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2024 College Football Championship Predictions: Top Washington vs. Michigan Bets

Esten McLaren

Last Updated: January 7, 2024 3:05 PM EST • 3 min 48 sec read.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates as we round up our college football championship predictions.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with The Leishman Trophy after beating the Alabama Crimson Tide 27-20 in overtime to win the CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2024 in Pasadena, California. Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images via AFP.

NRG Stadium in Houston, TX hosts Monday's showdown between Washington and Michigan, and we're rounding up our best 2024 College Football Championship predictions based on the best college football odds.

The final game of the 2023 college football season rightfully features the last two teams standing with undefeated records.

The Michigan Wolverines and Washington Huskies each arrive at Monday's championship game in Houston, TX at 14-0. Michigan survived Alabama with a 27-20 overtime win in the Rose Bowl. Washington outlasted Texas for a 37-31 victory in the Sugar Bowl.

To celebrate Monday's grand occasion, we're rounding up all of our best 2024 College Football Championship predictions for Monday night's clash based on the Washington vs. Michigan odds.

Can't wait until Monday? See our Montana vs. South Dakota State prediction for the FCS championship.

College Football Championship predictions

Under 56.5 (-110 via Caesars) ⭐⭐⭐

The Wolverines typically have the edge in the trenches, allowing them to control things up front. Their defense ranks first in the country, giving up an average of 10.2 points per contest. Michigan's offense relies on ball control and takes advantage of favorable field positions.

That's what makes this total interesting, as it's placed somewhere in the middle. This would be the second-highest total for Michigan all season, as the Wolverines have had just one closing point total higher than 51 since non-conference play. Overtime was the only reason why Michigan's victory against Alabama finished Over 46 in the semifinals.

Washington, meanwhile, usually has a closing point total somewhere in the 60s. The Huskies have had only two point totals lower than this mark all year, both of which finished Over by a comfortable margin.

With our projection being a couple points below this mark, we'd be comfortable taking this Under at anything 55.5 or better.

Washington vs. Michigan prediction made by Shane Jackson.

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Ja’Lynn Polk Over 3.5 receptions (-130 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

While most of our best sports betting apps only offer prop markets related to production, we can bet on volume-related props by having an account with FanDuel. That's especially crucial for the national title game, as we believe Ja'Lynn Polk to record four-plus catches is the best bet to make for this matchup.

Polk might be viewed as the third option in Washington's loaded receiver room, but he's still a potential first-round selection in the upcoming NFL Draft for a reason. Polk is second on the team with 65 catches, turning that into 1,122 yards and nine touchdowns.

Washington vs. Michigan player props made by Shane Jackson.

FanDuel promo for Washington vs. Michigan

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Washington team total Over 24.5 points (-105 via ESPN BET) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

As impressive as Michigan's pass rush is, I'd be shocked if it has the same impact on Monday. The Huskies' offensive line transformed from an inconsistent unit early in the year to arguably the nation's best entering the postseason, and they didn't allow a sack last week against Texas' star-studded defensive line.

I have bigger questions about Washington's ability to slow down Blake Corum, which is why I'd only endorse an outright play on the Huskies with three-star confidence. When it comes to this offense, though? Get your popcorn ready.

See more of C Jackson Cowart's College Football Championship expert picks here.

J.J. McCarthy Under 7.5 rushing attempts (-125 via ESPN BET) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Despite getting healthy during the month between games, McCarthy didn't use his legs much against Alabama during an overtime win in the CFP semifinals. McCarthy recorded three rushing attempts for 25 yards, netting a big gain on a designed run in the first half on nifty play design.

With McCarthy's rushing yardage prop trading in the 20s once again, we prefer betting against his volume with ESPN BET. McCarthy has recorded eight-plus rushing attempts in only two games so far this season, averaging 4.2 rushes per contest. McCarthy has finished with six or fewer rushing attempts in four straight games entering Monday's matchup.

Because we project just below 20 rushing yards for McCarthy, there is some value on Under 25.5 rushing yards at FanDuel when the rest of the best sports betting apps dropped the mark down to 20.5. But this is the better wager for the same angle, and that's why it's a five-star play.

J.J. McCarthy player props made by Shane Jackson.

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Michael Penix Jr. Under 297.5 passing yards (-115 via BetMGM) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This line is proof that there is no stopping the Heisman runner-up. You can only hope to contain Penix.

Penix's passing yardage prop is nearly 300 yards, despite Monday's national championship being his toughest test yet. The Wolverines are giving up just 150 passing yards per game, while also ranking second in the country in passing defense success rate.

I do think Penix will find success through the air between the 20s, but Michigan's game plan of playing keep away with a ball-control offense should hold the Washington QB below the 300-yard mark.

We project Penix closer to 270 passing yards, and most of our best sportsbooks seem to agree with Penix's total trading below 290 passing yards almost everywhere else. Take this bargain at BetMGM while you can.

Michael Penix Jr. player props made by Shane Jackson.

Here are our best college football betting sites:

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Written By:
Esten McLaren
Esten is the Senior Publishing Editor for SportsbookReview.com. He previously spent time as the Managing Editor of SportsbookWire.com, and he has done freelance work in sports betting for TheLines, PlayPicks, and BettingPros. He's well versed in the NFL, NHL, MLB, and NBA, but his true passion is with the PGA Tour. Esten's always happy to chase a long shot and will never shy away from a futures bet, but he'll never stop backing Rory McIlroy in majors. He's also a recovering Ottawa Senators and Atlanta Falcons fan. Always bet against the Toronto Maple Leafs at plus money.