With it being a holiday week, and plenty of games taking place on Friday, this will be a shorter version of the Pick 6 blog.
The entire KU sports staff still picked against the spread in six games, including two NFL contests, for this weekend’s slate.
This is the final week of the Pick 6, but there is an opportunity for some serious movement. I’ve managed to lead the season standings all year, but Benton Smith is inching closer and could even take the lead in the final week.
In this shortened version of Pick 6, I will give you three betting tips ahead of rivalry week. It has been a blast doing this blog over the course of the season, though I’m sure I will manage to write gambling-related content during the basketball season.
All of these lines are presented by FanDuel’s Sportsbook. Sign up today on FanDuel using this special promotion.
**Best bet:** Minnesota (+2.5) vs. Wisconsin
I got this line earlier in the week when the Gophers were getting a field goal, but I’m still good with this number. Minnesota getting points is surprising, given that the team’s lone blemish came on the road at Iowa. Minnesota’s offense is more than capable of doing some damage against one of the better defensive teams in the Big 10.
**Long shot:** Arizona (+13.5) at Arizona State
Arizona State is coming off a big win against previously sixth-ranked Oregon, but could be in for a letdown this week. ASU has only covered the spread in four games this season, so I could easily see this being a win by single digits. Arizona’s offense is averaging 445.3 yards per game, meaning I think this offense can cover this big of a number.
**My favorite:** Notre Dame (-16.5) at Stanford
It has been a rough year for Stanford, which will miss a bowl game for the first time since 2008. The Cardinal currently rank 69th in offensive efficiency and 88th in defensive efficiency, according to ESPN. Notre Dame, which has won four games in a row, should roll in this one to help put this program in position for a good bowl game.
**KU sports staff picks against the spread**
**Baylor (-14) at Kansas**
Matt Tait: Baylor
Benton Smith: Baylor
Braden Shaw: Baylor
Shane Jackson: Baylor
**Alabama (-3) at Auburn**
Matt Tait: Alabama
Benton Smith: Auburn
Braden Shaw: Auburn
Shane Jackson: Alabama
**Iowa State (-5.5) at Kansas State**
Matt Tait: Kansas State
Benton Smith: Kansas State
Braden Shaw: Kansas State
Shane Jackson: Iowa State
**Ohio State (-9) at Michigan**
Matt Tait: Ohio State
Benton Smith: Michigan
Braden Shaw: Ohio State
Shane Jackson: Ohio State
**San Francisco 49ers at Baltimore Ravens (-5.5)**
Matt Tait: Ravens
Benton Smith: 49ers
Braden Shaw: Ravens
Shane Jackson: Ravens
**New England Patriots (-3.5) at Houston Texans**
Matt Tait: Patriots
Benton Smith: Patriots
Braden Shaw: Patriots
Shane Jackson: Texans
**Season standings**
Shane Jackson: 44-33-1 (5-1 in Week 13)
Benton Smith: 42-35-1 (4-2 in Week 13)
Matt Tait: 40-37-1 (5-1 in Week 13)
Braden Shaw: 34-43-1 (3-3 in Week 13)
