New cars and March Madness brackets have a lot in common. Just as automobiles lose 20% of their value as soon as they're driven off the lot, most brackets become worthless after the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Just ask anyone who put their faith in Kentucky, Auburn, and Wisconsin, all three of whom were sent packing before the week was done.
Although those teams squandered their shot at immortality, you still have a chance at glory. There are plenty of March Madness contests and bracket challenges available, including our very own Covers Beat the Experts game, where you can earn valuable gift cards.
We've asked our top hoop handicappers to help you on your journey with a March Madness bracket reset. They've picked every matchup from the Sweet 16 to the National Championship Game and have shared their insights into who will be the last team standing when the confetti falls to the court at State Farm Stadium. Check out their selections below and visit our March Madness odds to see how the remaining teams stack up before you make your own March Madness second chance bracket picks.
Covers staff March Madness bracket reset predictions
Huskies have multiple paths to victory
By Jason LoganMy original bracket is still in good shape since I steered heavy into the top seeds (and got some guff for it as well. Who’s chalky now?!). The UConn Huskies are still the class of the tournament and Dan Hurley is keeping his guys hungry. I do like NC State to shock its way into the Elite Eight, but the Wolfpack run out of magic against Houston. I like the Cougars to get past Purdue and give Connecticut a scare in the title game, but the Huskies just have too many ways to win while UH has only one.
Wildcats claw their way to victory
By Rohit PonnaiyaUConn looks like the cream of the crop, but I backed Arizona to win in their own backyard prior to the tourney and I'm going to ride that out. The Cougars are vulnerable against teams that limit turnovers and can prevent second chances on the offensive glass, and Duke does both so I have the Blue Devils upsetting them en route to the Final Four. Creighton is experienced and balanced, and their offense is less reliant on one player than Purdue and Tennessee. They'll get to the championship before bowing out.
UConn wins again
By Douglas FarmerDon’t think so hard. UConn has covered its two NCAA Tournament games by an average of 12.8 points, picking up where it left off in last year’s March Madness, when it went 6-0 against the spread. The Huskies are now on a nine-game winning streak, going 8-1 ATS in the season’s homestretch.
Trusting another Big East power on the other side of the bracket stems from trusting its offense. Creighton’s 2-point percentage was No. 3 in the country this year, boosting its eFG% just as high. That kind of reliable production will be crucial in the cavernous confines of State Farm Stadium.
There is genuine logic to 3-point shooters struggling early in those atmospheres with the crowd and sightlines causing troubles. Duke may be scorching hot from long range, but that could spell its own trouble in April.
More March Madness picks
Want more smart tournament picks? Our March Madness picks hub details every tournament game, the best odds for the matchups, and links to analysis for every round. Our process will go like this. Our betting analysts — one for each region — make picks on every single game of the tournament.
