Pick'em

A pick’em (often shown as “pick” or “PK” on a betting board) is a game where oddsmakers don’t favor either side. The point spread sits at zero, meaning the book sees the matchup as a coin flip. There’s no favorite or underdog from a spread standpoint — you’re simply picking which team you think wins outright.

Pick’em lines don’t show up often, because most games carry some separation between the two sides. When one does appear, it’s a signal that the oddsmakers and the market view the teams as razor-close. Home-field edge, injuries, rest, and recent form can all cancel out to land on a spread of zero.

For the bettor, a pick’em strips the decision down. No margin of victory to sweat, no number to cover. The only question is who wins. The vig is still there, though — both sides usually sit around -110, so you’re risking a little more than you stand to win whichever way you go.

Example

The Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers are posted as a pick’em for their upcoming game. The spread reads PK, and both sides are priced at -110. You put $110 on the Packers. If Green Bay wins 21-20, you bank $100 in profit plus your $110 stake. If San Francisco wins 17-14, your $110 is gone. If the game ends in a tie (rare in the NFL but possible in some sports), it’s graded a push and your $110 stake comes back.

Key Points

• No spread involved: A pick’em has a point spread of zero. Win the game, win the bet — no margin required.
• Signals an even matchup: Oddsmakers post a pick’em when they read the two teams as essentially equal for that game.
• Displayed as PK: On boards and betting apps, pick’em lines usually show as “PK” instead of a zero spread.
• Ties result in a push: In sports where a draw is possible, a tie returns your pick’em stake as a push.
• Vig still applies: No spread, but both sides are typically -110, so the book still takes its cut on the wager.