Question 1

What is an upset in March Madness?

Accepted Answer

A March Madness upset happens when a lower-seeded team defeats a higher-seeded team. These unexpected wins are a big part of what makes March Madness exciting, as underdogs often rise to the occasion and shake up brackets.

Question 2

How often do March Madness upsets happen?

Accepted Answer

March Madness upsets occur every year, especially in the first two rounds. While higher seeds usually win, lower-seeded teams pull off surprise victories regularly. This makes upset picks an important part of March Madness betting or bracket contest strategy.

Question 3

What are the best seeds to target for March Madness upsets?

Accepted Answer

Historically, 10-12 seeds have the best chances of upsetting higher seeds in the first round. No. 11 and No. 12 seeds, in particular, have a strong track record of pulling off surprises against No. 5 and No. 6 seeds.

Question 4

How do I identify potential March Madness upset teams?

Accepted Answer

To identify potential March Madness upset options, look for teams with strong guard play, experience, and momentum entering the tournament. Teams that force turnovers, shoot well from three, or have a standout player can be dangerous underdogs against higher-seeded teams.

Question 5

Should I pick a #16 seed to upset a #1 seed?

Accepted Answer

It is extremely rare, but it has happened only twice in men's March Madness history. While it is fun to predict a historic moment, No. 16 seeds almost never beat No. 1 seeds. Therefore, it is usually not a smart upset pick for your bracket or betting endeavors.

Question 6

Can I still have a successful March Madness bracket even if my upset picks are wrong?

Accepted Answer

Yes, even if some of your upset picks don’t hit, strong picks in later rounds can keep your March Madness bracket competitive. Upsets are unpredictable, so balancing smart risk-taking with solid picks helps maximize your chances of success.

How to Pick March Madness Upsets in 2025