The opening game of NFL Wild Card Weekend features an AFC showdown with the Los Angeles Chargers favored by 3 points over the Houston Texans, and a total set at 41.5. As we focus on today’s action, who are our experts going with as anytime touchdown scorers? We’ll discuss their NFL expert picks as we dive into our Texans-Chargers anytime touchdown scorer bets. If you need help finding sharp bets on your own, check out our guide to betting on NFL anytime touchdown scorers!
Texans-Chargers Anytime Touchdown Scorer Bet for Wild Card Weekend
Picks by Danny Burke
If you’ve watched any Houston Texans football this season, you know how vital Joe Mixon has been to the team’s success.
Mixon has rushed 245 times for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding 36 receptions for 309 yards and a receiving score. With C.J. Stroud not performing at the same level as last season, the Texans have relied heavily on Mixon to generate offensive momentum.
On the surface, it appears like a tough matchup for Mixon, as the Chargers rank 5th in EPA per play and 7th in success rate allowed. However, their biggest defensive vulnerability is against the run.
Los Angeles is allowing 4.7 yards per carry to opposing running backs — 29th in the NFL. When the Chargers have struggled, it’s been because they’ve been bullied in the trenches.
I expect the Texans to focus on the ground game, creating opportunities for Mixon to shine where it matters most: the red zone. He’s logged 56 red-zone attempts for 126 yards and 11 total touchdowns this season.
We’re getting a bargain on his price due to the Chargers’ success defending running backs in the red zone, but Mixon has been a different beast this year — making him worth the bet in this matchup.
Best Sunday Night Football Anytime Touchdown Scorer: Joe Mixon (-117) at BetRivers
