Oregon vs Washington Free Picks: Co-Favorites Jockey for Position in Loaded Pac-12
Ducks and Huskies both +200 to Win FBS' Deepest Conference
The top two offenses in college football will square off Saturday when No. 7 Washington hosts No. 8 Oregon. Plenty will be at stake between these Pac-12 Conference rivals, as the jockeying for the postseason continues. As it is, both teams have already separated themselves as contenders.
The early money is on the Huskies, who have climbed from 1.5- to 3-point favorites (-105) since lines opened. They’re also -135 on the moneyline, while the Ducks are +3 (-115) on the spread and +115 to win outright. The total, meanwhile, has stayed at 67 (-110 Over, -110 Under), the third-highest number on the board this week.
Can Washington take care of business at home and stay undefeated? Or will Oregon rule the day? Read on as we break down the matchup and provide our Oregon vs Washington free picks.
Oregon Ducks vs Washington Huskies 
Date & Time:
Location: Husky Stadium; Seattle
Streaming: ABC
Oregon vs Washington Betting Trends
The Oregon Ducks are 5-0 against the spread this season. The total has gone Under in five of their last six games dating to last year. The Ducks are also 14-3-1 ATS in their last 18 games against Washington. The Washington Huskies, meanwhile, are 3-2 ATS this year and 7-2 over their last nine games. The total has gone Under in four of the Huskies last six games. That’s important to remember when assessing our Oregon vs Washington free picks.
Penix Jr. the Real Deal
One thing is clear: As goes Michael Penix Jr., so goes Washington. The junior has cemented himself as a Heisman Trophy contender in leading the Huskies to a 5-0 start. He ranks near the top of the country in several statistical categories, including passing yards (1,999, second in FBS), passing touchdowns (16, tied for third), and completion rate (74.7%, fifth). As such, the former Indiana transfer has overtaken USC quarterback Caleb Williams as the Heisman favorite. He’s now priced at +200 after opening the season at +1600.
Washington has obviously reaped the benefits, climbing to No. 7 in the AP Top 25 poll. The Huskies are one of seven ranked teams from the Pac-12 Conference. It’s been relatively smooth sailing to this point, though the Huskies did get somewhat tested their last time out, Sept. 30 against Arizona. A 19.5-point favorite, the Huskies failed to cover the spread for the second time in five tries this season. They’re currently third in FBS in scoring at 46 points per game.
Notably, Washington has yet to play a NCAAF rankings team. None of its first five opponents are over .500. But that will change in a hurry. The Huskies’ remaining schedule is loaded. Five of their last seven regular-season opponents are currently ranked, including two in the top 10. It’s safe to say, that’ll either make or break them.
The Huskies are undoubtedly on the shortlist of contenders. They’re a +200 co-favorite to win the Pac 12 and +250 to make the College Football Playoff, which they last did in 2016-17. Additionally, their national championship odds have jumped to +1200, matching Penn State for the fifth-shortest odds on the board.
Whether they can defy the odds and cash in will, of course, largely depend on Penix Jr.
Ducks Squarely in the Hunt
So far, so good for the Oregon Ducks. The Ducks have blitzed through their first five opponents, outscoring them by an average of 39.8 points en route to a perfect start. That includes a 42-6 rout of Stanford in their last NCAAF games before the bye, on Sept. 30.
Oregon has a star quarterback of its own in Bo Nix. In his second year with the Ducks, the former Auburn transfer has been near impeccable. He’s completed an FBS-best 80.4% of his passes for 1,459 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only one interception. The Ducks have followed his lead, climbing to No. 8 in the AP Top 25 poll. They’re second in the country in scoring, averaging a whopping 51.6 points per game.
Like Washington, the Ducks’ schedule has been relatively light to this point. They did wallop then-No. 19 Colorado 42-6, but the Buffaloes have proven to be more flair than substance. Still, the Ducks have comfortably covered the spread in all five games. They’re one of five FBS teams with a perfect record ATS, joining UNLV, Rutgers, Penn State, and Oklahoma. Keep that in mind when analyzing our Oregon vs Washington free picks.
Washington is the first of three ranked opponents for the Ducks. A win would certainly go a long way toward establishing their case as a bona fide national championship contender. Oregon is currently a +200 co-favorite to win the Pac 12 and +275 to make the CFP. They last made it in 2014-15, the first year of the new format. The Ducks are also +1400 to win the NCAA title, leaving them a smidge behind Washington but still firmly in the mix.
The Ducks have won 10 games each of the last two seasons, so anything short of that would be a colossal disappointment. They’re positioned to win and win big. There is no question.
Handicapping Oregon vs Washington Free Picks
Oregon has rolled through the first month-plus of the regular season, overwhelming opponents with its big-play capabilities. The Ducks are averaging 557.8 points per game, second in the country behind only Washington (569.4). It’s suited them well. However, this week is different. This week, the Ducks finally face an opponent that’s every bit as fast, talented, and well-coached. This week, the Ducks may finally meet their match.
Look for Washington to hold its own in this tremendous rivalry. Take the Huskies up to -3 at home.
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