Michael Penix Jr. makes his return to the Atlanta Falcons lineup Thursday night, and it couldn't have come any sooner for an offense that has struggled mightily through two weeks. But how soon will the former first-rounder be able to contribute at a high level after missing about 10 months with yet another torn ACL?
The answer to that question will determine whether the Falcons can reach the end zone for just the second time all year. Combined with the questions that lingered even before his injury about how good he, the Falcons will be tough to trust all around in his first game back.
Thankfully, the team on the other side has a quarterback we can trust a little more. These are my favorite anytime touchdown picks for Thursday night.
Tucker Kraft (+200)
Kraft is still
searching for his first touchdown of the season, and this is the perfect matchup for him to find it. The Falcons have allowed a touchdown to tight ends each of their first two games, including two to Darren Waller in last week's loss to the Falcons. That's as many touchdowns as they allowed to tight ends all last season.
Christian Watson (+155)
Watson is off to a fantastic start to the season, with three touchdowns through the first two games. He can stay hot in this one. Though Atlanta has yet to allow a touchdown to a wide receiver this year, it's only a matter of time. The Falcons have allowed the eighth-most yardage to wideouts, including several chunk plays, which Watson specializes in with his speed.
Bijan Robinson (-155)
The Packers have actually defended the run well this season, and yet they've still allowed three touchdowns to running backs. Which tells me teams are mostly passing to get into the red area, but finishing drives with the run. Throw in Breece Hall's performance against Green Bay as a receiver last week, when he caught five passes for 63 yards, and Robinson pops out as Atlanta's one no-brain option to score as they ease Penix back into action.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Falcons-Packers anytime touchdown scorer predictions for Thursday Night Football
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
