NIU has been bad since their ND win but they have played a tougher schedule between the two. They also shut out the Broncos in last year’s game and even though they are not playing well right now, they are the stronger team right. NIU is 1-3 straight up in MAC play and have lost two in a row coming into this game so they will be motivated in this spot. The Broncos are putting up over 44 points of offense in their last three games and have one of the best offenses in the MAC and a more talented offensive line but NIU can stop the run. NIU has been better in converting on third downs and their QB Hampton should be able to step up in this spot as NIU is second in the MAC in rushing. NIU is 3-1 ATS on the road when the line is +3 to -3. WMU is 1-4 ATS as a home underdog and 0-2 ATS as a home underdog of 7 points or less in the last two seasons. Northern Illinois is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games against Western Michigan and Northern Illinois is 11-4 straight up in their last 15 games against Western Michigan.

Best bet: take Northern Illinois on the moneyline (ML).