There’s some good value in betting futures throughout the college basketball season, but now that we’ve seen the bracket for March Madness, we can really find where the best plays are. DraftKings Sportsbook does an amazing job of offering some of the more unique futures markets in the industry. We crushed this market with articles plays when it came to Selection Sunday and Conference Tournaments, going a combined 5-1 on these plays, cashing tickets of +320 and +1000! We also hit a +465 future in season on Alabama.
After digging through the board, here are my top futures for the tournament on DraftKings Sportsbook. I think you may notice I think pretty highly of the Big 12 this season.
Place your college basketball bets at DraftKings Sportsbook and bet online by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app.
To Make Elite 8: Baylor (-157)
Laying this type of juice always gives pause, but you need to think about the likelihood of this actually happening. Baylor is a force, and I honestly feel this should be priced closer to -250. Reaching the Elite 8 means winning three games in this tournament, so let’s look at the path. Hartford is a great story, but as 26.5-point favorites, I don’t think we need to talk about the largest upset in tournament history here. I am high on North Carolina, but the Bears are probably about 8.5 or 9.5-point favorites against UNC — and even larger if it’s Wisconsin to advance. If chalk holds, things shouldn’t be much more difficult against weaker 4/5 seeds in Purdue/Villanova. Baylor has the potential to reach the Final Four and win it all, but reaching this stage of the tournament feels like the absolute floor. This play feels a bit too easy at this price.
To Make Elite 8: Texas (+330)
This one is a much tougher path, as the Longhorns have to rack up some serious wins, but I just believe Texas is that good. This team has three elite guards, and a big man in the middle that will cause matchup problems for any other team. This just comes down to truly believing Texas is the best team in this lower bottom left section of the bracket, and I do. I actually have them in the Final Four if you want to chase an even larger price.
To Make Sweet 16: Oklahoma State (+158)
So my initial play here was laying some juice for Tennessee not to reach the Sweet 16, but then I figured getting the plus-money on the Cowboys to get there makes more sense. Personally, I like Oregon State to upset the Vols in the first round, but no matter who gets that game, I think OKST has the upper hand, and will certainly be favored. That leaves getting past a good Liberty squad in the first game, which might be tougher than it sounds, but is something I’m willing to back at this price. Remember, the Cowboys were a team a lot of people thought had a Final Four run in them, but some hype went out the window with the draw of Illinois in a Sweet 16 game. I think we at least get that game, but the road ends there.
Place your college basketball bets at DraftKings Sportsbook and bet online by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app.
Put your knowledge to the test. Sign up for DraftKings and experience the game inside the game.
All betting odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL).
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER(NJ/WV/PA/MI), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO), 1-800-BETS OFF(IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA) or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN).
21+ (18+ NH). CO/IL/IN/IA/NH/NJ/PA/TN/VA/WV/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.