Wisconsin vs. Michigan: Picks, odds, and predictions for Week 6

Coming off the bye week, the Wisconsin Badgers are heading into enemy territory, as they’ll face the No. 20 Michigan Wolverines on Saturday, with kickoff slated for 11:00 a.m. on FOX.

The Badgers had another disappointing loss in Week 4, struggling on both sides of the ball in a 27-10 defeat to the Maryland Terrapins. It was seen as a must-win game for the Badgers, given how tough the team’s schedule is the rest of the way, but Wisconsin squandered the big opportunity and dropped to 2-2.

In the loss, quarterback Billy Edwards attempted to make his return, but clearly wasn’t 100 percent and re-aggravated his knee injury after one drive. Backup quarterback Danny O’Neil was thrust into another difficult situation and really struggled, throwing for 120 yards and an interception, while taking six sacks.

Defensively, Wisconsin was solid for the most part, but gave up two major explosives in the air, with Malik Washington finding Octavion Smith for a 48-yard completion from Maryland’s 35-yard line with 18 seconds left in the first half. That led to a field goal drive for the Terrapins, giving them a 20-0 halftime lead.

Later, Maryland had a 99-yard touchdown drive, with Washington hitting Shalaek Knotts for a 62-yard touchdown to make it 27-3.

Things don’t get much easier for the Badgers this week, as they take on a Michigan team that is one of the best rushing offenses in the country and has started 3-1, with its lone loss coming to now-No. 5 Oklahoma.

Currently, FanDuel Sportsbook has the Badgers as 17.5-point underdogs, with the over/under at 42.5 points. Let’s get into some fun predictions for the game.

Prop Predictions

In Week 4, we had another 1-1 week, missing on Malik Washington’s under for the passing yards, with the 62-yard bomb in the fourth quarter being a killer. We had Washington at under 225.5 yards, but the quarterback ultimately threw for a career-high 265 yards.

We did hit on Wisconsin’s first-half total being under 13.5 points, as the Badgers were blanked in the opening 30 minutes. The slow start, which we predicted, returned, and Wisconsin didn’t get much offense at all in the game.

Now, let’s turn to this weekend’s outing and find some desirable props.

Prop 1: Michigan -9.5 1st Half spread (-120)

The Badgers have started slowly in every game this year, and I don’t see that changing against a tough Michigan defense.

The Wolverines have an elite front seven, which will be a challenge for Wisconsin’s shaky offensive line. I don’t see the Badgers doing enough on the ground, and a tough front seven is trouble for Danny O’Neil, who seems like the starter.

On offense, I see the Wolverines rushing attack being better than Wisconsin’s run defense, which could dictate a physical game up front. That makes me more confident in the Wolverines getting out to a better start in the first half.

Prop 2: Justice Haynes anytime TD (-220)

Haynes has scored a touchdown in every game for the Wolverines this season, and I don’t see that stopping on Saturday.

He’s a powerful running back who’s the leader of Michigan’s offense, and should get enough volume and opportunity to put one in the end zone.

Prop 3: Michigan -17.5 spread

Unfortunately for Badgers fans, I just don’t see this one going Wisconsin’s way. Michigan should have the advantage on the ground, and its defense could cause big problems for a struggling Badgers offense.

The Badgers have struggled to get pressure on quarterbacks, which helps freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, and the Wolverines have a better chance of winning the turnover battle.

Ultimately, I see Wisconsin putting up a fight, but just not having enough offensive firepower to keep this one competitive.

My score prediction is 34-10, so I have Michigan covering the spread at -17.5

2025 season record: 4-5

Last Week: 1-1