2015 National Championship Game Betting Preview: Wisconsin a 1-point favorite

Here's an overview of some items that will be of note to bettors when putting money down on Monday's national championship game.

1 Duke Blue Devils vs. 1 Wisconsin Badgers

Spread: Wisconsin -1
Total: 140

Line movement: 

Analysis: Ordinarily, this would be a prime letdown spot for a team like Wisconsin. 

Ending Kentucky's undefeated run and avenging last year's Final Four loss to the Wildcats was a huge feather in the Badgers' collective hat. But this is a program that hasn't won a national title since 1941 - they didn't make the trip to Indianapolis looking for a single victory. 

While it may not get the fanfare, Wisconsin's offense actually grades out as a more efficient unit than Duke's, and the Badgers have more to offer at the defensive end.

The Blue Devils have limited opponents to just 55 points per game thus far in the tournament, but that speaks to the quality of their opponents more than their abilities in their own end.

While title game totals are often inflated, Duke and Michigan State opened at a total of 140 points, and Wisconsin brings a lot more to the table at the offensive end than the Spartans do.

Prediction: Wisconsin 80, Duke 74

The Play: Wisconsin -1, Over 140

The Trend: Wisconsin is 7-2-1 ATS in its last 10 NCAA tournament games; the over is 9-3 in Duke's last 12 games against Big Ten opponents.

The Tweet:

Odds courtesy Scoresandodds.com. Statistics courtesy Pregame.com. Trends courtesy Covers.