Phil Agius
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Our TD scorer picks have been red hot for the last couple of weeks and we cashed with our SNF TD scorer picks (Tyson Bagent at +550 odds) and MNF TD scorer picks (Sam LaPorta at +200), so let’s try to keep the good news coming on Thursday Night Football as the Titans visit the Steelers in the first game of NFL Week 9.
The Titans (3-4) should be in a positive mood after rookie QB Will Levis made a great first impression in the win over Atlanta, while the Steelers (4-3) are on a recovery mission after suffering their second home loss of the season to the Jaguars on Sunday.
Be sure to also check out our full Titans vs Steelers predictions, but now let’s take a look at my favorite anytime touchdown scorer picks for Thursday Night Football.
Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, TEN (+480, FanDuel)
The first thing to note on this game is that I’d probably rather take over 4.5 field goals at +210 with DraftKings than back anyone to score a touchdown as these teams have both had games where one team or the other has failed to reach the end zone. Thinking more positively, though, we will want a decent reward for finding the guy that does score a touchdown and Tennessee tight end Chig Okonkwo could provide it.
The second-season player scored 3 TDs in 2022 but has yet to get to the end zone this time. He has been a key player in the latest version of the Titans offense, though, and has the 2nd-most targets on the team this season with 32, behind only DeAndre Hopkins. That has resulted in only 145 receiving yards so far, but he was heavily involved when Will Levis stepped in at QB against the Falcons and tight ends are often a popular choice of target for rookie QBs who need to get the ball out quickly. Okonkwo has been targeted 19 times in the last 3 games, and could slip through the net while the Steelers concentrate on stopping the impressive connection Levis had with his wideouts in the Falcons game.
We also have a Titans vs Steelers Same Game Parlay for TNF at +699 odds
Diontae Johnson, WR, PIT (+220 at FanDuel)
Diontae Johnson has not taken long to reclaim his status as the Steelers’ top receiver after returning from a spell on IR with a hamstring injury. Johnson caught 5 of the 6 balls thrown his way for 79 yards on his return against the Rams, and then had a massive 14 targets in awful passing conditions against the Jaguars, catching 8 for 85 yards. With that kind of volume, his first TD of the season should be on its way.
If you’re looking for an even bigger price, consider a sprinkle on a Steelers defensive touchdown at +800 with FanDuel. That bet cashed on the first play of the game when the Steelers played the Browns on MNF in Week 2, and the Steelers’ pass-rush is not going to be easy for Levis to deal with in his first career road game. Accidents can happen.
Where is your team in the Week 9 Pickswise Power Rankings?
