis • Betting Analyst 13+ years betting experience
Updated: Sep 14, 2026 , 07:55 AM ET • 4 min read

Josh Inglis has your Week 1 TD needs covered, wrapping up the year's opening slate with his eye on new Bronco Jaylen Waddle on Monday Night Football.

Jaylen Waddle Denver Broncos NFL
Photo By - Reuters Connect. Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) following the preseason game against the Green Bay Packers

It's time to get back on the NFL anytime touchdown train, with plenty of value hiding among the NFL picks before roles are fully established and the books catch up.

We're wrapping things up with the season's first edition of Monday Night Football, as Jaylen Waddle is an ideal option to make a splash in his Denver Broncos debut.

These are my favorite anytime touchdown picks, and don't miss Andy Whiteoak's comprehensive anytime touchdown grades for Week 1.

Best Week 1 anytime touchdown scorer picks

For help understanding Kalshi probabilities, see our odds calculator.

Game Pick Kalshi
Probability
Browns CLE
vs
Jaguars JAX
Jaguars Brian Thomas 27.4%
Bears CHI
vs
Panthers CAR
 Bears Colston Loveland 34%
Buccaneers TB
vs
Bengals CIN
 Buccaneers Bucky Irving 45.5%
Saints NO
vs
Lions DET
 Lions Brock Wright 8.3%
Bills BUF
vs
Texans HOU
 Texans David Montgomery 54.5%
Jets NYJ
vs
Titans TEN
 Jets Garrett Wilson 29.4%
Ravens BAL
vs
Colts IND
 Ravens Ja'Kobi Lane 20%
Falcons ATL
vs
Steelers PIT
 Steelers Rico Dowdle 41.7% 
Raiders LV
vs
Dolphins MIA
 Raiders Jack Bech 9.5% 
Packers GB
vs
Vikings MIN
 Vikings Jordan Addison 28.4% 
Cardinals ARI
vs
Chargers LAC
 Cardinals Tyler Allgeier 31.4% 
Commanders WAS
vs
Eagles PHI
 Eagles Dallas Goedert 30.3% 
Cowboys DAL
vs
Giants NYG
 Giants Isaiah Likely 26.3%
Broncos DEN
vs
Chiefs KC
 Broncos Jaylen Waddle 32.5% 

Percentages courtesy of Kalshi, one of the best prediction market apps.

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Browns vs Jaguars TD pick

Brian Thomas 27.4%

🟢 GRADE: A

The Jaguars are trying to get Brian Thomas going after the disaster that was last season, and those moves might revive the burner. Thomas was useless over the middle under first-year offensive coach Liam Coen, who is pushing him to the “X” receiver and using him more like the vertical threat he was in his rookie year.

Travis Hunter is still not a major threat, so last year’s setup with Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington will still be the norm for Thomas, who has had a great lead-up to the season. 

Cleveland is obviously without Myles Garrett, but this is still a great defense; however, it’s not a bad one to attack early, as it will be learning a new scheme under first-year DC Mike Rutenberg, who replaces Jim Schwartz after he bailed on the organization after not getting the HC job. 

If he looks good in Week 1, bettors will never see a payout like this all season. Our Nick Galaida backs Brenton Strange to find the end zone with his Browns vs. Jaguars prediction.

Bears vs Panthers TD pick

Colston Loveland 34%

🟢 GRADE: A+

Chicago head coach Ben Johnson wants his offense to score more points per game than any unit before it. No big deal, right?

I have to side with that kind of confidence, and with an offense that might have to feature Colston Loveland in the passing game because of injuries. The gap between the TD market implied probability (34%) and his actual chance of scoring (fair around 40%) is a big Week 1 advantage for early bettors.

Loveland averaged 66 yards per game after Week 8 last season while adding touchdowns in five of those games (six total). Wide receiver Rome Odunze (leg) suffered his injury last Thursday and didn't practice Tuesday, while Luther Burden has been out for about a month with a groin injury and is working his way back to practice this week.

It's the perfect spot at the wrong price for Caleb Williams' favorite target over the second half of last season. Williams finished last year with the third-highest deep-throw rate, and Loveland, who doesn't drop balls and played 40% of his snaps in the slot or out wide, could take full advantage as the healthiest pass catcher on the roster.

Shawn Krest also has Colston Loveland scoring the season opener with his Bears vs. Panthers prediction today.

Buccaneers vs Bengals TD pick

Bucky Irving 45.5%

🟢 GRADE: A+

Are you telling me I can get a potential 20-touch running back facing the Bengals at better than 50% to score the first touchdown on Sunday?

Sean Tucker has already been labeled a game-time decision by head coach Todd Bowles, which leaves Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell atop a Tampa backfield that lost Rachaad White. Injuries have hurt Irving in the past, but he's good to go in a game carrying a Week 1-high 51.5-point total.

There are changes on the Bengals' defense, but this was the worst tackling team in football a year ago. Cincinnati allowed the most yards after catch per reception and 162 total yards per game to opposing running backs. This could be one of the longest probabilities we see all year for an RB1 to score against the Bengals.

Geoff Clark backs up the Bucky Irving pick with his Buccaneers vs. Bengals prediction for Week 1.

Saints vs Lions TD pick

Brock Wright 8.3%

🟡 GRADE: B

Here is another long shot that has my attention because of the possible heavy sets the Lions might run this year under new OC Drew Petzing. While in Arizona, he ran 2-TE sets at the sixth-highest rate in the league, and 3-TE sets at the highest rate. That playbook alone should get Brock Wright, who was already playing 35+ snaps last season, on the field more. Over the last two seasons, 15 of 33 passes inside the 5-yard line for Petzing's Cardinals went to a tight end.

Ty Conklin is behind him on the depth chart, but he also just signed on September 1. The real bread and butter is the health of Sam LaPorta, who is dealing with a hip injury. He missed every preseason game and could be on a snap count early in the season after missing the second half of last year.

Keep an eye on LaPorta's practice reps today, because Wright is lying in the weeds with a TE-heavy offense at a huge price. Just a half-unit for now. 

Neil Parker plays it a little safter by taking Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to score with his Saints vs. Lions prediction.

Bills vs Texans TD pick

David Montgomery 54.5%

🟢 GRADE: A

I bought this at 54.5% but have the fair price closer to 60%.

It's Week 1, and I want a layup to get on the board. I don't see many running backs as likely to score Sunday as David Montgomery. The Bills gave up a league-high 18 TDs to opposing running backs last year and are a worse unit this season after losing five starters and bringing in a new defensive scheme.

The Texans were one of the worst teams near the goal line last season, and they'll make it a point to change that narrative this year with their new back. Montgomery should get the majority of the red-zone work, and Houston can flirt with four TDs.

Jason Logan took Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid to score with his best Bills vs. Texans prediction today.

Jets vs Titans TD pick

Garrett Wilson 29.4%

🟢 GRADE: A+

I bought this at 29.4% and have a fair price of 35%.

Give me a 100-catch, 1,100-yard alpha receiver with competent quarterback play in a great offensive matchup at 33.3% or better every single time. The Titans are being priced like the Rams at this number. Either that, or the Jets' offense is being priced with Brady Cook under center.

Garrett Wilson could see 40% of the targets on Sunday, and this price is simply too long. Geoff Clark backs a new Tennessee receiver to score with his Jets vs. Titans prediction.

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Ravens vs Colts TD pick

Ja'Kobi Lane 20%

🟢 GRADE: A-

I got this at 20%, but there's room for it to move as high as 28.6% if the injury luck falls in his favor.

Ja'Kobi Lane has been a standout all camp, and the third-round rookie found the end zone in the preseason. He could have a great opportunity to contribute Sunday indoors in a potential high-scoring game, with Zay Flowers and Devontez Walker limited at practice this week while Rashod Bateman has been dealing with potential charges stemming from June.

The Baltimore offense will want to start with a bang under new head coach Jesse Minter and OC Declan Doyle, who have been working on getting Lamar Jackson back to his MVP ways in his age-30 season.

Our Quinn Allen has the ageless Derrick Henry scoring with his Ravens vs. Colts prediction.

Falcons vs Steelers TD pick

Rico Dowdle 41.7%

🟢 GRADE: A-

I got this at 41.7%, but if he has the goal-line role, this should be around 45.5%.

Jaylen Warren has been in Pittsburgh much longer than Rico Dowdle, but this is Mike McCarthy's guy, and Dowdle might be the early-down back, according to some Pittsburgh beat writers.

This is an Atlanta defense that can be beaten early in the season, as the Falcons are missing some big names. Jalon Walker is out for the season, James Pearce Jr. is suspended, Billy Bowman and Za'Darius Smith are limited, and JD Bertrand is out. This gutted pass rush could create an extra trip or two to the red zone for the Steelers and Dowdle.

Neil Parker backs Kyle Pitts from the injury-ravaged Falcons with his Falcons vs. Steelers prediction.

Dolphins vs Raiders TD pick

Jack Bech 9.5%

🟡 GRADE: B

I bought this at 10.5x with a fair price of 7.5x.

This one is all about the price, as 9.5% or 10.5x is simply far too much for a starting wide receiver on any team, let alone one facing the Dolphins.

Jack Bech secured the No. 3 receiver spot behind Tre Tucker and Jalen Nailor. He's projected for just a couple of catches and 23 yards, but this is the price of a WR5, a player likely to see 10-15 snaps, not someone who is likely to see 30+ like Tyler Lockett did a season ago.

This is a long shot for a reason, but one that should be priced closer to 6.5x. If you want more action in this game, keep an eye on the Raiders' tight end usage, as Klint Kubiak used 12 personnel at the fifth-highest rate last year. Michael Mayer (7x for a TD) could see a bigger role.

Geoff Clark has Miami QB Malik Willis calling his own number with his Dolphins vs. Raiders prediction.

Packers vs Vikings TD pick

Jordan Addison 28.4%

🟢 GRADE: A-

This is the best +EV touchdown per the projections at Covers. The fair probability is 32.3%.

This Vikings offense might have the best quarterback play it's had in a season, and Jordan Addison should see plenty of single coverage with the eyes on Justin Jefferson. The Packers' defense is another good unit to fade after it fell apart last year without Micah Parsons. The change at defensive coordinator adds another wrinkle to this Packers defense.

Jason Logan backs Minnesota's No. 1 receiver with his Packers vs. Vikings prediction today.

Cardinals vs Chargers TD pick

Tyler Allgeier 31.4%

🟡 GRADE: B+

The Cardinals might be the biggest dogs of the week, but I can't pass up an RB1 who is likely to get the red-zone work at 35% or lower. The former Falcon was named the starter ahead of Jeremiyah Love, who is dealing with an ankle injury.

It's an indoor game that could see some scoring, and despite being a 9-point dog, this is a price that's too tough to ignore. I was looking at the Chargers' tight end situation, as they're expected to run heavier sets, but the TE trio isn't exactly exciting.

Bijan Robinson backers know very well that Tyler Allgeier can find the end zone. Geoff Clark looks to an L.A. running back with his Cardinals vs. Chargers prediction.

Commanders vs Eagles TD pick

Dallas Goedert 30.3%

🟢 GRADE: A

This is the highest-rated touchdown at this probability, according to Covers' new Anytime Touchdown Value Index. Just another tool to help you sort through the noise, get to your pick a lot quicker, and give you back your time.

There isn't a category across the many inputs where Dallas Goedert isn't showing value. I know matching last year's 11 TDs will be tough, but the matchup, scoring environment, red-zone role, role certainty, and relative price are all pointing to a buy in Week 1. He scores an 80 on the CATVI.

It could be a better passing offense, with more looks under center for Jalen Hurts, while the loss of A.J. Brown opens up more targets for the tight end.

Neil Parker plays it safe with Saquon Barkley with his Commanders vs. Eagles prediction.

Cowboys vs Giants

Isaiah Likely 26.3%

🟢 GRADE: A

The new tight end could become the No. 2 option in a passing game that has plenty of upside in the opener. Isaiah Likely signed a three-year deal, so the G-Men are committed, while Malik Nabers obviously comes with some health concerns. There are also reports that Jaxson Dart and Likely have created a solid bond throughout camp and the preseason.

Getting a No. 2 option in the passing game comes at a price of around 30%, especially in a neutral, high-total game. I'm buying the Dart/Likely juice.

Jason Logan has a Dallas receiver scoring with his Cowboys vs. Giants prediction.

Broncos vs Chiefs TD pick

Jaylen Waddle 32.5%

🟢 GRADE: A-

I bought this at 3x with a fair price of 2.7x.

I want this new deep connection to work, and if the talk out of camp is true, this is going to be a great price. Bo Nix knows how to avoid sacks, and Waddle's 13.06 aDOT last year would have led the Broncos. Nix just needs to improve his deep ball, which ranked in the bottom third of the league last year. He still managed to throw for nearly 4,000 yards, and hopefully new playcaller Davis Webb can get more out of his QB.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs lost three of their four leading snap-getters in the secondary, including CB Trent McDuffie, S Bryan Cook, and CB Jaylen Watson. There's plenty of uncertainty in this new secondary, and the early part of the season is likely the best time to fade it before DC Steve Spagnuolo works his magic.

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Josh Inglis - Covers
Betting Analyst

Josh Inglis is a rising star in the sports betting content space, specializing in MLB, NHL, and NFL markets. Since joining Covers in 2019, Josh has focused his betting expertise on player props and derivative markets, finding them easier for beating the closing line compared to sides and totals. His engaging analysis and content have been showcased on major networks such as TSN, VSiN, BetMGM Network, and NBC. Josh is a prolific bettor, tracking over 2,500 bets annually and he consistently shares his results through monthly transparency reports. At Covers, he is renowned for his MLB release shows and NHL Puck Props, which are integral parts of the site's live content lineup.

Before his tenure at Covers, Josh spent a decade teaching while pursuing sports media on the side. He has also contributed to live global senior-level broadcasts for the WBSC.

Josh advocates for sports bettors to bet early, emphasizing the importance of securing better numbers by beating the public to the market. He also advises having multiple sportsbook accounts to ensure access to the best possible odds.

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