March Madness Predictions
Of the top seeds in the NCAA Tournament this year, which teams do we think can contend for the national championship? Here’s three teams to consider.
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, Villanova is favored to win it all this year, as the Wildcats are listed with odds of 5/1 to prevail. Other short odds to win are Virginia (6/1), Duke (7/1), and Michigan State (10/1).
Bet on the 2018 NCAA Tournament
502 Villanova +500
The Wildcats have been at or near the top ranking in the nation for most of the season. Nova seems to be just as strong as the 2016 squad that won the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats have a favorable path to the Final Four as well, as the East Region seems to be perhaps the easiest bracket of the four. Nova is an impressive 9-0 on a neutral floor this year and I think the Cats are the best bet to run the table this month.
503 Duke +700
The Blue Devils seem to have the most overall talent of any team in the tournament this year. Their youth has caused them to be inconsistent, but we have seen flashes of the dominant team they can be. Duke has a tough region in the Midwest, but Michigan State and Kansas, its two top contenders, both have their own flaws as well. Duke has a great track record against MSU and Kansas is known for early exits in the tournament.
507 Michigan +1400
While I don’t love Michigan having such short odds, I do think the Wolverines have an appealing road to the Final Four. From there, anything can happen. As the third seed in the West, Michigan has to get past North Carolina in the Sweet 16, but I feel like the Wolverines can contend with anyone in the bracket. Xavier is an underwhelming top seed in my eyes and Michigan comes in really hot right now. U-M is 7-1 in games on a neutral floor and, despite a layoff, I think Michigan can continue its hot streak over the next few weeks.