If you’ve ever heard the term “Pick’em” in sports betting and wondered what it means, you’re not alone. A Pick’em game is one where the betting odds suggest that the matchup is so evenly matched, there’s no clear favorite or underdog. Essentially, you’re betting straight up on which team or player will win. Let’s break down the Pick’em meaning in more detail, so you can feel confident the next time you come across this type of bet.

Pick’em Meaning in Sports Betting

In most sports bets, the oddsmakers will set a point spread to reflect the perceived difference in skill between two teams. For example, in a typical football game, you might see a team favored by -3 points, meaning they’re expected to win by at least a field goal. But in a Pick’em (sometimes written as “Pick ‘Em” or PK), the oddsmakers see the teams as so evenly matched that there’s no spread at all. You simply pick the winner.

In a Pick’em game, each team is given equal odds, and the outcome is all that matters. No point spread. No math. Just a straight-up bet on who you think will win the game. Sounds simple, right? That’s because it is!

How Pick’em Betting Works

When you see a Pick’em game on a sportsbook, it means you’re betting on one of two things: Team A wins or Team B wins. Since there’s no point spread, you’re not worried about how many points a team wins by—just that they come out on top.

In most Pick’em situations, the odds for each team will be close to even, meaning both teams have about a 50/50 chance of winning. The betting lines might look something like this:

Team Moneyline Odds
Team A -110
Team B -110

In this case, both teams are essentially evenly matched, and betting on either one would require you to risk $110 to win $100. The absence of a point spread reflects the oddsmakers’ belief that this is a toss-up game—either team could win, and it’s up to you to pick the right one.

Pick’em Odds Example

Let’s say you’re looking at an NFL game between two evenly matched teams. If the betting line is listed as a Pick’em, here’s what that would look like:

  • Team A: -110
  • Team B: -110

This means both teams have the same odds, and you’re simply betting on which team will win outright. If you place a $100 bet on Team A and they win, you’d earn a $90.91 profit.

When Do Pick’em Games Happen?

Pick’em games typically happen when two teams are very evenly matched, either because they’re similarly skilled, or because both teams have unique strengths that make predicting the outcome difficult. For example:

  • Injuries: If key players on both teams are out due to injury, the teams might be seen as equal.
  • Playoffs: During playoffs, when the top teams are playing each other, a Pick’em might occur due to the high level of competition.
  • Home vs. Away: Sometimes a weaker team playing at home might be considered just as strong as a better team playing on the road, making it hard to call a favorite.

Pros and Cons of Pick’em Betting

Pros:

  • Simplicity: With no point spread, all you need to do is choose the winning team. It’s straightforward and easy to understand.
  • Even Odds: Pick’em games usually offer close to even money odds, which can make it appealing to bettors looking for a fair wager.

Cons:

  • No Cushion: In a standard bet with a point spread, you might still win your bet even if your team doesn’t win the game outright, as long as they cover the spread. In a Pick’em, your team must win the game for you to win your bet.
  • Hard to Predict: Since these games are evenly matched, it can be tough to pick a winner, making Pick’em betting somewhat risky.

How to Bet on Pick’em Games

To bet on a Pick’em game, simply follow these steps:

  1. Look for a Pick’em game: You’ll typically see this on the moneyline when both teams are evenly matched, with no point spread listed.
  2. Select the team you think will win: There’s no need to worry about how many points they win by—just choose the team you think will come out on top.
  3. Place your bet: Since both teams usually have similar odds, you’ll likely be risking a little more to win your bet. But if your pick wins, you’ll get paid out based on the odds listed.

Key Terms You Should Know

  • Pick’em: A game with no point spread where you are simply betting on which team will win.
  • Moneyline: A type of bet where you’re betting on who will win the game outright, regardless of the point spread.
  • Even Odds: A situation where both teams have similar odds, meaning they’re considered equally likely to win.

Examples of Pick’em in Major Sports

NFL Pick’em

Let’s say there’s an NFL game between two teams with identical records halfway through the season. Oddsmakers believe that these teams are so evenly matched that a point spread doesn’t make sense. They set the game as a Pick’em, and you just have to choose who will win.

NBA Pick’em

In basketball, a Pick’em might occur when two top-tier teams with nearly identical stats are facing off. Maybe both teams are on winning streaks, or they have key players injured. In this case, the game is too close to call with a spread, so it’s listed as a Pick’em.

Why Pick’em Betting is Unique

In sports betting, Pick’em games strip away all the extra complexities, leaving you with one simple choice: Who do you think will win? Without the need to consider point spreads or margins, it’s a straightforward way to place a bet. However, that simplicity comes with its own challenges, as picking the winner in a tightly matched game can be tougher than it seems.

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