The Pac-12 is well-known for its cannibalistic nature, and that trend will continue in Week 6 as No. 18 UCLA hosts No. 11 Utah. It’s sure to be an explosive fair — one that could yield bettors and fantasy football players some positive cash flow.
In our UCLA vs. Utah betting preview, we explore the odds, DFS picks, and make a prediction for the final outcome.
UCLA vs. Utah betting preview
- Spread: Utah (-3.5)
- Moneyline: Utah (-170); UCLA (+145)
- Over/Under: 64.5 points
- Game time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA
- Predicted weather at kick: 85 degrees, clear, 3-6 mph winds
UCLA just dispatched Washington 40-32, leaping them in the AP Poll Top 25. Meanwhile, Utah throttled Oregon State 42-16 at home. What happens when you mix blue and red? Purple. And in this case, mixing UCLA Blue and U Red produces a matchup fit for royalty.
Top DFS Picks and Fantasy Plays
Here are the players and their values according to FanDuel ahead of their Saturday afternoon clash.
- QB Cameron Rising, Utah: $10,100
- QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA: $10,000
- RB Zach Charbonnet, UCLA: $9,800
- RB Tavion Thomas, Utah: $6,900
- RB Jaylon Glover, Utah: $5,800
- RB Keegan Jones, UCLA: $5,300
- WR Jake Bobo, UCLA: $7,500
- WR Devaughn Vele, Utah: $7,500
- WR Jaylen Dixon, Utah: $6,100
- WR Kam Brown, UCLA: $6,000
- WR Kazmeir Allen, UCLA: $5,600
- TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah: $6,300
These are two high-scoring offenses, but they put up points in different ways. The Bruins rely heavily on running back Zach Charbonnet — and for good reason. The former Michigan transfer is averaging 6.4 yards per attempt. While that’s a testament to the big bodies paving lanes in front of him, Charbonnet is also one of the best pure runners in the nation.
With a dual threat such as Dorian Thompson-Robinson next to him, it’s no wonder UCLA is so efficient. And while Kam Brown and Kazmeir Allen have proven to be respectable weapons, it’s the Jake Bobo show at receiver. Even with Clark Phillips III on the other side, Chip Kelly is going to ensure his top pass catcher is well-fed.
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As for Utah, expect a heavy dose of Dalton Kincaid and Devaughn Vele. Cameron Rising has the passing game humming, while Tavion Thomas, Jaylon Glover, and Micah Bernard are churning out 4.7 yards per carry as a trio.
For UCLA, DTR, Charbonnet, and Bobo are the only worthwhile fantasy and DFS options. Rising, Vele, and Kincaid highlight Utah’s offering, with the backfield eating into each other’s production.
Prediction for UCLA vs. Utah
The over has hit in eight of UCLA’s last 10 contests, and with the total currently set at 64.5 … hammer it. UCLA has scored 40+ points in all but one game (32 in Week 3).
Utah has generated 34+ in all but one contest (26 in Week 1), including a 73-point outing vs. Southern Utah. So yes, points will be scored, even with both teams possessing underrated defensive units.
Last year, Utah handled business at home against UCLA, defeating the Bruins 44-24. But that UCLA squad had Chase Garbers at the helm with Thompson-Robinson injured. DTR’s rushing threat and improved passing attack will make life difficult for the Utes.
Games are often won in the trenches, and so far this season, it appears UCLA has Utah beat on both sides. Charbonnet and the running game are gaining chunks of yardage, and Laiatu Latu and the Murphy twins (Grayson and Gabriel) are wreaking havoc as pass rushers. Rising and Co. are going to get theirs, but these are the games where the loss of star TE Brant Kuithe will be felt.
UCLA (5-2) and Utah (6-1) are in the green against the spread in their last seven contests, but something has to give. With revenge on their minds and home-field advantage, I believe the Bruins cover and win outright.
And if you want to place money on this game and get $200 for free, we’ve got some good news for you. As a new user on DraftKings Sportsbook, you can bet $5 and win $200 by betting on this game or any other matchup in Week 6.
Prediction: UCLA 38, Utah 35
