The Michael Penix Jr. era is underway for the Atlanta Falcons, and their NFC South hopes are on the line for a must-see Sunday Night Football clash against the Washington Commanders.
Both offenses have flashed their ability to move the ball lately, and that puts an even bigger spotlight on the anytime touchdown scorer market. The Falcons are coming off a 34-point outing against the New York Giants last week, while the playoff-bound Commanders have piled up 98 points in their past three contests.
Here are my two favorite Falcons vs. Commanders anytime touchdown picks for this primetime clash on December 29.
Falcons anytime touchdown pick
Darnell Mooney anytime touchdown
+195 at bet365
It’s been a rollercoaster year for Darnell Mooney, but the Atlanta Falcons will need his big-play potential if they’re going to hold off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the division crown.
He was a popular target last weekend in Michael Penix Jr.’s much-awaited NFL debut, racking up five catches for 82 yards. Mooney still has five touchdowns to his name and he’s going to be a significant part of the Atlanta passing attack, with a very real possibility that the visitors will be playing from behind against a dangerous Washington Commanders offense.
The former Chicago Bears receiver had some good moments with Kirk Cousins earlier in the season, including boasting 105 receiving yards and two scores back in Week 5, but his production dipped as the veteran quarterback faded.
It’s tough to be too critical of Mooney when the Falcons went five straight weeks without scoring more than 21 points. Now Penix is giving Atlanta a new lease of life, and I’m wagering on Mooney to snap his touchdown drought on SNF.
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Commanders anytime touchdown pick
Terry McLaurin anytime touchdown
+108 at bet365
Jayden Daniels has really leaned into his connection with Terry McLaurin down the stretch of his rookie season — and the results have been off the charts. Scary Terry has hauled in six touchdown passes in his last four games, and I like this price for another score here.
Even when McLaurin hasn’t been a big part of the offense, he’s still popped up with big end zone catches. He’s up to 12 TDs overall this year, cashing in when opponents are forced to respect a talented Washington run game that includes Brian Robinson Jr. and Daniels himself.
There were some raised eyebrows when McLaurin had a few quiet weeks in the middle of the season, but a healthier Daniels under center has made all the difference. The Commanders’ No.1 pass-catcher has six or more targets in each of his last four outings and should extend that streak in primetime.
Atlanta was sharp defensively in its Week 16 victory over New York, but that Giants offense is a small threat compared to what Washington brings to the table. Look for McLaurin to get scoring chances in the red zone on Sunday and make the Falcons pay.
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