The upcoming Super Bowl 58 is expected to showcase two of the best defenses in the NFL, but that doesn't mean we won't see some exciting touchdown plays from the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday.
In last year's Super Bowl, the Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts scored the game's first touchdown just five minutes into the contest. However, it is unlikely that we will see a rushing touchdown as the first score of the game this year. In fact, a rushing touchdown has only accounted for the first scoring play of the Super Bowl seven times, and none of those instances have occurred in consecutive years.
Last year's Super Bowl saw a total of nine touchdowns, with seven different players finding the end zone. The Kansas City Chiefs emerged victorious with a thrilling 38-35 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Linebacker Nick Bolton even scored a touchdown on a fumble return in the second quarter.
So, who will find the end zone first in this year's Super Bowl 58? Let's take a look at our first and anytime touchdown scorer picks.
Christian McCaffrey has been the 49ers' most prolific touchdown scorer this season, making him the top choice for the first touchdown scorer. McCaffrey accounted for 35% of the team's 60 rushing and receiving touchdowns in the regular season. In the playoffs, he has scored four of the team's seven touchdowns. With a track record of scoring in 16 out of 18 games this season, McCaffrey is not only a great option for the first touchdown scorer bet but also as an anytime scorer in the first and second half.
Rashee Rice, a rookie wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, has shown potential throughout the season. He led the team in touchdown catches during the regular season and has continued to make an impact in the playoffs. Rice has scored four of his eight touchdowns as the Chiefs' first touchdown of the game. With his ability to score early in the first quarter, betting on Rice as the first touchdown scorer could be a low-risk, high-reward option.
Deebo Samuel may be a popular choice for an anytime touchdown scorer, but Brandon Aiyuk presents great value as a threat with the deep ball or in the red zone. Aiyuk has eight touchdown catches this season and scored a crucial touchdown in the NFC Championship Game. Despite a lower catch rate in the playoffs, Aiyuk has the potential to find the end zone at any time.
Travis Kelce, the Chiefs' leading receiver in the regular season, has continued to shine in the playoffs. With 23 catches for 262 yards and three touchdowns in three playoff games, Kelce has proven to be a reliable target for Patrick Mahomes. He has a strong track record of scoring touchdowns in the postseason, making him a solid choice as an anytime touchdown scorer.
In conclusion, the Super Bowl 58 first and anytime touchdown scorer picks include Christian McCaffrey and Rashee Rice for the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk and Travis Kelce for the Kansas City Chiefs. These players have shown their ability to find the end zone and could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the game.
