Kansas vs Colorado Predictions, Picks & Betting Lines for Jan 20

• Kansas coach Bill Self went to the hospital and did not travel with the team
• Both offenses feature at least three players averaging over 13 points per game
• Our analysis reveals the best picks for Kansas vs Colorado

No. 12 Kansas travels to Boulder tonight to face unranked Colorado. The Big 12 battle tips off at 11 pm, ET (ESPN).

Kansas enters as a consensus 4.5-point road favorite — despite the fact that coach Bill Self went to the hospital on Monday night, January 19, and did not travel with the team to Colorado. Self reportedly is feeling better but will not coach the Jayhawks tonight.

Before that, the Jayhawks seemed to have found their footing. They’ve won two consecutive games, including an 84-63 victory over then-No. 2 Iowa State last week.

Colorado has lost three in a row, a streak the started with a 73-71 loss to then-No. 14 Texas Tech.

We’ll preview the matchup and offer our best bet for Kansas vs Colorado.

Kansas vs Colorado Best Bets and Predictions

Pick: Colorado +5.0 (-104) at Bet365 on January 20

While Kansas enters as the ranked favorite, multiple factors align to make Colorado an attractive home underdog. The Buffaloes have dominated at the CU Events Center, where they are 9-2, and desperation fuels their motivation to snap a recent skid. The Jayhawks are just 1-3 in true road games and now must navigate in-game situations without Self.

Colorado possesses the personnel to create matchup problems. Bangot Dak (7.3 rebounds, 1.7 blocks) anchors the Buffs’ interior defense, which will be tested by Kansas’ backcourt of Darryn Peterson (22.2 points per game) and Tre White (14.9). Peterson, a freshman, scored 26 in Kansas’ win over Baylor on January 16.

Our analysis likes the Buffs’ ability to keep it close enough to cover at home.

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Pick: Over 156.5 (-110) at BetMGM

Despite the obstacles (on the road, without Self) Kansas still possesses the defensive prowess to challenge Colorado’s guards. That’s key to winning. The Jayhawks are allowing just 67.5 points per game.

However, Colorado averages 83 points per game and should easily clear Kansas’ defensive average, so the key to hitting the Over is Colorado’s defense. It’s not good. The Buffs allow 77.7 points per game.

With both squads featuring multiple players averaging double-digit scoring, this matchup promises abundant shot-making talent. Expect an up-tempo affair where both offenses find success against their respective defenses.

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Public Betting Trends Analysis

Current college basketball public betting patterns reveal overwhelming public support for Kansas, creating fascinating contrarian opportunities aligned with our predictions.

Against the Spread: Public money heavily favors the Jayhawks, with 78.36% of spread bets backing Kansas. More significantly, a large portion of total handle supports Kansas, indicating larger wagers join the consensus. Our Colorado +4.5 selection directly opposes this lopsided sentiment.

Moneyline: The disparity becomes even more pronounced on moneyline wagering, where 96.57% of bets and a staggering 99.29% of money back Kansas for outright victory. This near-unanimous support creates potential value on Colorado’s upset chances.

Game Total: Public sentiment expects a defensive struggle, with 67.03% of bets and 67.25% of money supporting the Under. This contrasts sharply with our offensive analysis, making our Over 156.5 another strong contrarian position.

Kansas vs Colorado Statistical Breakdown

Who has the edge in this Big 12 showdown Tuesday night?

Kansas vs Colorado Analysis

The statistical comparison reveals critical advantages that should dictate game flow. While Colorado generates offensive output, Kansas holds decisive defensive superiority. The Jayhawks surrender nearly 10 fewer points per game (67.5 to 77.2), demonstrating their disciplined approach.

This profile supports our selections. Colorado’s high-octane offense, spearheaded by a key player’s scoring, can generate enough scoring to keep this contest competitive at home, validating our Colorado +4.5 position. The combination of two capable offenses, with Colorado’s more porous defense, points toward elevated scoring that aligns with our Over 156.5 prediction.

Kansas Jayhawks vs Colorado Buffaloes Current Odds

Latest consensus lines position Kansas as moderate road favorites, though oddsmakers anticipate competitive conference action. The consensus 4.5-point spread suggests the Buffaloes should remain within striking distance on their home court.

• Spread: Kansas -4.5 (-116) / Colorado +4.5 (-104)
• Moneyline: Kansas -226 / Colorado +185
• Total: Over/Under 156.5 (Over: -112, Under: -108)

Odds as of January 20, 2026, from consensus sportsbooks and subject to change.

The betting market establishes Kansas as a moderate road favorite. A $10 wager on favored Kansas would return a profit of $4.42. The identical $10 bet on underdog Colorado would yield a profit of $18.50, reflecting the moneyline disparity.