Missouri Tigers vs Kansas Jayhawks Predictions

Kansas faces an unsettled lineup

Kansas starting linebacker Bam Crouch is doubtful with a shoulder injury, according to Yahoo Sports / Kansas Jayhawks On SI, a Kansas-focused sports outlet. His potential absence favors Missouri, but it doesn't establish how much separation to expect with the Tigers laying 5.5 points at SPF. The same report lists receiver Cam Pickett as a game-time decision with a leg injury, leaving Kansas uncertain about another receiving option.

Efficient openers, limited betting evidence

Yahoo Sports / SB Nation, a sports network carrying the game preview, reports that Missouri's Austin Simmons completed 17 of 19 passes for 252 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions in Week 1. Kansas quarterback Isaiah Marshall finished 14-for-19 for 246 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Those results give both passing games something to build on, but one outing apiece doesn't establish a reliable margin between them.

Missouri is the tentative winner pick. At SPF's -205 moneyline, though, the Tigers need to win about 67.2% of the time to break even. These opening performances and unresolved injuries don't justify that probability or a spread wager on either side. The betting decision is Pass.