Pick'em

A pick’em (sometimes written as “pick” or “PK” on betting boards) is a game in which neither team is favored by the oddsmakers. The point spread is set at zero, meaning the sportsbook views the matchup as essentially even. In a pick’em, there is no favorite or underdog from a spread perspective – bettors are simply choosing which team they believe will win the game outright.

Pick’em lines are relatively uncommon because most games feature some degree of separation between the two sides. When a pick’em does appear, it signals that the oddsmakers and the betting market consider the teams to be extremely closely matched. Factors such as home-field advantage, injuries, rest, and recent form may all balance out to produce a spread of zero.

From a bettor’s perspective, a pick’em simplifies the decision. You do not need to worry about margins of victory or covering a specific number. The only question is which side wins. However, the vig still applies. Both teams are typically listed around -110, meaning you risk slightly more than you stand to win regardless of which side you choose.

Example

The Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers are listed as a pick’em for their upcoming game. The spread shows PK, and both sides are priced at -110. You decide to bet $110 on the Packers. If Green Bay wins 21-20, you collect $100 in profit plus your $110 stake. If San Francisco wins 17-14, you lose your $110. If the game ends in a tie (which is rare in the NFL but possible in some sports), the bet is graded as a push and your $110 stake is returned.

Key Points

• No spread involved: A pick’em has a point spread of zero. The winner of the game wins the bet, with no margin requirement.
• Signals an even matchup: Oddsmakers assign a pick’em when they believe the two teams are essentially equal in strength for that particular game.
• Displayed as PK: On sportsbook boards and betting apps, pick’em lines are often abbreviated as “PK” rather than showing a zero spread.
• Ties result in a push: If the game ends in a draw in sports where that is possible, pick’em bets are returned to the bettor as a push.
• Vig still applies: Even though there is no spread, both sides are typically priced at -110, so the sportsbook still collects its commission on the wager.