2022 Western Michigan Broncos Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions

Daniel Dobish Sports Betting Expert

3 minute read

2022 WESTERN MICHIGAN BRONCOS BETTING ODDS, PREDICTIONS, PREVIEW

Western Michigan found out early on that it wasn't quite ready for primetime, as the Broncos were corralled 47-14 at Michigan in The Big House to open the season. It recovered, however, topping FCS Illinois State via shutout before an impressive 44-41 road win at Pittsburgh, a team which eventually won the ACC Championship Game. However, the Broncos also had losses to Ball State, Central Michigan and Toledo by 12 or more points, so there is work to be done. Western finished on a high note with a win over MAC Championship Game winner Northern Illinois before punishing Nevada in the Quick Lane Bowl.

The Broncos offense will have a vastly different look, as QB Kaleb Eleby is gone, as is top target WR Skyy Moore. Eleby threw for 3,115 yards, 21 touchdowns and five interceptions in the regular season while Moore was on the receiving end of most of those throws, going for 91 grabs, 1,256 yards and 10 scores.

Redshirt freshman QB Jack Salopek appears to have the inside track for the starting job, and he developed a nice rapport with WR Corey Crooms (43-694-5), who figures to be the next big thing in Kalamazoo. WRs Kaevion Mack and Anthony Sambucci also figure to have big roles. Salopek will still need to hold off challenges from QBs Stone Hollenbach, an Alabama transfer, and fellow redshirt freshman Mareyohn Hrabowski. Whomever wins the job will have a retooled O-line to work behind.

On defense, the Broncos appear to be fairly deep at the linebacker position. CB Anthony Romphf transfers in from Purdue to help the defensive back situation. The team also added DL Bryce Austin from Purdue, too.

Opening at Michigan State is a tall order, and facing Pitt in mid-September will be a chore. The Panthers will definitely have revenge on their minds. The first five games looks like a 3-2 start, though, as the rest of the non-conference schedule isn't too challenging, and a game at Ball State to open the MAC schedule is tough, but winnable. The Broncos miss Kent State in the crossover games, but also do not benefit from facing Akron, usually a layup win. The good news is WMU gets Northern Illinois and Toledo, the two favorites in the West Division.

There are a lot of new people in key positions, and I don't like the fact Eleby and Moore are each gone. There are too many unknowns. This could still be a bowl team, but six wins is likely the ceiling which makes the UNDER at plus-money a solid value.

Best Bet: Western Michigan UNDER 6.5 Wins (+125)

2022 WESTERN MICHIGAN BRONCOS SCHEDULE

• Fri., Sept. 2 - at Michigan State
• Sat., Sept. 10 - at Ball State
• Sat., Sept. 17 - vs. Pittsburgh
• Sat., Sept. 24 - at San Jose State
• Sat., Oct. 1 - vs. New Hampshire
• Sat., Oct. 8 - vs. Eastern Michigan
• Sat., Oct. 15 - vs. Ohio
• Sat., Oct. 22 - at Miami-Ohio
• Wed., Nov. 2 - at Bowling Green
• Wed., Nov. 9 - vs. Northern Illinois
• Wed., Nov. 16 - at Central Michigan
• Fri., Nov. 25 - vs. Toledo

WIN TOTAL ODDS

• Over 6.5 (-145)
• Under 6.5 (+125)

WESTERN MICHIGAN BRONCOS ODDS TO WIN MAC CHAMPIONSHIP

+1200

Western Michigan has too many new players in key spots, while Northern Illinois and Toledo are well ahead of the Broncos at this juncture. WMU could close the gap, but I don't see Western winning in Detroit against a team like Kent State or Miami, either.

WESTERN MICHIGAN BRONCOS ODDS TO WIN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

+200000

Western Michigan went to the Cotton Bowl in its best-ever season in 2016, losing a close one to Wisconsin. That's as close as they'll come to national acclaim as a football program. A national championship is a pipe dream.

WESTERN MICHIGAN BRONCOS 2022 HEISMAN CONTENDERS & ODDS

The Western Michigan Broncos do not have any Heisman contenders to begin the 2022 season

2021 WESTERN MICHIGAN BRONCOS BETTING RESULTS

• SU: 8-5
• ATS: 6-6-1
• O/U: 7-6
• ATS-Home: 3-3
• ATS-Road: 3-3-1
• ATS-Favorite: 5-5-1
• ATS-Underdog: 1-1

MORE CONFERENCE ODDS

Daniel Dobish

Dan is a handicapper and sports betting expert for VegasInsider with years of experience writing for a number of top publications in the industry. More from Daniel Dobish