Travis Hunter prop bet picks for Colorado vs. Kansas: Can KU’s suspect defense slow down Hunter?

Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) flies over Utah cornerback Smith Snowden (2) on the way to a touchdown between linebacker Johnathan Hall (3) and safety Nate Ritchie (31) in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Boulder, Colo.AP

Colorado football handled Utah’s dominant defense last week in a 49-24 victory. Despite the Buffaloes’ high scoring, Travis Hunter had a modest five catches for 55 yards.

The Heisman Trophy frontrunner has a much better matchup this week against a Jayhawks’ defense that’s had trouble stopping the pass. Kansas is only 4-6 this season but has come on strong in recent weeks.

Colorado is 8-2 and, despite having four more wins, the Buffs are only a three-point favorite Saturday. Colorado’s CFP hopes hang in the balance, and you can add more excitement to your viewing experience by backing my top Hunter prop bets.

Note: Odds are based on the best value our experts find as of publication; check lines closer to game time to ensure you get the best odds.

Best Travis Hunter prop bets for Colorado vs. Kansas

Longest reception over 29.5 yards

Best odds: -118 at FanDuel

Deep passes are QB Shedeur Sanders’ specialty. According to CFBStats.com, no Big 12 team has more receptions of 30-plus yards than Colorado.

However, Hunter hasn’t always been the recipient. He’s only tallied a reception of 30+ yards in three games, but I expect that to change Saturday afternoon against Kansas.

The Jayhawks rank ninth in the Big 12 with 229 passing yards allowed per game. Despite their recent hot streak, that number has inflated to 266 yards in the last four games.

Kansas is particularly bad at defending explosive plays through the air. Only two Big 12 teams have given up more throws of 20-plus yards, and the Jayhawks have allowed 17 passes of 30-plus yards.

Hunter wasn’t completely shut down last week against Utah, but it wasn’t his best game, either. Anticipate Sanders to try and re-establish the connection in one of Colorado’s biggest games of the season.

First touchdown scorer

Best odds: +700 at Fanatics

The value Fanatics offers on Hunter’s first touchdown scorer market is too good to pass up. A $10 wager has a potential payout of $70.

The sportsbook with the next best odds is BetMGM at +500, so you’ll want to prioritize placing this bet with Fanatics.

Kansas’ pass defense doesn’t improve when opposing offenses get into scoring position. The Jayhawks’ 18 touchdown catches surrendered is fifth-worst in the Big 12.

Hunter is Sanders’ go-to receiver and leads the Buffaloes in almost every major pass-catching statistic, including touchdowns. The Heisman hopeful’s nine touchdowns are tied for the most in the conference. He’s also found the end zone in two of the last three games.

Unfortunately, Hunter’s anytime touchdown odds aren’t appealing. You’ll find the best number at Caesars (-175 odds). Rather than risk it with a less-than-favorable payout, I’m betting on Hunter to open the scoring.