The Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) will meet the Houston Texans (10-7) on Saturday, January 11, at NRG Stadium in Houston for a wild-card weekend game in the NFL playoffs at 4.30 p.m. ET on CBS.
Beyond spread and total bets, I'm looking at Chargers vs. Texans anytime touchdown scorers and I have two picks for Saturday.
Here are my anytime touchdown scorer bets for Saturday's game.
Chargers vs. Texans Anytime Touchdown Scorers
- Nico Collins Anytime Touchdown (+150)
- Diontae Johnson Anytime Touchdown (+900)
Nico Collins +150
Entering the NFL Playoffs, I’m not sure another division winner looks as vulnerable as the Texans. After winning the AFC South at 10-7, the Texans are the only home underdog in the playoffs.
QB C.J. Stroud saw his turnover-worthy plays go down in 2024 but also saw his interceptions jump to 12 in 2024, and he hasn’t thrown for more than 300 yards since Week 5. A big part of that decline was the revolving door of wide receivers, with Nico Collins missing time and both Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell now lost for the season.
The lone bright spot has been Collins, who finished with seven touchdowns and 1,000 receiving yards despite missing five games.
At +150 to start the week, Collins checks a lot of boxes in this matchup to score a touchdown. He has the best receiving metrics on the Texans against zone coverage, which the Chargers played at a top-three rate in the NFL during the regular season.
Collins is the “safe” option in the Texans’ passing game.
Diontae Johnson +900
I’m intrigued by WR newcomer Diontae Johnson. He obviously has the pedigree of being a top receiving option in the NFL in his time with the Steelers and Panthers and could fill the void of Tank Dell.
When you look at the WR depth chart, you could argue Johnson has more experience than the whole group, and for the Texans to have any chance, they’re going to need to find an alternative receiver to get involved if Collins is doubled.
At +900, I'd take a swing on Johnson at +900.
VERDICT: Josh Palmer +390 | Nico Collins +150 | Sprinkle on Diontae Johnson +900
