March Madness Survivor Pool Picks in 2024: What You Should Consider when Selecting an Effective NCAA Survivor Pool Strategy

March Madness is here; everybody knows how exciting it is to fill out your bracket at school or work. Today, we will give you another fun contest you can participate in during March Madness: the survivor pool! It might be even more fun than filling out those multiple brackets that you fill out! If you have never heard of a Survivor pool or don’t know what it is, we are here to help!

1.

4.6/5

FanDuel Promo Code

New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days

USA Players Welcome

Wagering (WR): New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days ($50 Bonus Bets per day)

Open FanDuel

Get bonus now

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days.$5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA). ™/© 2026 MLB

2.

4.5/5

BetMGM Promo Code

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

USA Players Welcome

Min. Deposit: $5

Open BetMGM

Get bonus now

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

3.

4.5/5

DraftKings Promo Code

New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES

USA Players Welcome

Wagering (WR): New DraftKings Customer Offer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES ($50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days for 21 days)*, Min. Deposit: 5

Open DraftKings

Get bonus now

To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

4.

4.2/5

Fanatics Promo Code

Get Up to $1,000 Matched in FanCash

USA Players Welcome

Open Fanatics

Get bonus now

Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)

5.

Caesars Promo Code

Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets

USA Players Welcome

Wagering (WR): 1x Deposit

Best Alternative

Open FanDuel

21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

WHAT IS A MARCH MADNESS SURVIVOR BETTING POOL?

March Madness survivor pools allow you to compete against other players and make correct predictions regarding which teams will win each NCAA Division 1 tournament round.

You will have the option to choose one team for each round. If they win their game, you will progress to the next round; otherwise, you will be eliminated from the survivor pool.

One drawback of March Madness tournament betting is the certainty that you cannot pick the same team twice; so if you chose the Baylor Bears in Round 1, they cannot be selected again in later rounds.

Each survivor pool has its own rules and quirks. For instance, in some survivor pools, a tie may count as a loss, while in others, it might just count as a win or loss. So make sure that you understand exactly how a March Madness survivor pool works before getting involved. If you wonder why you should use our picks, how many sites gave you the Oakland over Kentucky pick a day ahead of time?

Best Brand

FanDuel Promo

New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days

Join now!

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days.$5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA). ™/© 2026 MLB

Best Slots

BetMGM Promo

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Bonus here!

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Newcomer

DraftKings Promo

New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES

Join now!

To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Award

Fanatics Promo

Get Up to $1,000 Matched in FanCash

Get bonus now

Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)

Teams to pick in a survivor pool

• North Carolina State- NC State is on an incredible run right now, fresh off winning an unbelievable ACC Tournament title. Since a four-game losing streak ended, they’ve gone 5-1 since, entering this tournament hotter than anyone. Now they get to face Texas Tech, which has lost to teams they should’ve easily handled, such as UCF, Cincinnati, Butler, and Villanova… If there was ever an opportunity to pick NC State, is it? They also would be a good second-round pick.

• UCONN Huskies- UCONN is the tournament favorite and almost guaranteed to reach the Sweet 16; with that said, stick the Huskies in your back pocket for later survival pool success in this tournament.

• Houston Cougars- Much like UCONN, Houston is one of the top teams in this tournament, and I would look at using them in the second or third round of this tournament. The Cougars are a Seet 16 team at worst to me and are not likely to lose until at least the third round of this tournament.

• Florida Atlantic- FAU returns most of its team from last year’s Final Four, and they have a nice winnable matchup against Northwestern in round one. Last year’s experience makes them a possible upset pick later in the tournament because they have proven that they can pull off the upset and advance.

• Gonzaga Bulldogs- This Gonzaga team is a dark horse pick to go farther than expected; I like picking them in the second round. This Bulldogs team does not have the expectations of previous Gonzaga teams, but they got a nice draw in this tourney and can win two or three games.

1.

4.6/5

FanDuel Promo Code

New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days

USA Players Welcome

Wagering (WR): New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days ($50 Bonus Bets per day)

Open FanDuel

Get bonus now

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days.$5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA). ™/© 2026 MLB

2.

4.5/5

BetMGM Promo Code

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

USA Players Welcome

Min. Deposit: $5

Open BetMGM

Get bonus now

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

3.

4.5/5

DraftKings Promo Code

New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES

USA Players Welcome

Wagering (WR): New DraftKings Customer Offer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES ($50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days for 21 days)*, Min. Deposit: 5

Open DraftKings

Get bonus now

To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

4.

4.2/5

Fanatics Promo Code

Get Up to $1,000 Matched in FanCash

USA Players Welcome

Open Fanatics

Get bonus now

Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)

5.

Caesars Promo Code

Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets

USA Players Welcome

Wagering (WR): 1x Deposit

Best Alternative

Open FanDuel

21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST SURVIVOR POOL PICKS FOR MARCH MADNESS

Have you joined a survivor pool, but are unsure which teams to back? Keep this in mind when making your choices: you don’t necessarily need to make predictions about which team will win the 2024 March Madness tournament overall; rather, simply try to be the last player standing. With that in mind, here are the key factors you should take into consideration when making picks:

Betting the Favorites

In order to stay competitive in March Madness, you should back the teams who are higher up in the NCAA rankings and are perceived as favourites to win it all. To stay in the game and remain engaged in betting action, focusing on favorites is necessary if you wish to remain involved with this tournament.

Don’t Fear Risk

While backing favorites can be beneficial, taking some calculated risks early could save your favorites for when the competition becomes even fiercer later.

Knowing Their Form

It’s essential that you gain an understanding of each team you consider backing in a survivor pool since morale plays a large part in tournaments like March Madness. Of a team finishes the season hot, back them. In the first round back a two or three seed to start off as the records for these teams are usually great in the first round.

1.

4.6/5

FanDuel Promo Code

New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days

USA Players Welcome

Wagering (WR): New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days ($50 Bonus Bets per day)

Open FanDuel

Get bonus now

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days.$5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA). ™/© 2026 MLB

2.

4.5/5

BetMGM Promo Code

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

USA Players Welcome

Min. Deposit: $5

Open BetMGM

Get bonus now

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

3.

4.5/5

DraftKings Promo Code

New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES

USA Players Welcome

Wagering (WR): New DraftKings Customer Offer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES ($50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days for 21 days)*, Min. Deposit: 5

Open DraftKings

Get bonus now

To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

4.

4.2/5

Fanatics Promo Code

Get Up to $1,000 Matched in FanCash

USA Players Welcome

Open Fanatics

Get bonus now

Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)

5.

Caesars Promo Code

Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets

USA Players Welcome

Wagering (WR): 1x Deposit

Best Alternative

Open FanDuel

21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

On Pool Size and Number of Picks Required

As your pool size increases, you need to plan for its future and be unconventional, even if this means using teams that others might consider too good now. With more picks required each week, this requires much more thought about its future than previously anticipated.

So if your pool of fewer than 100 participants or does not require daily picks until the Elite Eight stage, favor current win odds over Future Value estimates.

Conversely, in larger pools or ones requiring frequent picks – like Daily for the first eight days of tournament action – you should prioritize Future Value savings more heavily and the potential for late success – should that top team lose before reaching the Final Four. Check out our best March Madness upset picks for round one.

Knowing When to Take Heads-Up Risks

In an NFL regular-season survivor pool, it is best to avoid picking an outright underdog. With 10-16 other favorites to select, picking an underdog might not make much sense.

But that won’t hold true in later rounds of an NCAA Tournament pool: at some point during the Elite Eight, Final Four or national title games you will likely have to pick an underdog, which means making sure most other members in your pool are concentrated on one side or the other.

Taking bold risks will be essential to winning an NFL playoff or March Madness survivor pool. Taking such risks can bring maximum benefits—for example, when being the only underdog can help you win your pool outright—take the necessary actions as quickly as possible.

Best Brand

FanDuel Promo

New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days

Join now!

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days.$5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA). ™/© 2026 MLB

Best Slots

BetMGM Promo

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Bonus here!

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Newcomer

DraftKings Promo

New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES

Join now!

To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Award

Fanatics Promo

Get Up to $1,000 Matched in FanCash

Get bonus now

Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)

Paying Attention to Your Path

March Madness survivor pools should be approached holistically rather than viewing each pick individually. Because you can only use each team once, any pick you make in any given round must win for you to keep progressing further. If a team you have used already advances further than expected into the tournament, your choices could become limited or you might run out altogether.

Assuming you know where your team will end up, the first two rounds should focus more on advancement odds, popularity and long-term future value than ultimate path considerations.

Once you reach the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight stages, however, your path will largely depend on who remains and whom you have used. Pay particular attention to which picks give you a better chance at winning than just advancing for one round, even if that means playing underdogs to have better options in subsequent rounds.

Best Brand

FanDuel Promo

New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 7 days

Join now!

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days.$5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA). ™/© 2026 MLB

Best Slots

BetMGM Promo

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Bonus here!

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Newcomer

DraftKings Promo

New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES

Join now!

To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Award

Fanatics Promo

Get Up to $1,000 Matched in FanCash

Get bonus now

Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)

CONCLUSION – YOUR GUIDE TO MAKING SURVIVOR POOL PICKS

We have shown you that selecting your March Madness survivor picks is enjoyable and straightforward. Though surprises do happen from time to time, favoring the more established teams increases your chances of going the distance. Check our our list of top betting apps for March Madness.

Follow us at the Grueling Truth, where we will provide you with tons of information about the tournament, updated daily, to give you the best chance to succeed in your survivor pool.