The 2024 NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament tips off on Tuesday, March 19 with first round games taking place on Thursday and Friday and second-round games happening on Saturday and Sunday. Which favorites, dark horses, and smart picks should be on your radar to win it all? Check out updated NCAAB odds along with analysis and the teams you should keep in mind when you fill out your bracket and make your bets.

A Closer Look at the 2024 March Madness Top Picks

#MarchMadness Map

Each county is assigned to the closest team in the bracket!

(via @jloose128,@redditCBB) pic.twitter.com/GysClKrbqH

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 18, 2024

Favorites to Win the 2024 March Madness Tournament

The Houston Cougars play a frenetic fast style that when it works leads to dominating wins. The Cougars’ defense is insanely effective. However, there’s a drawback to Kelvin Sampson’s bunch.

Playing so hard on defense during the tournament can lead to getting worn out, which is what happened in the Cougs’ 69-41 loss to Iowa State. Houston will break down before the Elite Eight. So they’re a pass.

The Purdue Boilermakers have the best big in college in Zach Edey. Edey is likely to win the Naismith Award for Player of the Year. It won’t help the Boilers cut down the nets, though. Why? You must have excellent guard play to win in the tournament and Purdue doesn’t have that.

So the team to beat, like will be every year until coach Dan Hurley retires, are the Connecticut Huskies. UConn won their first Big East Tournament title since 2011 on Saturday. Give UConn the favorite’s nod.

Dark Horses to Win the 2024 March Madness Tournament

The odds are likely to change right before the first round on Thursday. No matter their odds, back North Carolina in this group.

Although ultra-talented, Arizona tends to fall apart on the floor. The Wildcats have lost 2-of-3 against teams they should have spanked by 20. Oregon and USC aren’t close to AZ’s talent-level, but the Cats folded in both.

Tennessee played a brutal schedule, which is why their 73-56 loss to unranked Mississippi State in the SEC Tournament is cause for concern. Like Houston, the Vols may be breaking down physically.

Smart Picks to Win the 2024 March Madness Tournament

Iowa State’s odds are down to +1900, but they’re still the pick in this category.

Don’t worry about the odds. The Cyclones won the Big 12 Tournament by smashing the Houston Cougars. Holding the Cougs to 41 points was magic. Also, senior Hason Ward, who averaged 6 points per game during the season, scored 13 in 13 minutes against the Cougars. If Ward, a senior, steps it up, Iowa State is going to be tough to beat.

Where to Bet on the 2024 March Madness Tournament with Crypto

Nitrobetting offers a solid channel for those who want to bet on the 2024 March Madness Tournament with crypto. The power of crypto and its lightning-fast transactions make the entire NCAAB Season betting more enjoyable.

This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more 2024 March Madness Tournament previews and articles, and don’t forget to check out the latest college basketball odds on our online Crypto sportsbook.

READ MORE: Updated 2024 March Madness Odds