The top-seeded Michigan Wolverines (-4.5) face off against the second-seeded Washington Huskies at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas for the CFP National Championship on Jan. 8 (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). Michigan is in search of its 10th national title in school history and its first since 1997, while Washington attempts to claim its first-ever consensus national title in program history.
For bettors looking for alternative ways to get action down on Monday's title game outside of traditional side and total markets, we've scoured the prop market at DraftKings Sportsbook and found six valuable props to consider.
Will Blake Corum run wild on the Huskies' defense, and can Rome Odunze torch the Wolverines' secondary? We give our take on their props along with several other intriguing prop bets.
Best Michigan-Washington Prop Bets: Advice, picks, odds for CFP National Championship
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
1. Blake Corum, RB, Michigan — OVER 104.5 rushing yards (-115)
Even with the prop market anticipating a strong rushing day from Corum, with his rushing yardage total sitting at 104.5, we're betting on their heavily-utilized RB to surpass this mark. Although Washington's dynamic aerial attack could lead to the Huskies controlling the game script with a lead, we think the Wolverines will play from ahead for most of the contest, boosting Corum's chances of totaling 20-plus carries.
Michigan relied heavily on their best offensive weapon in the Rose Bowl, as Corum carried the ball 19 times for 83 yards against an Alabama defense hyper-focused on stopping the run. Fellow RB Donovan Edwards logged only four carries, with Corum dominating the snap share in the backfield. In a game of this magnitude, we expect another high-usage outing from UM's RB1, putting him in prime position to record 105-plus rushing yards.
In addition to his steady volume, Corum faces a susceptible Washington run defense that ranks 99th in rush EPA, allowing 137.7 rushing yards per game (41st) on 4.4 yards per carry (49th). Michigan's ability to wear their opponents down over four quarters likely yields a strong rushing day for its RB1.
2. Rome Odunze, WR, Washington — UNDER 88.5 receiving yards (-114)
It's never easy to bet the UNDER on a Washington receiver—let alone UW's leading receiver and a Biletnikoff award finalist—but we're doing just that in a challenging matchup against the nation's second-ranked pass defense. Odunze figures to be matched up against lockdown cornerback Will Johnson, who just allowed zero receptions on 33 coverage snaps in the Rose Bowl.
We don't expect the Huskies' passing attack to perform as well as it did in the Sugar Bowl, as Michigan's defensive line has a chance to put Michael Penix Jr. under pressure at a higher rate than Texas did. Against Pro Football Focus' highest-graded coverage unit (93.6), we anticipate a relatively underwhelming receiving night from Odunze.
3. Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan — OVER 47.5 receiving yards (-115)
Wilson's receiving yardage prop looks a bit low at 47.5, as the Wolverines' go-to pass catcher should see ample volume on Monday night. Wilson ended the Rose Bowl as the game's leading receiver (four receptions, 73 yards, one TD), proving he could create separation against a well-rounded Alabama secondary.
Although Washington's coverage unit is the strength of their defense (31st in dropback EPA), offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore's ability to scheme open his playmakers, whether it's via misdirection or even trick plays, suggests that the Wolverines will find creative ways to get Wilson the ball in space.
4. Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington — OVER 50.5 receiving yards (-120)
While we're holding our nose and taking the UNDER on Odunze at a slightly inflated number, we'll gladly bet on Polk to go OVER his receiving yardage prop of 50.5. Polk easily surpassed his receiving yardage total in the Sugar Bowl, ending his night with five catches for 122 yards and a TD.
The potential loss of RB Dillon Johnson, along with a potential negative game script, is likely to force Penix Jr. to air the ball out at a high clip. With Odunze drawing UM's top corner in Will Johnson, Polk might be able to have his way against fellow DB Josh Wallace. Ultimately, we lean towards betting on numbers, and Polk's total of 50.5 is attainable as he is a reliable piece on an elite offense.
5. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan — OVER 35.5 receiving yards (-110)
Against Washington's 4-2-5 defense, Loveland has a matchup advantage against some undersized UW defensive backs. UW most recently allowed Texas tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders to lead the Longhorns in receiving (six receptions, 75 yards), as QB Quinn Ewers consistently looked Sanders' way, knowing he had the matchup advantage.
While Loveland has endured some volatility this season, having fewer than 15 receiving yards in five games and 75-plus yards in four games, we think he's in line for a better-than-expected receiving night. It also doesn't hurt that Loveland has gone OVER 35.5 receiving yards in five of his past eight games.
6. Michigan first half spread — -2.5 points (-120)
Since we expect Michigan to control the game script on Monday night, we'll back them to lead by at least a field goal at halftime. Although Michigan has typically been heavy spread favorites in the first half of their games, they have still managed to boast a profitable first-half ATS record, going 8-6 against the number.
With their first-half spread sitting under a field goal, we'll back Jim Harbaugh's crew to get off to a strong start, something they are not all too unfamiliar with.
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