The Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) and New England Patriots (3-12) will clash in NFL Week 17 at Gillette Stadium. Kickoff for Saturday Football is set for 1 p.m. ET on NFL Network.
Beyond spread and total bets, I'm looking at Chargers vs. Patriots anytime touchdown scorers and have a pick for each team on Saturday.
Here are my two anytime touchdown scorer bets for Saturday's contest.
Chargers vs. Patriots Anytime Touchdown Scorer Props
- Ladd McConkey Anytime Touchdown (+170)
- Kayshon Boutte Anytime Touchdown (+375)
Ladd McConkey Anytime Touchdown (+170)
If you're looking to bet on a touchdown scorer for the Chargers, the default pick is rookie WR Ladd McConkey (+165).
McConkey has already become Justin Herbert's go-to guy, and he gets a good matchup here against the Patriots. New England plays man coverage at a top-three rate in the NFL, and McConkey's metrics against man are amazing, especially for a rookie. McConkey is averaging 3.35 yards per route run against man coverage, which ranks sixth among qualified receivers.
Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez has established himself as a high-level player in the NFL, but he shouldn't be a concern here. McConkey lines up in the slot on 71% of his snaps, while Gonzalez usually lines up on the outside.
Kayshon Boutte Anytime Touchdown (+375)
It’s been fun to watch New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye develop in real time. He isn’t the issue with betting on Patriots TD scorers.
The problem? There are no Patriots skill players who are good enough to demand high volume. That makes betting on the Patriots difficult every week.
Facing a Chargers defense that plays zone at a top-five rate, I’d rather just keep throwing a dart on WR Kayshon Boutte (+375).
Boutte is playing the most snaps and has the highest aDOT against zone coverage, which is noteworthy because the Chargers rank first in defensive DVOA against short passes but 17th against deep balls.
The Chargers are also tied for 27th in touchdowns allowed to opposing wide receivers (17). An alternative would be WR Demario Douglas at +450, but I prefer Boutte.
