March Madness Sweet 16: Betting Trends and Upsets

March Madness heats up as the Sweet 16 approaches, with betting lines set and futures odds shifting. Let's dive into the latest NCAA Tournament developments and what they mean for bettors.

Key Takeaways:

• Few upsets so far, with betting favorites going 25-7 straight up in the first round
• Duke (+350) remains a popular championship pick, with one bettor potentially winning $2 million
• The SEC sent a record 14 teams to the tournament, with seven still in contention

As the 2025 NCAA Tournament progresses, the Sweet 16 matchups are taking shape, offering bettors a fresh slate of opportunities. The opening rounds saw betting favorites dominate, going 25-7 straight up and 19-13 against the spread in the first round. This trend continued into the Round of 32, with favorites maintaining a strong showing.

The Big Ten started strong, going 10-0 before UCLA's loss on Saturday. Sunday's games will determine if Michigan State, Maryland, Illinois, and Oregon can keep the conference's momentum going. Meanwhile, the SEC's record-breaking 14-team representation has been whittled down to seven, including powerhouses like Florida, Alabama, and Kentucky.

Looking ahead to the Sweet 16, FanDuel Sportsbook has released initial betting lines for the upcoming matchups. Notable games include Arkansas as a 5.5-point underdog against Texas Tech in the West Region, and Auburn favored by 7.5 points over Michigan in the South.

For those eyeing futures bets, the adjusted odds to win the national championship have seen some movement. Duke remains a strong contender at +260, followed closely by Florida at +400 and Auburn at +490. Houston rounds out the top four at +500, reflecting their consistent performance throughout the tournament.

Betting trends for the Sweet 16 reveal some interesting patterns. No. 1 seeds are 25-9 against the spread off back-to-back straight-up and ATS wins, while No. 2 seed favorites have struggled, going 9-20 ATS in recent years. Underdogs coming off a close win have also shown value, with a 13-5-1 ATS record over the last 12 years.

As the tournament progresses, keep an eye on these trends and the evolving odds. With the Final Four set for San Antonio this year, the road to the championship is heating up, offering plenty of excitement for fans and bettors alike.

Remember, in the unpredictable world of March Madness, anything can happen. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as we approach the Sweet 16 and beyond.