The New England Patriots and Houston Texans will duke it out this Sunday in the primetime game on NBC, and you can bet that tensions are going to be high. The first score is going to be crucial in this game, particularly if it's the hosts who get it. Houston has had a history of falling way behind when it gives up an early score, something that could happen in a hurry against these Patriots. That's why most of the New England players are going to be the men who will be the favorites to score the first touchdown of this game.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
New England Patriots -3
Houston Texans +3
Over/Under 44.5
There are definitely a few contenders on New England who have to be considered for the first score. The favorite is inevitably going to be Rob Gronkowski if he ends up playing. Gronk is the best red zone threat in the NFL, and no one has a matchup for him. Maybe Jadeveon Clowney or Brian Cushing proves to be the difference maker, but we sincerely doubt it.
The big question with Gronk is whether he's going to suit. His knee injury he suffered a couple weeks ago in Denver looked like a season-ender. It fortunately was merely an injury which was classified as "week-to-week," and there hasn't been an indication as to whether or not he'll play in this game or not.
If Gronkowski isn't on the field, the options become a little leaner for the Pats.
Tom Brady isn't a bad bet as a double-digit underdog, knowing that he's the best short option runner the Patriots have. He's got three rushing scores this season, which is only half of what LeGarrette Blount has, though Blount will be a single-digit choice at probably around 6 to 1 to score the first touchdown. If there's a man who's ready for that QB sneak though, it's probably Vince Wilfork, who is on the other side of the field waiting to get a piece of his former quarterback.
In terms of receivers, it's tough to really trust much of anyone. Scott Chandler would be our choice, knowing that he has four touchdowns to lead all active receivers for New England if Gronkowski is out.
Even though the Texans have only scored on their opening drive one time this year, we think they're going to be the ones with the value on their side to score the first touchdown of this game.
The trite choices are going to be Alfred Blue and DeAndre Hopkins, both of which are likely to be single-digit bets to score the first TD of the game. Blue has more or less become the power back in the Houston offense with Arian Foster done for the year, while Hopkins is the only real receiver which Brian Hoyer has at his disposal.
However, we're going to bring up an option here which could be a bit surprising. Last season, J.J. Watt was frequently used as a tight end in goal line situations. He's only been used sparingly this year, and he has only had one ball actually thrown his way when he's been out there. New England is going to be ready for this wrinkle, but no one can match up with a man this large.
You also get the benefit of Watt on the defensive side of the ball as the first scorer of the game if the Texans defense gets the job done, but for our purposes, we think there's a real chance that No. 99 being split out at wide out or tight end could be a sneaky bet at a great price to score the first touchdown to really get the NRG Stadium crowd rocking.
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The game between the New England Patriots and Houston Texans is scheduled for Sunday, December 13, 2015, at 8:30 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium. The game will be broadcast nationally on NBC.
