The Las Vegas Westgate SuperBook posted odds to win the NCAA national championship on Sunday night after the field of 68 was announced. The Villanova Wildcats are the current betting favorite at 4-1, followed by the Duke Blue Devils (5-1), Michigan State Spartans (6-1) and Virginia Cavaliers (6-1).
I don't see much value with Duke and Michigan State because they're about evenly rated and likely to face off in the Sweet 16. However, the toughest opponent that Virginia would face in the South Region in terms of future odds is the Arizona Wildcats at 15-1, and I would personally have priced them closer to 25-1.
I'm also not interested in Villanova at 4-1. The Wildcats are built to win this tournament, but I'm just not getting much return, especially with teams like the Virginia Tech Hokies, Wichita State Shockers and Purdue Boilermakers looming in the East Region. In a one-game scenario, any of those teams can trade baskets with them. I'm also not a fan of Kansas, but its draw (Duke or Michigan State will obviously lose), location (Wichita and Omaha) and odds (15-1) are favorable.
Here is a look at some of the best value bets to win the NCAA tournament, followed by my ranking of value for all 19 teams with 60-1-or-better title odds.
Note: All odds via Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook, as of Mon. March 12.