First Touchdown Scorer Predictions for Bills vs. Broncos today: Who'll Score First?

The Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos meet in the playoffs for the second consecutive year, and that gives us extra information to make our first touchdown scorer predictions for Bills vs. Broncos in today’s Divisional Round matchup. Kickoff from Empower Field at Mile High is set for 4:30 p.m. ET (CBS). 

Denver is a 1.5-point home betting favorite after starting the week as an underdog. My three first touchdown scorer wagers are part of our NFL playoff predictions.

🏈 First touchdown scorer predictions: Bills vs. Broncos

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💰 Best Bills vs. Broncos first touchdown scorer pick: Josh Allen, QB, Bills (+650) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Of Josh Allen’s nine career playoff rushing touchdowns, the first eight of them came in the second quarter. With the Bills and Broncos defenses playing at a high level, it is highly possible this trend continues after a first quarter in which neither team finds the end zone.

Allen became just the second player in NFL history with a go-ahead passing touchdown and go-ahead rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter of the same playoff game. No matter how sore Allen is, he is the best player on the field, and will have the ball in his hands early and often.

Allen to score is part of Gary Pearson's Bills vs. Broncos prediction.

🙌 More Bills vs. Broncos first touchdown scorer bets

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Khalil Shakir, WR, Bills (+1300) ⭐⭐⭐

For as vaunted as Denver's defense is, Buffalo’s offense had its way in the playoff matchup last year. The Bills scored on six of their seven meaningful possessions (excluding running out the clock late), with four drives of at least 11 plays.

Khalil Shakir quickly became the alpha of Buffalo’s receiving corps last week, among its myriad of injuries. His 12 receptions were the second-most in a playoff game in franchise history, and the team is likely to move him around formations and line him up in positions that avoid him being covered by Denver’s lockdown cornerback Pat Surtain.

Corey Scott supports this pick with his Bills vs. Broncos player props.

Troy Franklin, WR, Broncos (+1800) ⭐⭐

Buffalo should deploy zone defense at a higher rate than usual, given its injuries in the secondary. In zone coverage, the Bills rank third in completion percentage allowed, second in yards per attempt, and second in Total QBR. Meanwhile, Bo Nix ranks 31st in completion percentage and yards per attempt, and 21st in Total QBR when facing zone.

One way Denver is likely to beat Buffalo’s zone is by stretching the field. Troy Franklin is arguably the Broncos’ best deep threat as one of two wide receivers with at least nine receptions of 20-plus yards.

📊 Bills vs. Broncos first touchdown scorer odds