5 NCAA Tournament Sleeper Picks That Could Boost Your 2021 Bracket

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Filling out brackets is undeniably a popular method of earning money in the middle of March. Nonetheless, successfully picking an NCAA Tournament sleeper can offer a significantly greater payout opportunity.

While much attention is given to the top seeds, it is important for Michigan sports bettors to recognize the potential value in teams ranked No. 3 or lower.

We have identified five teams with higher odds of winning March Madness that we are fond of.

1. Kansas Jayhawks

Last week’s Big 12 Conference Tournament saw the Jayhawks being eliminated due to a COVID-19 scare.

Kansas, positioned as the No. 3 seed in the West region, may encounter some roster obstacles during the initial week of the tournament. However, there is a possibility for the team to regain its full strength by the second week, ensuring a complete and robust lineup.

Before the outbreak of the coronavirus, Kansas had achieved triumph in eight out of its previous nine games, showcasing a notable victory against the top-seeded Baylor. Presently, the Jayhawks hold the 19th position in ESPN’s BPI Rankings, with a commendable 20-8 record.

They are being given odds ranging from +2500 to +6000 to emerge victorious.

In the West, Kansas has the potential to pose a strong challenge to second-seeded Iowa. Despite a 102-90 loss to top-seeded Gonzaga back in late November, the game demonstrated that Kansas possesses the offensive prowess to keep up with the Bulldogs.

In three of their previous four tournament showings, the Jayhawks from Kansas have achieved the remarkable feat of having five players who are averaging almost double figures in scoring.

2. Tennessee Volunteers

The Volunteers have secured the No. 5 seed from the Midwest region.

The odds for Tennessee to win the NCAA Tournament range from as low as +4000 to as high as +5500, as predicted by the oddsmakers.

Tennessee has triumphed over top-notch teams like Kansas and has also demonstrated competitiveness against Alabama, the East’s second-seeded team.

Entering March Madness, the Volunteers hold the 12th spot in the BPI Rankings, boasting a record of 18-8.

Although Tennessee is competing in what is arguably the most challenging region, the Vols have proven that they are capable of competing against any opponent when they are at their peak performance.

With an impressive defensive performance, the Vols hold the 22nd spot in national rankings by limiting their opponents to only 62.7 points per game and restricting their shooting accuracy to a mere 40.2%.

Tennessee possesses an offensive strategy that is both versatile and potent, making them a potential dark horse in the NCAA Tournament. Their scoring distribution is well-balanced, with seven players averaging anywhere between 8.2 to 12.5 points per game. Among them is senior forward John Fulkerson, whose participation in the upcoming weekend game remains uncertain due to facial injuries.

3. Texas Tech Red Raiders

The Red Raiders have proven their familiarity with reaching the Final Four. In the previous NCAA Tournament (which took place in 2019), they managed to make it all the way to the national championship game, despite being a No. 3 seed.

Texas Tech is currently ranked as the No. 6 seed in the South this year. While most sportsbooks have odds of +6000 or higher for them to win the title, BetMGM Sportsbook stands out with a surprising +2500 line for Texas Tech.

Despite having an overall record of 17-10, the Red Raiders enter the tournament ranked eighth in the BPI.

Tech’s defense is its major asset. It played a significant role in their journey to the championship game in 2019 and could potentially be the key to a surprise success this spring. Their opponents struggle to score, as they only allow an average of 63.3 points per game and limit them to a shooting percentage of 40.8%. This commendable performance is achieved despite the tough competition they face in the highly-regarded Big 12 conference.

With a team-leading average of 15.7 points per game, Mac McClung possesses the ability to dominate and control a game in the final moments.

4. Loyola-Chicago Ramblers

The team that emerges as the champions of the Missouri Valley Conference might have longer odds, but it could be a worthwhile and affordable bet.

In 1963, Loyola-Chicago emerged victorious in the NCAA Tournament, clinching the championship title. Additionally, in 2018, they embarked on an unforgettable journey to the Final Four.

With a record of 24-4, the Loyola squad has secured the No. 8 seed in the Midwest this year.

The Ramblers hold a commendable position of 21st in the BPI, which is an impressive rank for a program in the MVC.

The odds of Loyola winning the tournament range from +4000 to +7000. As for the Final Four odds, they vary between +1000 and +1400, depending on the sportsbook.

Despite not being battle-tested due to the schedule disruptions caused by COVID-19, the Ramblers remain highly confident.

Loyola takes pride in having the nation’s best defense, limiting opponents to a mere 55.7 points per game. On the offensive end, they showcase their prowess by shooting an impressive 50.4% from the field.

Cameron Krutwig, a skilled center, ranks among the tournament’s premier centers. He maintains an impressive stat line, with averages of 15.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, all while shooting an impressive 57.9%.

In addition, it is worth noting that Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the team’s 101-year-old good luck charm, will once again be accompanying the team for this year’s tournament.

The sole concern for this NCAA Tournament dark horse lies in the possibility of facing in-state rival and number one seed, Illinois, in the second round. The Illini are currently on fire and considered one of the most formidable teams in the nation entering the tournament.

5. LSU Tigers

LSU (18-9) is another No. 8 seed worth considering as a sleeper.

LSU’s ranking for winning the tournament ranges from +4000 to +10000, so be sure to maximize your potential winnings when placing a bet.

The Tigers possess several appealing attributes, with their high-powered offense being the foremost. LSU excels nationally, ranking eighth in scoring with an average of 82.1 points per game. Additionally, their 3-point defense restricts opponents to a shooting percentage of 30.1%.

In March, it can be quite challenging to prevent a hot-shooting team from making significant progress. LSU exemplified this by reaching the SEC Tournament finals and giving Alabama a fierce challenge on Sunday.

In the East Region, there appears to be a potential for a significant upset. The number one seed, Michigan, is currently facing a significant setback due to forward Isaiah Livers’ injury. Additionally, other top seeds like Alabama, Texas, Florida State, Colorado, and BYU lack a strong track record in reaching the Final Four.

LSU, currently ranked 24th in the BPI standings, has the potential to leave a significant mark in this tournament.

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