2022 Wisconsin Badgers Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions

Daniel Dobish Sports Betting Expert

3 minute read

2022 WISCONSIN BADGERS BETTING ODDS, PREDICTIONS, PREVIEW

The 2021 Wisconsin Badgers were in an odd position last season. The team started out with a 1-3 SU/ATS record through the first four games, with the lone win over Eastern Michigan of the MAC. Losses at home to Penn State in the opener and Michigan at Camp Randall Stadium on Oct. 2 really have the Badgers in unchartered territory, at least of late.

Wisconsin didn't pack it in, however. The Badgers rattled off seven consecutive victories, including nice wins over Iowa at home and Purdue on the road to not only get into a bowl game like usual, but they picked up a win over Arizona State in the Las Vegas Bowl to cap off a nice comeback. Head coach Paul Chryst looks to keep the momentum up into 2022.

The good news is that the Badgers welcome back RB Braelon Allen, who posted 1,109 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He isn't the only ball carrier in Madison, however, as RBs Chez Mellusi (173-815-5) and Isaac Guerendo (23-160-1) give the Badgers an embarrassment of riches in the backfield.

Wisconsin might be running the ball a lot if QB Graham Mertz doesn't turn things around. He was terrible with more interceptions (10) than touchdown passes (9) in the regular season, and he also lost four fumbles. WR Chimere Dike (18-242-1) was targeted just 33 times last season, and he also looks for the bounce back.

Defensively, the Badgers were outstanding last season. Wisconsin had one shutout while allowing seven or fewer points in five of 13 games, and 16 or fewer points in nine of their outings. Unfortunately for defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, tackle machine LB Leo Chenal and first-team All-Big Ten LB Jack Sanborn both need to be replaced. LB Nick Herbig is still in Madison, though, and he had nine sacks last season. The defensive line must apply more pressure, though, and the Badgers are building back the secondary through the transfer portal.

The non-conference schedule is not terribly challenging, but things get real in a hurry with a trip to Ohio State on Sept. 24 to open the Big Ten slate. Crossover games against OSU, Michigan State and Maryland are not terribly favorable, and late-season trips to Iowa and Nebraska will determine whether this team is able to return to the Big Ten Championship Game for the first time since 2019, or if they'll head to another mid-tier bowl after a middling season. This is an eight- or nine-win team. Lean to the OVER, but don't go crazy.

Best Bet: Wisconsin Over 8.5 Wins (-145)

Updated on 11/19/2024

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2022 WISCONSIN BADGERS SCHEDULE

• Sat., Sept. 3 - vs. Illinois State
• Sat., Sept. 10 - vs. Washington State
• Sat., Sept. 17 - vs. New Mexico State
• Sat., Sept. 24 - at Ohio State
• Sat., Oct. 1 - vs. Illinois
• Sat., Oct. 8 - at Northwestern
• Sat., Oct. 15 - at Michigan State
• Sat., Oct. 22 - vs. Purdue
• Sat., Nov. 5 - vs. Maryland
• Sat., Nov. 12 - at Iowa
• Sat., Nov. 19 - at Nebraska
• Sat., Nov. 26 - vs. Minnesota

WIN TOTAL ODDS

• Over 8.5 (-145)
• Under 8.5 (+115)

WISCONSIN BADGERS ODDS TO WIN BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP

+1400

The Badgers are lucky to be in the West Division of the Big Ten. If this was a team in the East Division, they'd simply be fighting to make it into the upper tier of the division. In the West, Wisconsin will have a much easier road, with a battle at Iowa for the Heartland Trophy likely determining the division winner.

Still, it wouldn't be shocking to see the Badgers heading to Indianapolis, but they're not winning it. Mertz and the pass game is just too mistake-prone, and can't be trusted until further notice.

WISCONSIN BADGERS ODDS TO WIN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

+4000

Wisconsin has lost three or more games in four consecutive seasons, and they haven't really challenged for a national title despite tremendous success during the days of Barry Alvarez, Bret Bielema and Chryst. They're a good team, sometimes very good, but they're not a title contender.

WISCONSIN BADGERS 2022 HEISMAN CONTENDERS & ODDS

Braelon Allen (RB) +9000

Allen is the next great Wisconsin running back in a long line of great tailbacks in Madison. He has the potential to be the next Montee Ball, Ron Dayne, Melvin Gordon or Jonathan Taylor. But he is still rather green, and he'll also be sharing the football with Mellusi and Guerendo at times. He is likely at least a year away from a serious Heisman run.

2021 WISCONSIN BADGERS BETTING RESULTS

• SU: 9-4
• ATS: 6-7
• O/U: 6-7
• ATS-Home: 3-5
• ATS-Road: 3-2
• ATS-Favorite: 6-7
• ATS-Underdog: 0-0

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