March Madness Sweet 16 Upsets, Odds: Which Underdogs Advance?

Written By Eli Hershkovich | Published at March 28, 2025
Sweet 16 Upsets

With Sweet 16 odds for March Madness less than 24 hours away from tipping off, there's no better time to decipher the most likely upsets for Thursday and Friday's action. Below, I'll utilize the implied probability of each underdog winning outright from the best sports betting sites to help determine which Sweet 16 upsets are primed to occur. Let's dive in.

Click any Sweet 16 betting odds to place a bet. We recommend checking out the best sportsbook promos for more offers. If you're in Illinois, sign up for the bet365 Illinois bonus code. This operator is now in the Prairie State!

sweet 16 upsets: implied probability & betting odds

1. Ole Miss Rebels:

As of this publication, the market is giving Chris Beard's squad a 40% implied probability of reaching the Elite Eight and facing the winner of Auburn vs. Michigan. Regular readers know I'm invested in Ole Miss regarding its Final Four futures odds. Check out my full betting preview of Sweet 16 odds and picks.

2. Kentucky Wildcats:

The Wildcats' 36.2% implied probability of upsetting Tennessee for a third time this year is undoubtedly intriguing. But against the Vols' physical defense, I believe they'll miss Jaxson Robinson's floor-spacing prowess, which was not a concern during the first two rounds.

3. BYU Cougars:

The Cougars took advantage of a situational edge in victories over VCU and Wisconsin, playing at a high altitude, as they do in their home gym in Provo, Utah. Hence, I'm less bullish on their 36.2% implied probability of knocking off the Crimson Tide.

4. Arkansas Razorbacks:

For my money, Arkansas' hopes of tallying a third-straight upset hinge on the status of Texas Tech long-range maven Chance McMillian, who is considered questionable with an upper-body injury. After missing the last three matchups, the Razborbacks' 32.8% implied probability of advancing will greatly improve if he remains out.

Sign Up For Our Free NCAA Tournament Pick 'Em Contest For A Chance To Win $250!

5. Maryland Terrapins:

Despite the hoopla surrounding Maryland coach Kevin Willard, who has been linked to the Villanova opening throughout the week, I expect the Terps to go toe-to-toe with the West Region's top seed. For bettors searching for a feisty underdog among potential Sweet 16 upsets at the best March Madness betting sites, their 27.8% implied probability is a bit short, per my raw numbers.

Read my abovementioned column for more on this intriguing tilt.

6. Michigan Wolverines:

Frankly, there's been more discussion surrounding Michigan's Sweet 16 run than anything involving the top seed in the NCAA tourney.

Following a dominant regular season, Auburn stumbled into the Big Dance. Nevertheless, the Tigers' physicality and floor spacing eventually wore down Creighton in the second half on Saturday, and I anticipate they will do the same to Vlad Goldin and Co. I'm not buying Michigan's 22.2% implied probability of reaching the Elite Eight.

7. Purdue Boilermakers:

Although the Boilermakers' 21.7% implied probability of earning their second consecutive Elite Eight appearance may seem generous, this game's swings (and scoring droughts) will surprise bettors. Whichever team is least affected by the shooting backdrop at Lucas Oil Stadium could represent the determining factor. Remember that Purdue ranks ninth in three-point efficiency nationally (38.5%).

If you're wagering on the Boilermakers to cover the spread, I advise throwing couch change on the ML. Like Maryland, I give Purdue a fighter's chance to stay within a few possessions versus the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region.

8. Arizona Wildcats:

Comparisons between Duke's current form and two-time defending champion UConn have recently been tossed around. The betting market certainly agrees, giving Arizona a lowly 19.1% implied probability of derailing stud freshman Cooper Flagg and the Blue Devils. But unless Caleb Love is ultra-efficient, like he was versus Oregon on Sunday, I expect Duke to cruise to win a victory.

watcH: sweet 16 betting preview

https://youtu.be/i68M03yBlYQ?si=dpR4lbSsImJlNXcj

You can subscribe to the audio-only version of the show on AppleSpotify, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts.

best sportsbook promos for sweet 16 upsets

#
Sportsbook
Bonus
Features
Bet
1
BetMGM Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
  • Wide coverage of US and international sports
  • Linked to MGM Rewards loyalty program
  • Regular odds boosts and promos
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, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
2
DraftKings New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5+ Get $100 in Bonus Bets Instantly!
  • Wide coverage of US and international sports
  • High-quality iOS and Android apps
  • Very fast withdrawal times
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (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), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in NH/OR/ONT/PR. 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. $100 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 5/31/26 at 11:59 PM ET.
3
Hard Rock Bet Deposit first $5+ cash bet, get $150 in Bonus Bets
  • Only sportsbook legal in Florida
  • Hot Bets feature
  • Live NFL streaming
To be eligible, the Player must be at least 21 years old, physically located in a Eligible Jurisdiction: AZ, CO, IL, IN, MI, NJ, OH, TN, or VA, and not on any exclusionary lists in any Eligible Jurisdiction. Excluded patrons are prohibited from participating in Promotions. To be eligible all personal and contact data associated to your account must be verifiable. Arizona Customers: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or Text NEXTSTEP to 53342. Colorado, Michigan, Illinois, New Jersey, and Virginia Customers: Call 1-800-GAMBLER  Indiana Customers: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT  Ohio Customers: Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-MY-RESET.  Tennessee Customers: Call or text the Tennessee REDLINE: 1-800-889-9789
4
FanDuel New Users – Bet $5 Get $150 If Your Bet Wins!
  • Offers one of the best same-game parlays
  • Highly rated mobile app
  • Impressive sports coverage
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 mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, WV). Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.gamblersanonymous.org . Must be 21+ in NJ, PA, MI, or WV. $10 first deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus spins which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. Contact 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
5
Fanatics 10 x $100 bet match
  • Unique FanCash loyalty program
  • Variety of bonuses and ongoing promos
  • Fast, reliable app with live betting and streaming
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)