NFL Touchdown Scorer Picks for Wild Card – Best Bets from A.I. Model
By Sascha Paruk in NFL News
Published:
- Our A.I. prediction model has made its anytime TD picks for all six Wild Card games
- It has IDed three plus-money bets as its top picks this weekend
- See the touchdown-scorer odds for all six games plus A.I. picks for Wild Card Weekend
The Wild Card Round starts with the Los Angeles Rams visiting the Carolina Panthers at 4:30 pm ET on Saturday and culminates with the Pittsburgh Steelers hosting the Houston Texans at 8:15 pm ET on Monday. Four other games will take place in between: Packers vs Bears (8:00 pm ET, Saturday), Bills vs Jaguars (1pm ET, Sunday), 49ers vs Eagles (4:30 pm ET, Sunday), and Chargers vs Patriots (8:15 pm ET, Sunday).
I asked our internal A.I. model to provide its single-best TD-scorer pick for each of the six games. Below, I have set out the TD odds for each game (in chronological order) plus the A.I.’s touchdown-scorer best bet for that game.
Go to: Rams/Panthers || Packers/Bears || Bills/Jaguars || 49ers/Eagles || Chargers/Patriots || Texans/Steelers
Rams vs Panthers TD-Scorer Odds & Picks
Best Pick: Davante Adams (-127 at BetRivers)
A.I. explanation: “Adams represents the optimal combination of opportunity, talent, and situational advantage in this Wild Card matchup. His red zone prowess translates perfectly to playoff scenarios where precision route-running becomes paramount. The statistical backing shows Adams exceeding 4.5 receptions in three of his last four games when favored by significant margins, indicating increased usage in favorable game scripts.
Carolina’s secondary faces the challenge of containing an elite route technician making his Rams playoff debut, creating the perfect storm for Adams to announce his arrival with a touchdown performance. His -140 odds reflect appropriate market confidence while still offering value given his established track record in high-pressure situations.”
Packers vs Bears TD-Scorer Odds & Picks
Value Play: Josh Jacobs (-118 at Caesars Sportsbook)
A.I. explanation: “Jacobs enters this NFC North rivalry clash as the most reliable touchdown option based on his workload and the Bears’ defensive struggles against power running schemes. Chicago has shown vulnerabilities against the run this season, a weakness that directly aligns with Jacobs’ skill set.
The veteran back is a consistent scoring threat, known for his ability to handle a significant workload. His physical running style and proven ability to convert short-yardage opportunities make him an ideal candidate to exploit Chicago’s front seven. The Packers have consistently featured Jacobs in their red zone packages, giving him multiple chances to score even if the first few drives stall. At +140, the odds properly reflect his role while still providing solid return potential.”
Bills vs Jaguars TD-Scorer Odds & Picks
Best Pick: James Cook Anytime Touchdown (-150 at DraftKings)
A.I. explanation: “Cook enters this Wild Card clash as the most reliable scoring option on either roster, combining high-volume touches with red zone reliability. His dual-threat ability creates multiple pathways to the end zone, whether through traditional rushing attempts or checkdown receptions that exploit Jacksonville’s linebacker coverage.
The supporting data shows Cook’s consistent involvement in Buffalo’s offensive game plan, particularly in road environments where ball control becomes emphasized. His proximity to franchise playoff records adds motivation, while his -150 odds accurately reflect his status as the game’s most likely touchdown scorer. Jacksonville’s defense must account for Allen’s rushing ability, potentially creating lighter box counts that favor Cook’s running lanes and passing game opportunities.”
49ers vs Eagles TD-Scorer Odds & Picks
Value Play: Jalen Hurts (+120 at BetMGM)
A.I. explanation: “Hurts offers compelling value as a dual-threat quarterback. His +110 odds undervalue his red-zone prowess, particularly given Philadelphia’s tendency to utilize quarterback-designed runs inside the 10-yard line during crucial playoff moments.
The 49ers defense, while elite in many areas, has shown consistent struggles containing mobile quarterbacks who can extend plays with their legs. Hurts led the team with eight rushing TDs this season (after hitting double-digits each of the four previous years).
Hurts has played four career games against the Niners (including playoffs) and has scored a rushing TD in each of the last three (one postseason).”
Chargers vs Patriots TD-Scorer Odds & Picks
Value Play: TreVeyon Henderson (+125 at DraftKings)
A.I. explanation: “Henderson emerges as the premier value play in this matchup based on his red zone utilization and the Patriots’ ground-and-pound philosophy in playoff scenarios. The Patriots have consistently leaned on their backfield tandem in high-leverage situations, with Henderson is expected to be a focal point of the offense, consistent with the Patriots’ strategy of utilizing their backfield tandem in high-leverage situations. His +125 price reflects strong probability while still offering reasonable return on investment.
The Chargers defense has shown vulnerabilities against the run, particularly in the red zone, making Henderson an ideal candidate to exploit these defensive weaknesses. Henderson’s combination of goal-line carries and his ability to break tackles in short-yardage situations makes him an ideal candidate to exploit this defensive vulnerability. With the Patriots likely controlling tempo through their running game, Henderson projects for significant red zone opportunities.”
Texans vs Steelers TD-Scorer Odds & Picks
Value Play: Nico Collins (+163 at BetRivers)
A.I. explanation: “Collins represents exceptional value as C.J. Stroud’s primary target in a matchup where the Texans will likely need to keep pace through the air. The Steelers secondary has shown vulnerabilities to receiving touchdowns, particularly against bigger-bodied pass-catchers operating in the intermediate zones.
Collins’ 6’4″ frame and precise route-running create natural advantages against Pittsburgh’s coverage schemes. Collins has been a consistent presence in the red zone throughout the season. The Steelers have shown vulnerability to crossing routes and pick plays—areas where Collins has thrived throughout the season. His playoff experience from last year’s run adds another layer of confidence in this spot.”
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Managing Editor
Sascha has been working in the sports-betting industry since 2014, and quickly paired his strong writing skills with a burgeoning knowledge of probability and statistics. He holds an undergraduate degree in linguistics and a Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia.
