Screwing fender flare because clips don't go in

Awhile ago I hit a deer and the passenger side fender flare had to be replaced. I bought a replacement flare and attachment clips but, because there was also minor dings in the sheetmetal and the clip sockets on the flare are plastic (which is a POS design because plastic edges strip more easily than metal, which is what I think it should be on OEM parts), I was unable to attach it to the clips. I was able to screw it inside the wheel well but, out of about 10-12 clips, only maybe one would bite in.

Can I just use black screws with washers like the ones that are used to screw the flare inside the wheel well or for attaching mud flaps to screw the flare directly into the sheet metal? I understand they would be visible but I don't care (I would get a driver side one as well, for symmetry). Should I use different kind of screws? Also, should I drill my own holes in the sheet metal or can I buy some plastic anchors that go into the regular clip holes? I imagine that fastening method might not be as reliable as screwing them in directly.