Seen on:
as known from New York Timesas known from USA Todayas known from yahoo!
VA
The Grueling Truth - Where Legends Speak / Betting Tips / March Madness Upset Predictions 2024

March Madness Upset Predictions 2024: Who Has the Best Chance for the Upset?

Basketball Betting Tips · - ·

Publish Date: 03/19/2024
Fact checked by: Mark Lewis

It is that time of year again, as March Madness is upon us, and as always, it’s time for you to fill out your brackets. To have a great bracket, you have to be able to pick the upsets that happen every year. The past few years have seen multiple 15- and 16-seeds pull off massive upsets and destroy everyone’s brackets. Today we will look at the teams with the best chance to pull off the upset. If you are going to pick the best upsets of the NCAA tournament, you need the best betting apps.

Upset Possibilities

(13) VERMONT OVER (4) DUKE

Duke is one of the marquee names in March Madness, and victory against them is a surefire way of making an impressionful statement about its team in March Madness. Vermont must feel they deserve an NCAA Tournament breakthrough after dropping in the previous two postseasons at first-round level.

Few teams have seen as much success as Vermont in recent months- their 10-game winning streak and depth make knocking off national title contenders far from impossible for this Catamount squad, which features 10+ deep rotations with only one loss overall in the 2024 calendar year so far!

DraftKings
DraftKings
4.6/5
Tip: Vermont to win
  • Vermont +530
  • Duke inconsistent
  • Vermont Depth is a strength
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $200 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
Open DraftKings
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

13) SAMFORD OVER (4) KANSAS

This trending upset pick below the No. 12 seed line is an irresistibly attractive opportunity. On one hand, Samford’s explosive offense and propensity to score quickly under head coach Bucky McMillan’s “Bucky Ball” system may prove too much for Kansas to keep up with, yet Kansas possesses more talent even at reduced strength compared to their opponent; at altitude in Salt Lake City Utah this game likely favors Samford; making this first-round matchup one of the most captivating matchups seen in this tournament!

This is a game that should not be missed! Samford’s non-conference was not especially tough, and Purdue destroyed them and the best non-conference win was over Belmont. The upset opportunity lies here with the health, or lack of health, of the Kansas Jayhawks.

DraftKings
DraftKings
4.6/5
Tip: Samford to win
  • Samford +260
  • Kansas Health
  • Samford Depth is a strength
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $200 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
Open DraftKings
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

(13) CHARLESTON OVER (4) ALABAMA

Charleston Cougars could find success against the Alabama Crimson Tide in their first-round matchup. Pat Kelsey’s squad enters the Big Dance riding a 12-game winning streak and eight victories, scoring over 80 points.

Charleston is one of few mid-major programs that can match Alabama’s expansive offense. Alabama has not played impressive defense this season, especially as we approach the NCAA tournament.

Crimson Tide opponents have scored over 100 points three times in six games played recently and over 80 in each defeat they suffered.

DraftKings
DraftKings
4.6/5
Tip: Charleston to win +
  • Samford +374
  • Both teams lack defense
  • Samford Depth is a strength
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $200 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
Open DraftKings
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

(12) GRAND CANYON OVER (5) SAINT MARY’S

Saint Mary’s has upended Gonzaga from their position at the top of the West Coast Conference pecking order this season, winning with both the regular-season and conference tournament championships. Ranked No. 20 by KenPom and boasting victories against Gonzaga, Colorado State, New Mexico and San Francisco to help secure their ranking as No. 5 seeds.

However, no one should feel comfortable having Grand Canyon sit in the opposite corner in Round 1; with Tyon Grant-Foster leading GCU’s 29 wins with an average of 19.8 scoring and 6 boards per game, any team should fear meeting Grand Canyon in Round 1. Grand Canyon lost a close game to South Carolina and beat San Diego State. The schedule has not been tough, but this is a good team that can beat anyone.

DraftKings
DraftKings
4.6/5
Tip: Grand Canyon to win
  • Grand Canyon +195
  • Grant Foster will be the best player on the court
  • Saint Marys experience a factor
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $200 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
Open DraftKings
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

(11) NC STATE OVER (6) TEXAS TECH

Darrion Williams and Warren Washington will significantly affect this matchup as Texas Tech relies heavily on them as its top three-point shooters and leading rebounders on the floor.

If these two can’t participate at 100% or don’t suit up at all, NC State’s chances of keeping its postseason momentum rolling would increase significantly after reeling off five straight victories – including victories over Duke, Virginia, and North Carolina — to capture an ACC title, NC State will be dangerous in this game even if Texas Tech is healthy.

This game would be a perfect pick to include in a March Madness parlay!

DraftKings
DraftKings
4.6/5
Tip: N.C. State to win
  • N.C.State +160
  • Will Texas Tech be healthy
  • NC State on 5 Game win streak
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $200 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
Open DraftKings
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

14) OAKLAND OVER (3) KENTUCKY

This seems like a mismatch, but if you look closer, it’s not! Oakland is a veteran team with an outstanding coach who’s been with the team for forty years. This is the one game on this list I am sure about.

Oakland’s experience will take down a UK team full of four- and five-star talent. Veteran players are men, and Kentucky, for the most part, has kids. Bet on the men in this game. The Wildcats will be forced to win this game from the three-point line, and they will hit their share, but experience wins out. I know it seems crazy but trust me on this one and you will make bank.

DraftKings
DraftKings
4.6/5
Tip: Oakland to win
  • Oakland +750
  • Oakland will control the tempo
  • Kentucky is too inexperienced
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $200 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
Open DraftKings
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

(12) JAMES MADISON OVER (5) WISCONSIN

Wisconsin has done little since January to suggest they are reliable postseason contenders, prompting the selection committee to place them at No. 5. However, James Madison, which leads the nation in winning percentage (tied with UConn), boasts 31 victories leading up to March Madness with their Fast Break floor game and shooting 35% or better from three-point range – providing James Madison an edge against Wisconsin in March Madness.

Wisconsin is bad enough that it lost to Indiana 74-70 just two weeks ago and has truly been overseeded by the selection committee. JMU took down Michigan State at the start of the season, and the Big Ten is overrated and used to getting upset early on. Wisconsin is a talented team, but it is inconsistent.

DraftKings
DraftKings
4.6/5
Tip: James Madison to win
  • James madison +195
  • WJMU averages 84 ppg
  • Wisconsin poor on defense
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $200 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
Open DraftKings
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

 

 

 

Read Also
IS4S SALUTE TO VETERANS BOWL PREVIEW Troy Trojans (8–5) vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks (8–5)
The IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl brings back one of Alabama’s oldest ...
Bucked Up LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk: Boise State vs Washington
A Pacific Northwest Clash — Power Run vs. Dual-Threat Creation at SoFi ...
Bet365 Promo
Top-15 Showdown: No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 12 Alabama in the C.M. Newton Classic
A Heavyweight Neutral-Site Duel — Balance vs. Pace, Defense vs. Volume Two ...
Elite Rivalry Renewed: No. 25 UCLA vs. No. 8 Gonzaga at Climate Pledge Arena
A National Powerhouse Duel — Interior Strength vs. Backcourt Control One of ...
AFC East Title Showdown: Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots
A Division Race on the Line — Efficiency vs. Explosiveness The AFC ...
Cross-Country Showdown: Indianapolis Colts vs. Seattle Seahawks
Game Preview, Matchups, Injury Outlook & Top Prop Bets A late-season interconference ...
AFC North Clash: Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Preview Prediction, Top Prop Bets
Game Preview, Injury Outlook, Betting Breakdown & Top Prop Bets The AFC ...
College Basketball No. 17 Arkansas Razorbacks vs. No. 16 Texas Tech Red Raiders: Preview and Prediction
Game Prediction, Neutral-Site Breakdown & Top Prop Bets One of college basketball’s ...
Western Showdown: Spurs at Lakers — Tonight’s NBA Cup Quarterfinal
Game Preview, Betting Breakdown & Top Prop Bets The NBA spotlight lands ...
NFC South Clash: Falcons at Buccaneers — Thursday Night Fight
Game Preview, Betting Breakdown & Top Prop Bets The NFL spotlight turns ...
Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
BetMGM
4.9/5
Bet365
4.8/5
Caesars
4.7/5
FanDuel
4.6/5
DraftKings
DraftKings
DraftKings Review
4.6/5
Fanatics
Fanatics
Fanatics Review
4.5/5
Barstool
Barstool Review
3.7/5
Bally Bet
Bally Bet Review
3.7/5
BetMGM
BetMGM Promo
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs apply
4.9/5
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Bet365
Bet365 Promo
Bet $5 & Get $150
T&Cs apply
4.8/5
Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you will receive $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
Caesars
Caesars Promo
Bet $1, Double your Winnings on your Next 20 Wagers. Up to $25 Max Bet Per Boost
T&Cs apply
4.7/5
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)
FanDuel
FanDuel Promo
Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG Help . Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit Helpline and Chat - CONNECTICUT COUNCIL (CT). Hope is here. Home or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit Home (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C.) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. See terms at FanDuel Sportsbook
DraftKings
DraftKings Promo
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $200 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
Fanatics
Fanatics Promo
Bet $50, Get $300 in FanCash
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, Home (MD), (800)-327-5050 or MA Gambling Helpline (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), or Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), (888) 789-7777 or CONNECTICUT COUNCIL – ON PROBLEM GAMBLING (CT), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), If gambling is more than a game, free help is available . . . - NCDHHS Problem Gambling (NC). New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. Must opt-in and wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $100 in FanCash each day for your first 3 days (issued when qualifying wager settles). Your 3 days begin the day you establish your account. FanCash rewards expire at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, including FanCash terms, apply - see Fanatics Sportsbook app.
Barstool Promo
T&Cs apply
3.7/5
Latest Sport News
Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings 12/15/2025
Rutgers has the weakest résumé in the league ...
Unforgettable: The fourth fight between Bobby Chacon and Rafael Limon
Strolling around downtown Sacramento recently, I spotted a ...
And the Heisman Goes to… 
Weeks of speculation and debate culminated in the ...
Top 10 First Basemen in Baseball History: Who was the Best Ever?
Baseball players understand the first baseman is an ...
NFL Quarterback Rankings: Week 15
There's no singular stat that defines a "great" ...
Top 10 Right Fielders in MLB History: Who is the Greatest?
Once again in our countdown of the greatest ...
The State of Indiana’s Top 20 Basketball players of all time
Indiana isn’t just a state that loves basketball ...
Top 10 Left Fielders in MLB History: Who was the Greatest?
Left Field is a mostly unheralded position, but ...
Egidijus Kavaliauskas Wins the European Welterweight Title
Fighting in front of a hometown crowd, Egidijus “Mean ...
Defense Wins Championships- but What About Heismans? 
When the clock ran out at Lucas Oil ...
Our Team
Mike GoodpasterMark LewisAuthor IconJohn RaspantiSamuel Teets
+5
Mike Goodpaster
Mike Goodpaster
Chief Editor
Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis
Editor
Author Icon
Christopher Carlson
Author
John Raspanti
John Raspanti
Author
Samuel Teets
Samuel Teets
US Sports Veteran
Daniel Kornhauser
Daniel Kornhauser
Author
Chris Benedict
Chris Benedict
Editor
James Ernest
James Ernest
Author
Shelley Harcar
Shelley Harcar
Sports Writer
Ellis Williams
Ellis Williams
Author
Find out what the legends have to say about sports this week....
Find out what the legends have to say about sports this week....

21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.
Virginia Town HallCloudflareSSL
Close
Our Sports Pros recommend these awesome sports betting sites this week:
BetMGM
BetMGM Promo
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Our Favorite
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open BetMGM
Get Bonus
Bet365
Bet365 Promo
Bet $5 & Get $150
Best Slots
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open Bet365
Open Bet365
Caesars
Caesars Promo
Bet $1, Double your Winnings on your Next 20 Wagers. Up to $25 Max Bet Per Boost
Newcomer
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open Caesars
Get Bonus
×
Your Promo Code:
The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link:
Play now