Of your two options to enjoy Friday night football, only one should be competitive. It is difficult to find an edge between the Washington Huskies and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. In a seeming toss-up like this, backing the home team with the better defense makes too much sense not to do.
These free Washington vs. Rutgers predictions will indeed bet on the Knights, my free college football picks expecting a close win, but a win nonetheless for the Knights, kickoff coming at 8:00 ET on Friday, September 27.
Washington vs Rutgers prediction
My best bet
Rutgers moneyline (-135 at BetMGM)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.
My analysis
There are two sets of reasons backing this bet, one the obvious and the other the expected determining factor. Let’s start with the obvious. Rutgers is at home on a short week, while Washington had to catch a five-hour flight on Thursday after a late game finished just late Saturday night.
Combining home-field advantage with a rest advantage is always a thought to strongly consider when gauging a game.
Now let’s move to the expected determining factor.
The best unit on the field should be Rutgers’ defense. Not all numbers reflect that yet, any set of advanced metrics leaning on only 2024 data still prefers both Washington’s offense and defense, in no small part a reflection of thus far playing Weber State, Eastern Michigan, Washington State, and Northwestern. If still incorporating some preseason priors, then the Knights’ defense becomes the expected defining force of this Big Ten matchup, something that does fit in line with going 2-1 against the spread thus far this season, the ATS loss coming by 2.5 points in a 44-7 blowout against FCS-level Howard.
Rutgers’ defensive strength is against the pass. It is so stout against the pass, that opponents try to avoid throwing the ball, instead running it 5.9% more often than the average team does in a given game state. That opponent tendency will stand out Friday night since Washington prefers to throw the ball, doing so 5.3% more often than the average team does, per cfb-graphs via collegefootballinsiders.com.
The Huskies will have two choices: Try to work through a defense that gives up successes on only 31.9% of dropbacks, No. 10 in the country, or try to run the ball instead, where the Washington offense is less than a sixth as effective on a per snap basis.
Obviously, neither is an ideal.
On the other side of the ball, Rutgers’ offense should not be as handcuffed. The Knights want to run the ball, picking their moments to find moderate passing success. The Huskies will allow those runs, effectively allowing Rutgers to dictate the game.
Washington vs Rutgers same-game parlay (SGP)
Rutgers moneyline
Under 44.5
If Rutgers is able to dictate this game, it should simply shorten it. Dictating last week against Virginia Tech still led to an Over mostly because of an early Knights’ touchdown off a short field and then a Hokies score off a short field to spark a nominal comeback. Those tallies, along with a safety, pushed the 26-23 final just past the total of 45.
Relying on repeated short fields to boost a game’s total is a recipe for a lost wager. Betting on those short fields not replicating should bring this same-game parlay some success.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Best Washington vs Rutgers bonus
Up to $1,500 in bonus bet insurance at BetMGM
Make your football plays at BetMGM, which is offering new users up to $1,500 in bonus bets (if your first bet doesn't win)!
Sign up now to join the King of Sportsbooks, or learn more with our comprehensive BetMGM sportsbook review.
Eligible U.S. locations only. Also, see our full list of BetMGM bonus codes.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Washington vs Rutgers odds
Washington vs Rutgers live odds
Washington vs Rutgers opening odds
- Washington vs. Rutgers spread: Rutgers -2
- Washington vs. Rutgers moneyline: Washington +114, Rutgers -137
- Washington vs. Rutgers Over/Under: 43.5
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Washington vs Rutgers spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Knights opened as two-point favorites on Sunday, a line that had been as lofty as -3.5 in lookahead markets. The 1.5-point move made little sense off Washington’s win against Northwestern or the Knights’ upset of Virginia Tech. Both teams exceeded expectations by about a touchdown.
- This spread quickly climbed to -2.5 on Sunday, some books even reaching -3.5 before a brief Monday interlude at -1.5. By Monday afternoon, the line had returned to a steady -2.5.
- The total opened at 43.5 and nearly immediately climbed to 45.5 before settling at 44.5, nestling just beneath a key number.
Washington vs Rutgers betting trend to know
The Huskies have cashed the Under in all four of their games this season and by an average of 12.4 points. Find more college football betting trends for Washington vs Rutgers.
Washington vs Rutgers game info
| Location: | SHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ |
| Date: | Friday, 9-27, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FOX |
Washington vs Rutgers latest injuries
Washington vs Rutgers weather
Monitor gametime conditions with our College football weather info.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
