**Best bet:** Oregon State (+4.5) vs. Stanford
Stanford (1-3) is off to its worst start to a season since 2007. The Beavers are coming off a bye week and should have a good crowd in their conference opener. Oregon State running back Jermar Jefferson should be back after running for 270 yards on 47 attempts in the first two games. Stanford, meanwhile, has injury concerns at quarterback and its offensive line.
**Long shot:** UConn (+44) at UCF
It doesn’t get more long shot than this. Look for the Knights to play a little flat following a regular-season loss. According to FanDuel’s Sportsbook, UCF is a 28-point favorite in the first half. Let’s double down and just place bets on both the first half and game line. What do I have to lose? I’m already doing terrible on my long shot bets, as I mentioned in last week’s blog.
**Another double-digit dog:** Nebraska (+17) vs. Ohio State
Ohio State has rolled to start the season, though it hasn’t really been challenged. Justin Fields has thrown for 880 yards, 13 touchdowns and no interceptions through four games, but this will be his toughest test yet. Add in the fact that Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez is capable of making things happen, I’ll happily take the points in this one.
**Over/under of the week:** Under 43.5 points for Patriots at Bills
This should be a defensive battle between two strong units on that side of the ball. New England has given up 17 total points in three games, including 14 via defense/special teams. The Patriots have allowed just 3.5 yards per play this season, which is absurdly good. I’ll ride that under train for my lone NFL bet this week.
**Big 12 action:** Baylor (+3) vs. Iowa State
In order to get a Big 12 bet in here, I’m going to recommend taking Baylor as a three-point underdog at home against Iowa State. In just one week, the perception of the Cyclones has changed after they pummeled Louisiana Monroe. I don’t think that is a good enough reason, and the Bears could theoretically have been favored here. Give me the free points.
**Big 12 player to watch:** Skylar Thompson, Kansas State
Only one quarterback in the entire country has been graded higher by Pro Football Focus than Thompson, and that is LSU signal caller Joe Burrow. That is saying something, especially considering Thompson has played an opponent like Mississippi State. Thompson has just one turnover-worthy pass, per PFF, and will have to be just as efficient this weekend at Oklahoma State.
**KU sports staff picks against the spread**
(Line via FanDuel’s Sportsbook as of Tuesday afternoon)
**Kansas at TCU (-16)**
Matt Tait: TCU
Benton Smith: Kansas
Braden Shaw: TCU
Shane Jackson: Kansas
**Kansas State at Oklahoma State (-5)**
Matt Tait: Oklahoma State
Benton Smith: Oklahoma State
Braden Shaw: Kansas State
Shane Jackson: Oklahoma State
**Washington State at Utah (-5)**
Matt Tait: Utah
Benton Smith: Utah
Braden Shaw: Washington State
Shane Jackson: Washington State
**Mississippi State at Auburn (-11)**
Matt Tait: Auburn
Benton Smith: Auburn
Braden Shaw: Auburn
Shane Jackson: Mississippi State
**Kansas City Chiefs (-6) at Detroit Lions**
Matt Tait: Lions
Benton Smith: Chiefs
Braden Shaw: Chiefs
Shane Jackson: Chiefs
**Dallas Cowboys (-2.5) at New Orleans Saints**
Matt Tait: Cowboys
Benton Smith: Saints
Braden Shaw: Cowboys
Shane Jackson: Saints
**Season standings**
Shane Jackson: 15-9 (5-1 in Week 4)
Benton Smith: 12-12 (3-3 in Week 4)
Braden Shaw: 10-14 (3-3 in Week 4)
Matt Tait: 9-15 (4-2 in Week 4)
