Everything You Should Know Before Making Your March Madness Bracket

It is that time of year again. March Madness bracket time! It is the Superbowl and world series of March. The NCAA title is bigger than the NBA title. Picking a bracket is hard because anything can happen. Upsets and injuries can change the whole playoff season. Here are some tips to consider when choosing your March Madness Bracket.

Don’t Pick Any 16 Seeds

Just because it happened last year, it is rare that a 16 seed makes it far enough to count, especially to the end. They might win a game, maybe two, but they don’t ever win the tournament. Let the 16 standing teams stay where they are. Most often they won’t have any effect on your March Madness Bracket.

Still Pick a Lower Seed

Since you’re not picking a 16 seed, you can still pick an underdog. Pick a few 1 or two lower seeds, like 11, 12, or 13 to round out your March Madness Bracket. Sometimes they surprise you. Last year, two number 9 teams made it to the elite 8 and ranked number 11 Loyola made it to the final four and gave number 3 Michigan a run for their money. They surprised a lot of people to make it that far. They did lose to Michigan in the final four but it was a close game.

Do Your Research

Usually, the same teams are in the top 8.  Do your research. Pay attention as you are heading into March. For Example, Duke is really turning heads right now, however, their star player just received a small injury leaving a big question mark on where that will leave them the next coming weeks. I would still keep them as contenders for sure and their freshman star player Zion Williamson should be back in time for the tournament. But keep an eye on those top teams to make sure they are going to be strong contenders before making your March Madness Bracket

A Top Seed Almost Always Goes Down Early

I get it. You are choosing carefully and wisely to make sure your March Madness Bracket is crisp and ready to go. Keep in mind that a top seed almost always goes down early. Last year it was Virginia. They were a number 1 seed and out if in the first round. So don’t just stick with number 1 and cross your fingers. Have some strong backup choices. A few number 2’s and 3’s will keep your bracket balanced. And give you a little extra life when those surprises come pop up.

Play It Safe

If you’re just not sure, pick the favorites. Kentucky, Duke, Virginia, and the University of North Carolina are usually favorites. Kentucky has been for years. Syracuse and Villanova are always good contenders. History speaks for it all. Look at past March Madness Brackets and winners and compare their stats to today’s. With social media, there are so many leads and people out there giving you all you need to know on who is a top contender.

Take A Chance

Sometimes you are at a complete loss. Throw a few quirky ones in your March Madness Bracket just for fun. Pick a team simply by their colors, fight song, or mascot. Make it fun and make it interesting. Especially if you are new to this or you really don’t care what happens in the end, enjoy picking teams by random facts. It will take the stress off the situation and make it a lot more relaxing and little more fun.

Who did you pick for your March Madness bracket? Are you ready to sacrifice it all on an underdog team? Or pick the tops seeds and watch them carry it all the way?

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