NFL Week 18 Anytime Touchdown Scorer Predictions: Best Bets for Sunday, January 4

NFL Week 18 is here.  Let's look at the potential anytime touchdown scorers.

(Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

It's the last week of the regular NFL season, and there are 14 games scheduled for the Sunday slate. That said, some games truly don't matter while teams are fighting for playoff seeding or even a spot. There are high-stakes games that include possible player awards and a lengthy list of Week 18 incentives.

Perhaps one of the most important matchups today features the New Orleans Saints (6-10, 3-5 away) and the Atlanta Falcons (7-9, 3-4 home). Although both teams are eliminated from playoff contention, the NFC South is still up for grabs between Carolina and Tampa Bay. While the Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, a Saints victory on Sunday would crown them division champs. If the Falcons win, the Panthers will win the division. With the over/under set at 43.5 points, we will be watching touchdowns closely in this matchup.

The AFC South is up for grabs, and either the Houston Texans or Jacksonville Jaguars will be crowned division winners. A number of outcomes can happen if the Jaguars walk away with a victory over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday: Not only will they win the AFC South, they will be awarded the AFC No. 1 seed with home-field advantage in the playoffs. Of course, this may take a little bit of luck if the Broncos and Patriots lose. Otherwise, the Texans win the division if the Jaguars straight-up lose today.

Week 18 Key Matchups: Who's Headed To The NFL Playoffs?

Given that the Jaguars have scored the seventh-most touchdowns this season (50), the books are predicting a potential shootout against Tennessee, as the over/under is set at 47.5 points.

On the flip side, the Indianapolis Colts will get the Houston Texans on the road. An important matchup in determining the AFC South, the Texans could win the division or be placed between the 5-7 seeds. Predicted to dominate the Colts, they are the favorites by 10.5 points. The Texans haven't scored many touchdowns (35) this season, so it will be interesting to see how they fare against an Indy team that's put up 50 touchdowns this season.

Sunday afternoon's matchup featuring the Los Angeles Chargers (11-5, 5-2 away) and Denver Broncos (13-3, 7-1 home) is a key one to watch. Bo Nix and the Broncos can become top dogs and clinch the top seed in the AFC, only with Jaguars and Patriots losses. Justin Herbert and the Chargers currently hold the No. 6 seed in the AFC at 11-5.

It's clear the AFC is up for grabs, and the New England Patriots could earn the No. 1 seed with a victory over the Miami Dolphins and a Broncos loss. Drake Maye is leading the MVP conversation. Can New England finish the job on Sunday as 13.5-point spread favorites?

While I've highlighted the top matchups with the most on the line, several matchups will determine seeding today. That includes the Rams, Bears, Eagles, and Bills. Betting will be extra challenging today, given that several teams have opted to rest key players.

Touchdown Scorers NFL Week 18

Let's take a look at my three best bets and touchdown predictions that included popular tight ends and running backs. Here are my top plays for Sunday, Jan. 4. If you're tailing my bets, I've placed them within Fanatics and FanDuel Sportsbook.

• Blake Corum ATS
• Hunter Henry ATS
• Brenton Strange ATS

Are you in search of further NFL and sports betting promotions? We have compiled a list of the best sports betting offers here. 

NFL Week 18 Best Bets: Anytime Touchdown Scorer Predictions for Sunday, January 4

Blake Corum Anytime TD Odds: +175 (FanDuel)

On Sunday, I'm betting on Rams running back Blake Corum to score a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals. This is an important matchup for the Rams, who are on a two-game losing streak. After head coach Sean McVay's comments, all signs point to the starters lacing up today.

As mentioned previously, this is a must-win for the Rams today. If they defeat the Cardinals, LA would secure the No. 5 seed in the NFC. In that case, who wouldn't want to play the Buccaneers or Panthers in the first round of the NFL playoffs?

The over/under total is set at 47.5 points today, so this is a projected blowout and shootout. While starting running back Kyren Williams is the heavy favorite to score a touchdown, there's minimal value at -210 odds. This is where Corum comes into the picture.

I like Corum here, especially if McVay decides to sit Williams if the score margin is wide. While it's unclear if the Cardinals will start or rest their players, they rank No. 21 in defensive DVOA and No. 26 in defensive rush EPA. We are talking about a team that sits 21st in rush EPA.

Why Blake Corum Can Score A Touchdown Against the Cardinals

This is a prime matchup for Corum, who faces a Cardinals' defense that allows the third-most rushing yards to running backs and second-most touchdowns to backs.

Let's face it, Bengals running back Chase Brown exploded for 101 rushing yards and three touchdowns last week against Arizona. The week prior, Falcons back Robinson went nuclear for a touchdown, and the Falcons rushed for a combined 155 yards.

The stats don't lie— a running back has scored at least one touchdown against Arizona in seven of the last games. In addition, the Cardinals have given up 11 touchdowns to running backs over the past seven games.

There's no doubt that McVay is committed to a dual running back committee, and Corum has compiled 687 rushing yards, six touchdowns, and 132 carries in his sophomore campaign. While logging just 25% of snaps over the last two weeks, he's behind in the snap count compared to Williams. However, he has 43 touches and four touchdowns over the last four weeks.

It's clear Corum has been increasingly productive for the Rams, scoring five touchdowns over the last five weeks.  Overall, he's eclipsed 70+rushing yards in three of the last five games.

Final NFL Anytime Touchdown Betting Prediction: Blake Corum ATS Odds: +175 (FanDuel)

If healthy and able to suit up, this player prop bet has great value at +175 odds. Last time Corum faced the Cardinals, he rushed for a career-best 128 yards on 12 carries for two touchdowns.

• Can he repeat that tonight? I'm taking Blake Corum to score a touchdown on Sunday. 

Hunter Henry Anytime TD Odds: +115 (FanDuel)

Today, I'm taking Patriots tight end Hunter Henry to score a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins.

While it's unclear if head coach Mike Vrabel will rest his starters, this is an important game for New England. With a win combined with a Denver loss, the Pats would be crowned top dogs in the AFC. Plus, quarterback Drake Maye is the heavy favorite to win the NFL MVP (-340 odds on FanDuel). With one week left, Maye and Matthew Stafford (+270 odds) will bring their Sunday best.

I normally don't bet on tight ends often, but Henry has been a staple in New England's passing attack. With incentives on the line, Henry won't be compensated for another touchdown, but will earn an additional $250,000 with five catches on Sunday.

Why Hunter Henry Can Help Drake Maye Win The NFL MVP Award Sunday

Henry has had another productive season with the Patriots, scoring seven touchdowns and recording 712 receiving yards. While Maye loves to spread the ball, it's Henry who leads all receivers and tight ends in New England in touchdowns. Am I really going to fade him against the Dolphins today?

Eliminated from the playoffs and quarterback questions at bay, the Dolphins rank No. 23 in defensive DVOA and No. 27 in defensive pass DVOA. Truly one of the least efficient teams on both sides of the ball, Miami gets a tough matchup today.

I do believe Henry has one of the best matchups of the year, given that the Dolphins allow the fourth-most touchdowns to tight ends. With that said, Henry has been on an absolute tear.

Scoring touchdowns in two straight games against the Ravens and Jets, the tight end has scored in three of the last five games. That said, he has nine receptions, 10 targets, two touchdowns, and 84 receiving yards over the last two games.

Final NFL Anytime Touchdown Betting Prediction: Hunter Henry ATS Odds: +115 (FanDuel)

There is a chance that other receivers or tight end Austin Hooper could find the end zone, as we saw last week, but I'm taking Hunter Henry here. Last week, he led all tight ends with a 65% snap rate.

• Yes, I know Henry laid an egg for nine yards on one reception in New England's week 2 33-27 victory over the Dolphins. With incentives on the line, Henry has admitted he's "caught the easiest" touchdowns of his life this season. With Maye's MVP status on the line, Henry is one of his most-trusted red zone threats. Second among NFL tight ends with 122 red zone receiving yards, he's been targeted nearly 85% inside the 20 this season. 

Brenton Strange Anytime TD Odds: +220 (Fanatics)

This pick may be a little out there, but I am taking Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange to score a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans.

As mentioned previously, this is a critical game for the Jags, who have the opportunity to secure home-field advantage in the playoffs as top dogs in the AFC. While it comes with a bit of luck from Denver and New England, anything is possible.

Today marks a division matchup against the Titans, who have been terrible on both sides of the football. Ranking No. 29 in defensive DVOA and No. 29 in passing DVOA, they've allowed the 12th-most touchdowns to tight ends (7) this season.

While Jaguars running backs are likely to score a touchdown today, Strange has become more involved in the offense. Hence, he's scored two touchdowns over the last five games.

Strange may only have two touchdowns on the year, but his recent scoring surge shows he has a clear connection with quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Among a receiving corps that includes Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, and Jakobi Meyers, I like Strange the most to score a touchdown on Sunday.

Logging eight receptions and 12 targets over the last two games, it's Strange who recorded 45 receiving yards and a touchdown against the Titans on Nov. 30.

Final NFL Anytime Touchdown Betting Prediction: Brenton Strange ATS Odds: +220 (Fanatics)

While any receiver can score today among a potent Jaguars offense, we are talking about a Titans team that's given up three touchdowns to George Kittle, Strange, and Harold Fannin Jr. over the past five games.

• Not to mention, the Titans have been forgiving to tight ends, giving up 94, 88, and 114 receiving yards to Juwuan Jennings, Kittle, and Fannin Jr. I'm taking Brenton Strange to score a touchdown today. Logging 81% of snaps last week, expect Strange to be a top-scoring threat on a team that scores over 60% in the red zone.