There’s no room for underdogs in 2024.
After a bizarre March Madness tournament last year that was dominated by strange variances and underdogs reigning supreme, it’s all about the favorites this year,
Goliath smashed David early on, as all the top-two seeds advanced to the Sweet 16.
Beginning Thursday, the viewing public is graced with some incredible matchups including No. 2 vs. No. 3 matchups in the Midwest and East Regions.
Below are the odds for all eight matchups ahead of the Sweet 16.
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|
| No. 6 Clemson vs. No. 3 Arizona (-7.5) | Over 15.2 (-105) Under 152.5 (-115) | Clemson (+230) Arizona (-285) |
| No. 5 San Diego State vs. No. 1 UConn (-10.5) | Over 153 (-115) Under 153 (-105) | SDSU (+480) UConn (-690) |
| Alabama No. 4 vs. North Carolina (-3.5) | Over 173.5 (-114) Under 173.5 (-106) | Alabama (+150) North Carolina (-182) |
| No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 2 Iowa State (-1.5) | Over 145.5 (-115) Under 145.5 (-105) | Illinois (+106) Iowa State (-128) |
| No. 11 NC State vs. No. 2 Marquette (-6.5) | Over 150.5 (-110) Under 150.5 (-110) | NC State (+240) Marquette (-300) |
| No. 5 Gonzaga vs. No. 1 Purdue (-5.5) | Over 154.5 (-110) Under 154.5 (-110) | Gonzaga (+195) Purdue (-240) |
| No. 4 Duke vs. No. 1 Houston (-4.5) | Over 133.5 (-115) Under 133.5 (-105) | Duke (+152) Houston (-184) |
| No. 3 Creighton vs. No. 2 Tennessee (-2.5) | Over 143.5 (-110) Under 143.5 (-110) | Creighton (+126) Tennessee (-152) |
It’s tough to look at this field and really dig into an underdog you can sink your teeth into as a contender.
The UConn Huskies haven’t just looked good; they’ve looked flawless in the first two rounds.
For all the bluster ahead of the tournament, especially those who have pointed to the East Region being the region of death, UConn is still a massive 10.5-point favorite against the San Diego State Aztecs.
UConn has dropped from +360 to +210 since the bracket was announced.
Meanwhile, the Houston Cougars have hardly moved despite two victories, still hanging at +550 odds.
Houston’s near-disaster against the Texas A&M Aggies is a legitimate concern, as the Cougars face the Duke Blue Devils this week.
Are they destined for a dance with the Huskies?
Not on the Blue Devils’ watch.
Duke will be the lone underdog to win outright of the eight Sweet 16 games this week.
PICK: Duke Blue Devils ML (+152, FanDuel)