March Madness: Betting Every Underdog in the NCAAB Tournament (2025 Guide)

March Madness is right around the corner, and it is time to get ready. Betting underdogs in March Madness is almost as popular as the tournament itself. 

If you want to find the best underdogs in March Madness, it helps to go into things with as much information as possible. 

Here is what you need to know before betting every underdog in March Madness.

Why Betting on Underdogs During March Madness Can Be Tempting

One of the very best things about March Madness is upsets. There is nothing quite like seeing a major underdog topple a tournament favorite, sending everyone’s bracket into disarray. Betting every underdog in March Madness is enticing just for the pure chaos of it all.

In addition to the chaos is the possibility for a huge payout. The best underdogs in March Madness are the ones that deliver the upset factory while also providing a huge payout. The key is betting underdogs in March Madness with a few key things in mind.

Historical Trends: How Underdogs Have Performed in Past March Madness Tournaments

It can be easy to back the top seeds in the tournament, but only a handful of tournaments have seen all four No. 1 seeds make it to the Final Four. Upsets happen, sometimes at a higher clip than ever. Underdogs hit at a 25% clip in the Round of 64, which isn’t as bad as it seems.

Just look at the 2024 NCAA tournament. At one point, underdogs had won 12 games outright, the most since 2001 and the second-most since 1985. 

There are historical outliers where underdogs go on a run. Dive deeper into those tournaments to see what those teams did well and how they excelled.

Key Factors to Consider When Betting on Underdogs in March Madness 2025

There is always inherently luck involved in choosing an underdog to pull off the upset. But at the heart of any bet is a lot of independent research. Sharp bettors are the ones who take everything into the equation – player stats, team performance, team and individual matchups, and team momentum – in order to make informed decisions.

More often than not, the most likely underdogs to pull off the upset are the ones that match up well with their opponents. Maybe an underdog has the ability to shoot the lights out. Getting hot at the right time can make it a game against even the largest favorites. Do the research, do your homework, and have a better idea of how these games could shake out.

The Psychology Behind Betting on Underdogs in March Madness

The psychology behind betting on underdogs is two-fold. For starters, everyone likes seeing a plucky underdog get over on the big, bad favorite. The Cinderella story is something that everyone can get behind. Add in potentially large payouts for picking the right underdog, and it becomes easy to see why so many people bet on them.

The key coming into March Madness is tempering expectations. Keeping your emotions in check and using the information at hand is the best way to find a big underdog. It may not pan out every single time, but it at least puts you in a better position to find the underdog that will make something special happen.

Building a Balanced Betting Strategy: Underdogs vs. Favorites in March Madness

Though betting every underdog in March Madness may sound fun, it is more than likely going to lead to heavy losses. Finding a balanced approach, weighing the pros and cons of betting on either the favorite or underdog, is crucial for any bettor.

Bankroll management should always be at the forefront of mind. Taking shots here and there at a big underdog upset is a great idea, just don’t get too carried away. Look into the matchups to determine which underdogs stand the best chance of shocking the world and providing you with a big payout in the process.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Betting Every Underdog in March Madness

How do I find the best odds for March Madness underdogs?

Compare odds across multiple sportsbooks and look for line movements that indicate value on underdog bets. Some sportsbooks may offer better odds or promotions that make underdog betting more favorable. Tracking sharp money and expert analysis can also provide insights into which underdogs are worth betting on.

Which round of March Madness is best for betting on underdogs?

The first and second rounds usually have the most upsets, making them prime opportunities for betting on underdogs. Lower-seeded teams often pull off surprise wins early before higher seeds dominate later rounds. Identifying underdogs with strong metrics and favorable matchups can help maximize profits in these key rounds.

Should I bet underdogs on the moneyline or against the spread?

Betting against the spread is safer as underdogs don’t always win outright, but if you believe in a strong upset, the moneyline offers higher payouts. Moneyline bets on underdogs can yield big returns, but they are riskier. Spread bets allow for more flexibility, especially when underdogs keep games competitive.

How can I research which underdogs have the best chance to win?

Look at metrics like defensive efficiency, three-point shooting, and team experience, which often help underdogs pull off upsets. Other factors include coaching strategies, recent form, injuries, and how well teams perform in close games. Underdogs that excel in these areas often have a better chance of beating expectations.

Are there any key trends to watch for March Madness 2025 underdogs?

Watch for teams with strong momentum, solid coaching, and a history of performing well as lower seeds. Mid-major teams with experienced players, good shooting, and elite defense often make strong underdogs. Checking betting line movements and expert predictions can also provide valuable insight into potential upsets.

What is the biggest risk of betting on every underdog?

The biggest risk is that favorites could dominate a particular tournament, leading to losses across multiple bets. While upsets happen, blindly betting on every underdog doesn’t guarantee success. Some underdogs have little chance to compete, so researching matchups and selecting value plays is crucial for long-term profitability.

Is betting on underdogs a good strategy for March Madness 2025?

It can be a profitable strategy if underdogs outperform expectations, but it also comes with risks as favorites often win more games. Success depends on finding games where the underdog has a real chance to cover the spread or win outright based on matchups, momentum, and historical trends.