The buzz from the Super Bowl has quietly dissipated and we’re right in the middle of the throngs of what is looking like a slow sports betting month. But need not worry, because March is inching closer and closer and…we all know what that means.
The Madness is coming.
It’s hard not to get too excited about March Madness, even if the tournament is still weeks away from starting. But that itch…yes, we all have that itch, and it’s proving to be more and more difficult to scratch as March approaches.
So even if there’s still a lot of games and conference championships to play, it doesn’t mean we can’t get a little head start on who are the favorites heading into the NCAA tournament. Keep in mind, though, that some of these favorites may not be so once the tournament begins.
And we all know about those sneaky Cinderellas…
So, who’s the betting favorite to win the NCAA tournament?
That distinction falls on the shoulders of the 23-1 Arizona Wildcats, which are now 11/2 odds to win the tournament. That’s an emphatic rise up the proverbial rankings given how the team has played for the entire season, with its only loss coming on a last-second jumper at the hands of California. Then again, those backing the Wildcats this early should be thanking their lucky stars because if Arizona still hadn’t lost, they probably would’t be getting such juicy odds at this point of the season.
On the flip side, if there’s one thing we know about the NCAA Tournament, it’s that favorites in February don’t necessarily translate to titles in March. So with that said, keep a close eye on some teams just below the Wildcats in the title odds, including the Kansas Jayhawks (6/1), the Syracuse Orangemen (7/1), the Michigan State Spartans (15/2), the Duke Blue Devils (10/1), the Florida Gators (10/1), and the Kentucky Wildcats (12/1).
Each of these teams can make a case to have a long and sustained run in the tournament, so keep an eye out on any fluctuations in performance from here on out.
Oh, if you’re wondering what the odds are for the defending champs, the Louisville Cardinals, it’s 18/1. Not exactly a shot of confidence, especially considering all four of its losses are to teams in the Top 25.
Another team that should be getting your attention is one of only two undefeated teams left in the country: the Wichita State Shockers. Shocking, right?
Last year’s Final Four run wasn’t a fluke, fellas, and if you’re still on the bandwagon, the Shockers are still 12/1 to win the tournament. Get it while its high.
We understand that it’s next to impossible to run down the odds of all collegiate teams with an outside chance of getting into the tournament. So here’s what we’re going to do. Just below is are the Top 25 teams ranked by the USA Today Coaches Poll.
Next to their rankings are the odds the teams currently have to win the NCAA tournament. It’s all set up for your perusal, so dig in and get your March Madness juices flowing.
USA Today Coaches Poll
1. Syracuse (7/1)
2. Wichita State (12/1)
3. Arizona (11/2)
4. Florida (10/1)
5. San Diego State (40/1)
6. Villanova (25/1)
7. Kansas (6/1)
8. Louisville (18/1)
9. Duke (10/1)
10. Michigan State (15/2)
11. Cincinnati (50/1)
12. Saint Louis (75/1)
13.Kentucky (12/1)
14. Iowa State (28/1)
15. Iowa (33/1)
16. Virginia (75/1)
17. Creighton (28/1)
18. Michigan (14/1)
19. Texas (100/1)
20. Ohio State (33/1)
21. Wisconsin (33/1)
22. Memphis (66/1)
23. Pittsburgh (50/1)
24. Gonzaga (75/1)
25. Oklahoma (100/1)
