Who to Bet to Score First Touchdown in Rams vs. Bengals in Super Bowl 56
By Jon Helmkamp
Betting the first touchdown scorer is always a tricky proposition, but this year’s Super Bowl is chock-full of touchdown scoring threats worthy of putting some money on. If you want to play this prop, here are some options to consider.
Let’s start with the odds via WynnBET.
Ja’Marr Chase +700
The most likely bet is Cooper Kupp at +450, which I wouldn’t blame anyone for putting money on, but I’ll start with Bengals rookie phenom Ja’Marr Chase at +700. The Bengals will have no option but to come out and play their brand of aggressive offense. They got off to a slow start against Kansas City, and Burrow and company will want to avoid falling behind early to the Rams.
Chase had a touchdown last week against the Chiefs as part of their wild comeback, and scored 13 receiving touchdowns during the regular season. He and Burrow have insane chemistry on sideline routes with back-shoulder throws, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see them try one early.
Odell Beckham Jr. +750
Odell Beckham Jr. has been a touchdown machine since joining the Rams. If you throw out his first game with the Rams, which was more about easing him into their system, Beckham has scored a touchdown in six out of 10 games with Los Angeles. In the NFC Conference Championship, Beckham caught nine of 11 targets for 113 yards, all of which were highs for him this year.
Look for Beckham to have a big game as the Bengals secondary attempts to do what nobody else has been able to this year — shut down Cooper Kupp.
Tyler Boyd +1000
Here’s a long-odds option with some method to the madness. We know that Chase is the top threat in this receiving core. It’s possible that he gets the Jalen Ramsey treatment in this game, although whether or not he’s going to travel in the formation is still a mystery. We know that Tee Higgins is another big, physical threat that can play on the outside. If the Rams defense shades their coverage towards those two options, then slot receiver Tyler Boyd could be a prominent part of the Bengals’ offensive game plan.
Boyd had a touchdown in four-straight games between Week 15 and the first round of the playoffs. He’s been quiet for the last two rounds, but against a ferocious defensive front, Burrow could be looking to get the ball out of his hand quickly. With a hampered tight end position, Boyd is an interesting option out of the slot to factor into this game early.
You can find all of Jon Helmkamp’s picks here.