Chargers vs Patriots Anytime Touchdown Scorer Predictions: NFL Wild Card Best Bets for Sunday, January 11

NFL playoffs have arrived, and Wild Card weekend is here! That said, this article will focus on the top touchdown scorer predictions for the Chargers vs. Patriots matchup.

(Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

A matchup in the AFC, the Los Angeles Chargers (11-6, 5-3 away) will face the New England Patriots (14-3, 6-3 home) in Foxborough.

The sportsbooks are predicting somewhat of a low-scoring matchup, as the over/under is set at 41.5 points. Of all remaining NFL Wild Card games this weekend, that's the second-lowest total set.

RELATED: NFL WILD CARD TOUCHDOWN BETS

As mentioned in my previous article, the Patriots boast one of the top offenses in the NFL, ranking No. 6 in offensive DVOA. Scoring the third-most touchdowns in the NFL (58), it's been a tight MVP race between quarterbacks Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford. The Chargers, however, scored just 36 touchdowns this season.

While the Patriots are 7-3 against the Chargers since 2008, it's the Chargers who are 2-0 SU against New England since 2023. Allowing just seven points over the last two head-to-head matchups, can the Chargers prevail on Sunday? The books are predicting a close one today, as the Patriots are slim 3.5-point spread favorites.

AFC Wild Card: Chargers vs. Patriots

If you're betting on NFL Wild Card weekend, welcome!

Sunday's matchup featuring the Chargers and Patriots will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on NBC/Peacock. If you're tailing my bets, you can find them within DraftKings and Fanatics sportsbooks. My bets today include popular touchdown picks for wide receivers and running backs.

Here are my best bets and touchdown scorer predictions for the Sunday, Jan. 11 playoff matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots.

Los Angeles Chargers vs New England Patriots Anytime Touchdown Scorer Betting Odds (FanDuel)

• TreVeyon Henderson: Anytime: +130 | First TD: +700
• Rhamondre Stevenson: Anytime: +140 | First TD: +750
• Omarion Hampton: Anytime: +175 | First TD: +950
• Stefon Diggs: Anytime: +180 | First TD: +850
• Hunter Henry: Anytime: +185 | First TD: +950
• Ladd McConkey: Anytime: +230 | First TD: +1200
• Quinten Johnston: Anytime: +230 | First TD: +1200
• Drake Maye: Anytime: +260 | First TD: +1300
• Keenan Allen: Anytime: +290 | First TD: +1500
• New England Defense: Anytime: +800 | First TD: +4500
• Los Angeles Defense: Anytime: +1000 | First TD: +4500

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

NFL Wild Card Best Bets: Los Angeles Chargers vs New England Patriots Anytime Touchdown Scorer Predictions for Sunday, January 11

Ladd McConkey Anytime TD Odds: +240 (DraftKings)

I'm taking Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey to score a touchdown on Sunday night against the Patriots.

There's no question that McConkey went through a sophomore slump after a breakout rookie campaign. Even so, he's compiled 789 receiving yards and six touchdowns through 16 games.

Quarterback Justin Herbert has various weapons this year—McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre Harris, and Keenan Allen returned this season. I originally wanted to bet on Johnston, who leads all Chargers receivers with eight touchdowns. In this case, I do think McConkey has the better matchup here.

Plus, can we talk about the VALUE? Herbert's top receiver is priced at +240 to score a touchdown? May the odds be in our favor tonight.

This Touchdown Prop Bet Has Incredible Value

Likely to line up in the slot, McConkey's yardage has been far from elite; however, he's scored a touchdown against the Cowboys in Week 17 and has crossed the plane in two of the last five games.  Now he faces a Patriots defense that has been forgiving to receivers.

New England has allowed the eighth-most touchdowns to wideouts (17) this season, averaging about 17 in 17 games. While McConkey's numbers haven't been there, let's face it—he's been a reliable red zone option for Justin Herbert over the past two seasons.

It's encouraging that the Patriots' defense has allowed a touchdown to WR1s in 6 of the last 9 games. Not to mention, they've allowed eight touchdowns to top receivers. Over that span, bettors have seen Malik Washington, Zay Flowers, Darius Slayton, John Metchie III, Emeka Egbuka, and Drake London (3) score touchdowns against New England since the beginning of November.

Final NFL Anytime Touchdown Chargers vs Patriots Betting Prediction: Ladd McConkey ATS Odds: +240 (DraftKings)

McConkey lead all LA receivers with an 89% snap count last week, and leads all receivers with 838 total snaps this season. Collecting 22 targets over the last five weeks, he's hovered around 2-4 receptions per game.

• I'm taking Ladd McConkey to score a touchdown on Sunday night. While Keenan Allen and Quinten Johnston are the favorites, McConkey last scored two touchdowns against the Pats in December 2024. Let's not forget his memorable 197-yard and one touchdown performance against the Texans in last year's NFL Wild Card round. 

TreVeyon Henderson Anytime TD Odds: +125 (Fanatics)

My second-best bet for tonight, I'm taking Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson to score a touchdown.

I know this is a risky bet—the Chargers rank No. 10 in defensive DVOA. That said, the Chargers have allowed the fourth-fewest touchdowns to running backs this season.

I do think there's a silver lining in all of this. LA's defense isn't perfect, ranking No. 18 in defensive rush EPA. We are talking about a team that gave up just 105.4 rushing yards per game.

The beauty of it all is that Henderson continues to be an explosive back alongside Rhamondre Stevenson. Pushing through for two touchdowns against the Dolphins last week, he has two multi-touchdown outings over the last four games.

Healthy and back in action, Henderson didn't play as many snaps as Stevenson last week, but has nearly split equal snaps with him all season.

With nine rushing touchdowns and 10 total on the season, Henderson has recorded four multi-touchdown performances this season. And no matter the opponent, he's ripped through top defenses. Not to mention, he's recorded 32 carries over the last two games.

Final NFL Anytime Touchdown Chargers vs Patriots Betting Prediction: TreVeyon Henderson ATS Odds: +125 (Fanatics)

A threat in the backfield as well, Henderson boasts a 5% touchdown rate. While Stevenson is a threat, we all remember that 65-yard bomb from Henderson against the Bills in December.

• I'm taking TreVeyon Henderson to score a touchdown tonight.