By the time we get to the weekend, there will already be three NFL games played. That somewhat limits our options betting-wise, although there are plenty of games left to play and plenty of touchdowns to score. Let’s take a look at some of the top candidates for anytime touchdown bets in Week 17.
Saquon Barkley First Touchdown vs. Cowboys (+250, Bet365)
The only way to get any value out of Barkely as a touchdown scorer is to bet on him scoring the first touchdown of the game. But that’s not a bad bet for a player with seven touchdowns in his last six games against a Dallas defense that has allowed the most rushing touchdowns in the NFL this season. Barkley has already scored the first touchdown in a game five times this season, including last week. It’s also worth remembering that Jalen Hurts and Kenny Pickett are both listed as questionable, so the Eagles will lean even more on Barkley. Even if Hurts can play, the Eagles may not want to take any chances with a tush-push near the goal line, opening the door for Barkley to score on a short run to open the scoring.
Tank Bigsby Anytime Touchdown vs. Titans (+190, DraftKings)
Bigsby has seen an increase in his carries over the last three weeks, getting more touches than Travis Etienne. That has resulted in Bigsby scoring a touchdown in two of his last three games. This week, the Jaguars are facing a Tennessee defense that has allowed 20 rushing touchdowns this season. That’s tied for the third-most in the NFL this year. The Titans just gave up four rushing touchdowns last week, including three to running back Jonathan Taylor. They remain vulnerable against the run and could give up a touchdown to Bigsby, who also found the end zone when the Jags faced the Titans earlier this week.
Jalen McMillan Anytime Touchdown vs. Panthers (+140, FanDuel)
Baker Mayfield may have found a new favorite target - at least a second-favorite target behind Mike Evans. Chris Godwin is out and Sterling Shepard is questionable, which could mean another big game for McMillan. The rookie has just five touchdowns all season, but four of them have come in Tampa’s last three games. He has 14 catches on 20 targets across those three games, so he’s a big part of the Tampa offense at the moment. This week, McMillan gets to face a Carolina defense that’s allowed the second-most passing touchdowns in the NFL. The Panthers will know that Evans is a huge concern in the red zone, creating opportunities for Mayfield to connect with McMillan on a touchdown for the fourth straight week.
Garrett Wilson Anytime Touchdown vs. Bills (+180, Caesars)
Despite being one of the best teams in the NFL, the Bills have given up a lot of passing touchdowns. That’s what happens when you play with big leads most of the time. With a lopsided win against the Jets possible this week, Aaron Rodgers figures to spend much of the second half, building on his 24 touchdown passes this season. Of course, Wilson, Davante Adams, and Allen Luzard are all possible targets for Rodgers. However, Luzard has just three catches in three games since returning from injury while Adams is questionable with a hip injury. That means Wilson should return as Rodgers’ preferred target, giving him value as an anytime touchdown scorer despite Adams scoring five times in his last four games.
Terry McLaurin Anytime Touchdown vs. Falcons (+129, Caesars)
After throwing five passing touchdowns last week, Jayden Daniels should have more left in the tank this week, especially against the Atlanta defense. The Falcons are tied with Carolina for the second-most passing touchdowns allowed this season. They’ve benefited from playing the Giants and Raiders in recent weeks, but the last time Atlanta played a real opponent, Sam Darnold threw for five touchdown passes against them. The chances are good that Daniels will throw multiple touchdown passes, making McLaurin an obvious anytime TD target since he’s caught 12 touchdown passes this season, including six in his last four games. Yet, he’s still getting plus odds as an anytime TD scorer, giving this bet great value.
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