NFL first score: betting on who scores first
A team to score first bet wins if your team puts the first points on the board. Any score counts, including a field goal or a safety. The coin toss and first drive play a part.
Reviewed Oct 15, 2026
Answer first
90s- 01Any points count, not just touchdowns.
- 02A safety counts for the defense team.
- 03Prices follow the spread closely.
Key numbers
First score at a glance
In short
Key takeaways
- Any first score settles the bet.
- Favorites score first more often.
- Opening drives matter.
- A 0-0 game is rare but possible.
Progress
How the bet settles
- 1
Kick-off
Game begins
- 2
First score
Any points
- 3
Which team
Scored or was awarded
- 4
Settle
Win or lose
A safety is credited to the team that gets the two points.
First score markets
| Market | You bet on | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Team to score first | Any points | Spread |
| First scoring play | Touchdown, field goal or safety | Kickers |
| First touchdown scorer | A player | Red zone roles |
| Team to score last | Final points | Late game |
Names vary by book.
Field goals and safeties
A field goal on the opening drive wins a team to score first bet. The first touchdown is a separate market.
A safety gives two points to the defense team. If it is the first score, that team wins the bet.
Spread and first score
| Spread | Rough chance favorite scores first |
|---|---|
| Pick or 1 | About 50% |
| 3 | About 55% |
| 7 | About 60% |
| 10+ | About 65% |
Rough guide from past seasons; varies.
The opening drive
The team that gets the ball first has a small edge, since it has the first chance to score. Many teams defer and kick off first instead.
Strong scripted opening drives can matter. Some teams score on the first drive much more often than others.
Sequence
Betting the first score
Step 01
Check the spread
Stronger team.
Step 02
Look at first drives
Recent games.
Step 03
Check kickers
Long field goals.
Step 04
Read the rules
Overtime and voids.
Step 05
Compare prices
Several books.
A worked example
You bet $10 on the underdog to score first at +115. It kicks a 45-yard field goal on its opening drive.
Your team scored first, so your bet wins and returns $21.50.
Kickers and long field goals
Teams with strong kickers turn more first drives into points, since a 50-yard try is in range.
Bad weather and wind cut kicking range and can lower first-score chances for both teams.
Check the kicker status on the injury report before you bet.
Common mistakes
- Thinking only touchdowns count
- Any points do.
- Ignoring the coin toss
- First possession helps a little.
- Forgetting safeties
- They count.
- Overpaying for favorites
- Check the implied chance.
Live first score betting
Live prices move after the opening kick-off and each possession. A long return shifts the price at once.
If the first drive stalls deep in its own end, the other team becomes the favorite to score first.
Set a stake before the game and stick to it.
Floor rules
First score terms
Know before you sit
- First score
- The first points of the game.
- Safety
- Two points for tackling a ball carrier in his own end zone.
- Defer
- Choosing to receive the ball in the second half.
- Scripted drive
- Plays planned in advance for the start.
- Field goal
- A kick through the uprights for three points.
Reading the price
A price of -130 implies a chance of about 57%. A price of +110 implies about 48%.
The two sides add up to more than 100%. The extra is the book margin.
Compare the price with the spread. A big gap may point to value on one side.
Keep reading
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01Basics
What counts as the first score?
Any points: a touchdown, field goal, safety or defensive score. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Does a safety count?
Yes. The team awarded the two points scored first. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
What if nobody scores?
A 0-0 game is very rare. Books usually void the bet or settle it as a loss for both teams.
02Rules
Does the extra point count?
The touchdown before it already settled the bet, so no. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
What if the game is postponed?
Bets are usually void if the game is not played within the set time. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Is first quarter needed?
No. The first score can come at any point in the game. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
03Strategy
Does the opening kick-off matter?
A little. The receiving team gets the first chance to score. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Do favorites always score first?
No. Even big favorites miss the first score about one game in three. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Where can I get help?
If betting stops being fun, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for free, private help any time of day.
Sources
- NFL — Official rules Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Scoring rules
- Pro Football Reference — NFL stats Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Scoring and drive statistics
- Wizard of Odds — Sports betting Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry)The gaming industry’s standard reference for casino-game math, by actuary Michael Shackleford. Not an official registry; our calculators compute these numbers independently. · accessed Oct 15, 2026Sports betting math
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and resources Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER