The wait is over! Opening Sunday of the NFL season has arrived, meaning we can officially redirect our focus from family time to our favorite mobile sportsbooks. While gridiron wagering offers countless avenues for profit or loss, targeting anytime touchdown scorers has surged to the forefront of popular betting markets.
This popularity stems largely from the highly appealing payouts. For instance, Los Angeles Chargers enthusiasts who envision Keaton Mitchell thriving in Mike McDaniel’s system similarly to De’Von Achane might fancy a flyer on him crossing the goal line at +340 odds. Likewise, backing first-year ball carrier Jeremiyah Love to find paydirt in his professional debut looks tempting at +205. Additionally, Kyler Murray making his Vikings debut could result in a rushing score, a prop currently sitting at +275.
In the following section, we highlight five compelling anytime touchdown wagers for the opening week. Rather than pointing to low-yield, obvious options like Jahmyr Gibbs or Bijan Robinson, or recommending far-fetched longshots like a defensive touchdown, we’ve found a sweet spot. To kick things off, let’s look at a sophomore receiver who made an immediate impact during his initial season.
Wagering figures provided by FanDuel Sportsbook.
1. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Buccaneers (+180)
With Mike Evans no longer on the roster in Tampa Bay, sophomore wideout Emeka Egbuka is poised to become a central target for Baker Mayfield. The former Ohio State star exploded onto the scene as a rookie, racking up 445 yards on 25 receptions and scoring five times over his initial five outings. Look for him to replicate that early success in 2026 when facing a Cincinnati Bengals defensive unit that remains somewhat unproven.
2. Saquon Barkley, RB, Eagles (-115)
Consider this remarkable trend: Saquon Barkley has successfully reached the end zone in EIGHT CONSECUTIVE matchups against Washington!
Having watched Barkley’s anytime touchdown price sit near -200 historically, securing him at -115 represents excellent value. Though the Philadelphia Eagles will showcase a revamped offensive scheme this Sunday, Barkley should remain a focal point of their game plan out of the backfield and through the air. Furthermore, the Washington Commanders fielded the league’s most porous defense last year, giving up an average of 384 total yards weekly. While opening touchdown scorer props aren’t usually my style, taking Barkley at +500 is highly enticing.
3. Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens (+250)
A nagging hamstring issue derailed Lamar Jackson’s 2025 season, limiting his mobility even after he got back on the field. This resulted in career lows of just 349 yards and a pair of scores on the ground. Fully recovered now, the dynamic playmaker is primed for a bounce-back. Although the Indianapolis Colts’ defensive front isn’t elite, Baltimore’s reconstructed offensive line featuring three new interior starters suggests Jackson will frequently need to extend plays using his legs.
Remarkably, Jackson holds the title of the statistically most dominant Week 1 signal-caller in league history. Under his leadership, the Baltimore Ravens put up an astounding 33.3 points per contest in season openers, paving the way for plenty of scoring action in Indianapolis this weekend.
4. Quentin Johnston, WR, Chargers (+130)
Quentin Johnston has put up consecutive campaigns featuring 700 yards in the air and eight touchdowns despite starting his professional journey slowly. Now working under offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, Johnston could be utilized in unique ways. While he isn’t Tyreek Hill, his combination of height and deep-threat speed makes him a prime candidate for vertical opportunities in this system. This potential was on full display during the exhibition games when he pulled in a 65-yard touchdown strike from Justin Herbert.
5. Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Jaguars (+950)
Though I promised to avoid extreme longshots, certain circumstances call for an exception. The Jacksonville Jaguars welcome the Cleveland Browns for the opener—the very team that traded back in the 2025 draft, allowing Jacksonville to secure a prospect whom analyst James Gladstone regards as a once-in-a-generation talent.
While Travis Hunter is slated to focus heavily on cornerback duties, he will almost certainly see snaps on the other side of the ball. Facing Cleveland, expect offensive coordinator Liam Coen to design a creative red-zone package for the second overall selection. It serves as a perfect chance to showcase their draft victory, proving he can deliver plays that rivals like Mason Graham simply cannot replicate.
At +950 odds, this flyer offers genuine appeal. Had the price been closer to +400, it would be a much tougher sell.
Additional player props on my radar
- Cam Ward to throw an interception (+102): After failing to record a single interception all of last season, the New York defensive unit finally registers one this Sunday.
- Aaron Jones Over 28.5 rushing yards (-116): Although I wanted to target Jordan Mason lines, oddsmakers caught on quickly and set his projections as the game’s top runner. Jones, however, will remain heavily involved, particularly in a revenge matchup against his old squad.
- Malik Willis Over 40.5 rushing yards (-110): This rushing baseline was surpassed by Willis in every single one of his three starts during his tenure with Green Bay.
- Isaiah Likely Over 35.5 receiving yards (-112): Unshackled by Mark Andrews in the lineup, Likely should thrive in the New York passing game, especially with Malik Nabers working his way back to full health.
- Jahmyr Gibbs longest run Over 18.5 (-112): Backing Gibbs to rip off at least one explosive, long run down the field against the Saints’ defense.
