Washington vs. Michigan picks and best bets for Week 2

Michigan and Washington will be one of the most interesting matchups of the weekend on Saturday night. Here’s a look at some of the key betting info along with a best bet.

By Erik Buchinger Sep 11, 2021, 4:15am PDT

Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Daylen Baldwin runs with the ball for a touchdown after catching a pass while Western Michigan Broncos linebacker A.J. Thomas tries to chase after him during the fourth quarter of a game between the Western Michigan Broncos and the Michigan Wolverines on September 4, 2021 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The pressure seems unusually high for a Week 2 matchup between the Michigan Wolverines and Washington Huskies. Jim Harbaugh is squarely on the hot seat and is in need of big wins over quality opponents, while the Washington fan base seems a bit skeptical with what second-year head coach Jimmy Lake can do especially after a 13-7 loss to Montana to open the season. It’s tough to tell who has the motivation factor, but there is some value to be had for those looking to place a bet on Saturday night’s game.

Here’s all the data you’ll want, and a pick for the game!

SP+ Rankings

Washington: 20 overall, 27 offense, 23 defense
Michigan: 7 overall, 14 offense, 10 defense

Injury update

Washington

WR Terrell Bynum - Questionable (undisclosed)
DB Dominique Hampton - Questionable (undisclosed)
LB Daniel Heimuli - Questionable (knee)
WR Ja’Lynn Polk - Out for the season (chest)
WR Rome Odunze - Questionable (undisclosed)
LB Alphonzo Tuputala - Questionable (undisclosed)
QB Patrick O’Brien - Questionable (undisclosed)

Michigan

WR Ronnie Bell - Out for the season (knee)

ATS/Total

Against The Spread

Washington: 0-1 ATS (2021), 1-3 ATS (2020)
Michigan: 1-0 ATS (2021), 1-5 ATS (2020)

Total

Washington: Over 0-1 (2021), Over 2-2 (2020)
Michigan: Over 0-1 (2021), Over 4-2 (2020)

Returning/Overall Talent from 247Sports

Washington: 16 overall, 15 offense, 19 defense
Michigan: 17 overall, 17 offense, 18 defense

Current lines at DraftKings Sportsbook

Spread: Michigan -6.5
Total: 48.5
Moneyline: Michigan -265, Washington +215

Opening line: Michigan -2
Opening total: 51

Weather

85 degrees, 17 MPH wind, 4% chance of rain

The Pick

Under 48.5

Under no circumstance should Washington lose to Montana scoring just seven points, but the Huskies were without their top four wide receivers. Still, it’s unclear how many of them will make their season debut, if any. Michigan will be without one of their top offensive weapons as wide receiver Ronnie Bell was ruled out for the season following a knee injury in Week 1. Neither team has a very explosive offense with unproven quarterbacks, and the strengths of both teams are on defense.

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