Saturday afternoon in Baltimore just got a little tougher for the Texans. Winds expect to swirl at 15-20mph on top of temps below freezing. The only weather concerns the Packers are dealing with is rain in San Francisco, despite a balmy 55 degree temp at kickoff. Certainly not the dominiating story line like last weekend, but it will play a factor in how teams call their initial drives, and ultimately who scores the first TD. Here are the Divisional Round first touchdown picks.
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Divisional Round First Touchdown Picks for Saturday
Houston Texans First Touchdown Pick
Scoring early is Houston’s only shot in keeping this thing close. The winds make it tougher for CJ Stroud to move the ball in the air, relying on Devin Singletary significantly more than Houston wants. But it’s not like Stroud won’t throw the football. He’s down Tank Dell and Noah Brown, meaning the Ravens have freedom to put help on Nico Collins. The Texans won’t be stuck on their own side of the field all game, they can find some holes to move the ball, even if it takes some time off the clock.
Assuming the wind takes just that out of the Texans aerial assault, the best chance for a passing TD is Dalton Schultz in some red zone or goal line opportunity. He just snapped a five game skid of going scoreless by catching one against Cleveland. Stroud will have some options but the re-established trust with Schultz matches the great number associated with a first score.
Texans first Touchdown Picks: Dalton Schultz +1900 at FanDuel for 0.25 Units
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San Francisco 49ers First Touchdown Pick
The Packers are rolling with a full head of steam following a dismantling of the Cowboys in Dallas. Hoping for the same ending in San Francisco, it’s going to be harder to navigate this Niners defense – especially the pass rush. San Fran has the better chance to strike first, either winning the toss or stopping Green Bay. The issue with this team is always finding the right weapon, as they have plenty.
Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffery are always going to be chalked because of their popularity and success. While Kyle Shannanhan may give it to a backup running back, it’s not likely to be their first touchdown. George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk are the main contenders to grab the first score from Brock Purdy, matched with each player’s number on the board. There’s a 50 point difference as Aiyuk sits at 10:1 behind Kittle at +950.
Aiyuk is on a tear as of recent, outside of limited action against the Rams, he comes off two straight 100+ yard receiving games and a score. The Niners spread the ball, get creative with routes, but going down field is still the same – get the ball to Aiyuk. He’s had longest receptions of 20+ yards in four of his last five games and is the best choice to score first.
49ers First Touchdown Picks: Brandon Aiyuk +1000 at FanDuel for 0.25 Units
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