Duke Blue Devils vs North Carolina Tar Heels Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 11/22/25

There’s an emotional contrast between these two teams that shapes this matchup far more than the box scores do. Duke has been quietly crafting a narrative—maybe they could slip into Charlotte and perhaps inadverently derail the ACC’s playoff hopes while doing so. Then came last week. Virginia didn’t just beat them; the Cavaliers effectively extinguished the Blue Devils’ entire dream scenario. This is a quintessential letdown spot.

North Carolina arrives from the opposite direction—backed into a corner, but still dangerous. The Bill Belichick hire was supposed to stabilize the program and elevate the Tar Heels, yet the season has unraveled into a frustrating 4–6. They lack a signature win, momentum has been elusive, and bowl eligibility now hangs by a thread. That’s precisely why this game looms so large. In many ways, this is their bowl game. A rivalry setting, a chance to salvage pride, and a must-win scenario to keep bowl hopes alive all collide here. Duke is laying a modest number despite facing a losing team on the road, suggesting oddsmakers aren’t convinced the Blue Devils will deliver their best version after last week’s emotional drain. And Duke is exactly the type of team that can play down to an opponent’s level when the stakes suddenly disappear. That makes the upside of the money line worth pursuing.

Duke vs North Carolina prediction: North Carolina Tar Heels ML  (+210) available at time of publishing. Playable to the number.

If you’re looking for a new sportsbook for the football season, we recommend checking out Fanatics Sportsbook. New users can get $250 in FanCash INSTANTLY when they make their first $50 wager! Join Fanatics Sportsbook, where you can bet on our Duke vs North Carolina predictions.