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In a game that could be easy to overlook, the No. 6 Oregon Ducks travel to Kinnick Stadium to take on an Iowa Hawkeyes team that’s won three straight games and is No. 20 in the season’s first College Football Playoff rankings. As the game draws closer, hype builds, and sportsbooks are ready to capitalize. There are already numerous betting markets available across the top sportsbooks for those looking to wager on the game. Oddsmakers favor Oregon as the Ducks are 6.5-point favorites across the top sportsbooks. The over/under is 41.5-42.5 points. Oregon vs. Iowa predictions and best bets Oregon: Over 2.5 Team Total Touchdowns: -160 at DraftKings First to reach 20 points - Oregon: -150 at BetMGM Iowa Over 138.5 Total Receiving Yards: -114 at FanDuel This game could be a barn burner, but I still like Oregon to pull out the victory. In all seven wins, the Ducks scored three or more touchdowns. They’ll need to find pay dirt to gain separation on a good Hawkeyes team. That separation should come at the 20-point mark, as I think Iowa could underperform. The team’s total point line is 17.5 across most sportsbooks, so this should be attainable for Oregon to at least break the 20-point barrier first. Iowa’s passing attack has historically been underwhelming, but this 138.5-yard mark is intriguing. While the Hawkeyes would love to keep the ball on the ground, they’ll need to keep pace with Oregon. I expect them to incorporate more passing looks into the game plan this week. Oregon vs. Iowa moneyline analysis Why Oregon could win as the favorite Best odds: -230 at FanDuel The Ducks are the favorite across the board at all major sportsbooks. Fanatics gives Oregon the best chance of victory, offering a moneyline of -255, with FanDuel offering the best value to bettors at -230. The first College Football Playoff ranking was released on Tuesday, and Oregon was one of the notable movers from its No. 6 spot in the AP Poll to No. 9. While teams try to ignore these things, it could be a nice chip to have on the shoulder heading into kickoff. The Ducks are one of the flashiest teams in football, and they’re led by quarterback Dante Moore. The sophomore passer has guided a unit that averages the sixth-most points and ninth-most yards per game. On the other side of the football, the Oregon defense also does a great job of limiting opponents. The unit allows the fourth-fewest yards per game, and the sixth-fewest points. Additionally, the team allows first down conversions on 30.3% of third downs — the 11th-best rate in the FBS. The team will have to play efficient and disciplined football on the road against a scrappy Iowa team, but coach Dan Lanning has instilled that type of play in the culture since arriving in 2022. Why Iowa could win as the underdog Best odds: +205 at DraftKings Oddsmakers across the top sportsbooks view the Hawkeyes as underdogs, but the lines offered vary. FanDuel Sportsbook gives Iowa the best chance to win with a moneyline of +190, while DraftKings provides the best value at +205. Winners of three straight, the Iowa Hawkeyes have found a groove that is unfamiliar territory for many. Over the last three weeks, the team has averaged 31 points and defeated quality Big Ten opponents. Iowa emphasizes its rushing attack. The team has consistently kept the ball on the ground to churn out yardage and slowly work its way down the field. This is made easier by the offensive line, which boasts the second-highest run blocking grade (80.6) in the Big Ten, per PFF. Countering the Hawkeyes’ improving offense is a defense that is difficult to produce against. The team’s allowed the fourth-fewest points per game across the FBS, and the average is even lower at home. Oregon is one of the best in the country and would be Iowa’s biggest win of the season, but the Hawkeyes have been hot recently and shouldn’t be dismissed as a potential agent of chaos in Week 11.
