Betting an NFL Parlay with Anytime Touchdown scorers is incredibly fun — especially on a holiday like Christmas! — even if they’re mostly a losing proposition that will drain your bankroll if you’re not careful. Most sportsbooks tend to clean up on this bet type, so how do we scratch the parlay itch without overextending ourselves?
Allow me to introduce “The 180 Challenge” — here’s how it works in case you're not familiar with the concept:
Each week, I bet on a three-leg Anytime TD parlay that equates to somewhere around +1800 or more. $10 per parlay ticket, $180 total for the season.
The goal is to win as much as possible. But the safety net is that you only need to hit one parlay all season to make your money back.
If you go 0-18 (which is unfortunate), the positive spin is it's only $180. This way, we can still participate in fun touchdown parlays while managing our bankroll and not going overboard on bad spending habits.
Here’s my Anytime Touchdown Parlay for NFL Christmas Day.
NFL Parlay — Christmas Anytime TD Picks
- Deebo Samuel Anytime Touchdown Scorer (+215)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown Anytime Touchdown Scorer (+115)
- Troy Franklin Anytime Touchdown Scorer (+245)
Parlay Odds: +2236 via DraftKings
Cowboys vs Commanders TD Pick: Deebo Samuel
While he hasn't scored in four games, this matchup sets well for WR Deebo Samuel — the Cowboys play the seventh-highest rate of zone in the NFL and have given up the most touchdowns to wide receivers this season.
The Commanders offense isn’t as dynamic with Marcus Mariota under center, but it hasn’t been a huge drop-off from Jayden Daniels. Deebo has scored four of his six touchdowns in games with Mariota.
Lions vs Vikings TD Pick: Amon-Ra St. Brown
The Vikings have been low-key elite at preventing touchdowns to key positions. A wide receiver or a tight end hasn’t scored on Minnesota over the last six games.
I that trend will change this week, but it does warrant caution on which angle you take with potential Lions TD scorers.
Since the Vikings play a top-10 rate of zone and the highest rate of two-high safety, I think WR Amon-Ra St. Brown is the play.
St. Brown leads the Lions by a mile in targets per route run against those coverages; he should’ve had the game-winning TD vs. the Steelers on Sunday (but was negated by a penalty).
Broncos vs Chiefs TD Pick: Troy Franklin
I can't stop betting on Broncos WR2 Troy Franklin.
Franklin has six touchdowns this season, and with WR3 Pat Bryant potentially out, the Oregon product could see an uptick in targets.
Franklin leads the Broncos in targets per route run despite his TD output dropping off in the second half of the season.
If you want to take Courtland Sutton, I’d be OK with it since Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie will likely be out again, but any chance I can get Franklin over +200 in a plus matchup, I’m going to take it every time.
Disclaimer: 18-1 parlays have less than 5% chance of hitting, and that percentage only shrinks as you increase the parlay odds. Keep your expectations in check and bet on these for recreation.
