X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

2025 March Madness: Who Will Knock Off The NCAA Tournament Top Seeds?

Mark Sears - CBB DFS Picks, NCAA Daily College Fantasy Basketball

Mike Marteny takes a look at each top seed's worst nightmare in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. You can't just pick all 1 seeds. Which ones are likely to lose before San Antonio?

The field of 68 is finally out and we are on the brink of the four greatest days in any sport in any country on any continent. The NCAA Tournament is an entirely different animal, and the first four days of this behemoth are the most fun days you'll have watching sports, even if it's by yourself!

Do you want to be a chalk donkey? You would not believe the number of brackets that I have seen so far that have all four 1-seeds in the Final Four. Stop doing that! It has only happened twice in the last 25 years. The odds are not on your side. The inverse is also true. You don't want zero top seeds in your Final Four. That has also only happened twice in 25 years. You want a happy medium. The average 1-seed to make the Final Four over the last 25 years is 2.3. You want two top seeds, but which two?

In this article, I will be providing you with teams in each region who are serious threats to the top seed in that bracket. Be wary of the teams who run into one of these teams early. Losing one of your top seeds before the first weekend is over results in bracket-shredding. You don't want to be that guy, either. Be sure to also check out the rest of our NCAA Tournament articles and analysis including previews, predictions, sleepers, busts, and guides on how to fill out your brackets. Good luck, RotoBallers!

Upgrade To VIP: Win more with our NBA and DFS Premium Pass, get expert tools and advice from proven winners! Jamie Calandro and Dan Palyo lead the RotoBaller team in 2024-25 with exclusive DFS picks, Prop picks and more. Gain VIP access to our Lineup Optimizer, Research Station, DFS Cheat Sheets and VIP Chat Rooms. Go Premium, Win More!

 

West Region's Biggest Threats To Florida

The Gators are on a high after running through the SEC Tournament to claim a top seed. According to the committee, Florida is the fourth overall seed and, therefore, the "weakest" 1-seed. That's a relative term.

Florida's draw really isn't that bad. There are a couple of teams in the area who would be bad matchups for the Gators, but they have their own bad matchups before they would meet Florida. I will put these in order of likelihood of toppling the Gators if they can make it that far.

Maryland

They are mirror images of each other. Florida has better guards, but Maryland's frontcourt of Julian Reese and Derik Queen is a matchup nightmare. Queen has moves that a 6-foot-10 guy simply should not have.

That graph shows that a Maryland-Florida matchup in the Sweet Sixteen could be a great one. The Terrapins could have problems with the pace of Grand Canyon or a hot Colorado State team. If they survive the pod, they have the best chance to take out Florida with the regional site on the west coast.

Texas Tech

JT Toppin and Darrion Williams could handle the Florida bigs and the Tech guards play really good defense. A pending matchup with former Big 12 foe Missouri is tough for Tech, but if they get out of that, it's regional final time. Tech has the defense and size to give Florida trouble.

Missouri

Missouri loves to get out and run and Florida is glad to oblige. The Tigers toppled the Gators in Gainesville but lost to them in Nashville. Missouri has a rough road, but they have already beaten Florida once -- at home, no less -- so are considered a threat to do it again.

St. John's

Any team that plays defense like St. John's does is a threat. History is not on their side to make it far enough to face Florida, but the Red Storm is worth a mention with the season they've had.

 

South Region's Biggest Threats To Auburn

The bottom of this bracket is a wreck and is my pick to be decimated this year. The top half is going to be very tough for the top overall seed. Auburn has also lost three of the last five games, an unprecedented stretch for a top overall seed. Does that mean they're vulnerable? Once again, this is in order of the best chance to knock out the heavyweight.

Creighton

Creighton has Big East Defensive Player of the Year Ryan Kalkbrenner on Johni Broome. The Creighton guards are streaky, but Steven Ashworth is the wild card here. He has hit more shots from 30+ feet than anyone else I've seen this year. The Jays nearly made the Final Four last year. This is still a tough team.

Michigan

I don't like the pod for the Wolverines, and many are betting obscene amounts of money on UC San Diego winning in the first round. If Michigan can survive that onslaught, they have a decent chance against Auburn.

Danny Wolf and Vladislav Goldin are tough for teams who like to go to the rack. Auburn does that. I do think that Auburn will make it out of this region, but they will be scared along the way.

North Carolina

It's unlikely, but so was North Carolina State's run to the Final Four last year. There is always one play-in team that demolishes a bracket. With the way Carolina looked last night, they could be the one this year. They're from the same state and the same conference as last year's demolition experts.

 

East Region's Biggest Threats To Duke

Looking at the draw, I would guess that Duke was the top overall seed. Houston and Auburn got the toughest eight and nine-seeds, respectively. The health of Cooper Flagg will decide what the ceiling for Duke is. Predictably, the team has been quiet about Flagg's status.

Anyone who says they have "information" on Flagg's status is lying. It's just clickbait. The only thing that we know for certain is that it looked bad, and there is no way he plays in the first game. After that, all bets are off. He may not even play in the first weekend.

Alabama

I've expressed my doubts about Alabama a few times now, but they are still the most dangerous team in the entire bracket. They thrive on turning it into a track meet a la Loyola Marymount in 1990. Who cares if they give up 90? They're scoring 100.

The Tide, specifically Mark Sears, isn't nearly as efficient shooting the ball as last year. That makes them prone to slumps if they can't hit threes. Alabama is a threat to lose early. They're also a threat to cut down the nets in San Antonio.

They are a nightmare team to pick, but they can literally beat anyone...and did. They beat both Auburn and Houston this year but couldn't solve Florida. Why? Because Florida ran with them. Duke is a lot of things, but they don't play that fast. Their efficiency makes them look faster.

BYU

The only loss for the Cougars in the last 10 games was to Houston in the Big 12 final. The Cougars shoot well and play good defense. Duke hasn't run into a lot of teams like that in ACC play. The best comp is Clemson. Clemson was the last team Duke lost to.

 

Midwest Region's Biggest Threat To Houston

Oh man, this is a rough region for Houston. They were going to be my pick to win, especially with the Final Four less than 200 miles from campus. Then I saw Houston's draw. It would be a great story, but it's unlikely to happen. This region is a bear.

Tennessee

The Vols have to hope someone offs Kentucky because they couldn't solve them this year. If that happens, this regional final could be great. Tennessee is literally Houston with a slightly faster pace. These teams are very even. Both rely on veteran guards and more athletes than size upfront.

Tennessee's guards are the best defensive unit in the country, and Houston isn't far behind. This game would be won in the middle. If Houston doesn't have J'Wan Roberts at full strength, they won't get out of the region. I love Houston, but Tennessee is the worst matchup for them in the entire tournament.

Gonzaga

This is a second-round nightmare for Houston if it comes to fruition. Gonzaga is eighth in the NET rankings. Houston is third. This is where the status of Roberts really matters. Roberts is expected to play, but if that ankle isn't 100%, Graham Ike and Ben Gregg could take over the game.

Clemson

Houston's guards will give Clemson fits, but Clemson has the size in the middle to dominate Houston. Viktor Lakhin's play over the last month has a lot to do with Clemson's success down the stretch.

More March Madness Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Lands on Injured List With Fractured Ribs
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Kerry Carpenter

Leaves Game with Apparent Hamstring Injury
Brooklyn Nets

Day'Ron Sharpe Heads to Free Agency
Santi Aldama

Receives Qualifying Offer
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner has Team Option Declined
Jabari Smith Jr.

Signs Massive Extension
Jusuf Nurkić

Hornets Trading Jusuf Nurkic to Utah
Collin Sexton

Heading to Charlotte
Cam Thomas

Set for Restricted Free Agency
Milwaukee Bucks

Bobby Portis Staying in Milwaukee
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Los Angeles Clippers

James Harden, Clippers Agree on a New Contract
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Joel Hofer

Commits to Blues for Two More Years
Kevin Bahl

Signs Long-Term Extension with Flames
Oneil Cruz

Smacks Two Homers
Jordan Spence

Traded to Ottawa
Petr Mrazek

Heads to Anaheim
John Gibson

Red Wings Acquire John Gibson
Matthew Knies

Inks Six-Year Extension with Maple Leafs
Aaron Judge

Blasts Two Homers, Dealing With Back Issue
Claude Giroux

Signs One-Year Deal with Senators
Yordan Alvarez

has Chance to Return Next Weekend
Minnesota Timberwolves

Julius Randle Signs Three-Year Extension
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Opts into Player Option
Luis Robert Jr.

Heads to Injured List
Gabriel Arias

Carted Off on Sunday
Bryce Harper

Faces Live Pitching
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Remains Out on Sunday
Utah Jazz

Bojan Bogdanovic Retiring From Basketball
Los Angeles Lakers

Dorian Finney-Smith Declines Player Option
Jaylin Williams

Signing Three-Year Extension
LeBron James

Accepts Player Option
Anfernee Simons

"a Possible Re-Trade Candidate"
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Yordan Alvarez

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
Milwaukee Bucks

Kevin Porter Jr. Declining Player Option
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Quinn Priester

Fans 11 in One-Hit Gem
Toronto Raptors

Garrett Temple Returning to Toronto
Los Angeles Clippers

Nicolas Batum Declines Player Option
Spencer Schwellenbach

Dominant in Victory
Keon Johnson

Gets Team Option Picked Up
Rayan Rupert

Staying in Portland
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Out of Lineup Saturday
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
Garrett Mitchell

to Undergo Shoulder Surgery
José Ramírez

Jose Ramirez in Guardians Lineup on Saturday
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Ty Dillon

Could Benefit from Kaulig Speed
Chase Burns

Slated to Make Next Start on Monday
Dylan Sampson

Being Used as a Receiver
Carson Schwesinger

Figures to be in Full-Time Role in 2025
Cedric Tillman

Should Have Full-Time Role
Bryce Young

Looking More Comfortable, Showing More Intensity
Charlie Coyle

Blue Jackets Acquire Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood From Colorado
Jack Quinn

Signs Up for Two More Years with Sabres
Brandon Saad

Stays in Vegas on One-Year Deal
Trent Frederic

Inks Eight-Year Extension
Josh Naylor

Exits Friday's Contest Early with Neck Stiffness
Emil Heineman

Shipped to the Islanders
Noah Dobson

Traded to Montreal
John Tavares

Agrees to Four-Year Extension with Maple Leafs
Sam Bennett

Signs Eight-Year Extension with Panthers
NYI

Islanders Select Matthew Schaefer With No. 1 Pick in NHL Draft
José Berríos

Jose Berrios Tosses Seven Scoreless Innings in Fourth Win
Nick Martinez

Flirts With No-Hitter, Settles for Win
Gary Sánchez

Gary Sanchez Homers, Reaches Five Times in Onslaught
Trea Turner

Blasts Two Homers, Steals Base
Aaron Rodgers

Roman Wilson Could Fit Nicely With Aaron Rodgers
Josh Simmons

on Schedule to Open the Year as a Starter
Micah Parsons

Contract Length an Issue for Cowboys, Micah Parsons
Denver Broncos

Broncos Unsure How Their Running Back Room Will Look
Russell Wilson

Not the Only Leader in Giants Clubhouse
Jihaad Campbell

to Begin at Inside Linebacker
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
Daniil Tarasov

Panthers Bring in Daniil Tarasov
Frederick Gaudreau

Kraken Pick Up Frederick Gaudreau From Wild
Michael Thorbjornsen

Returns in Detroit at Rocket Classic
Adam Hadwin

Could Struggle Over the Weekend in Detroit
Cam Davis

Hopes Detroit Magic Can Spark Turnaround
Matt Wallace

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Rocket Classic
Joel Dahmen

Not Cutting it Lately
Michael Kim

Searching for Spark at Rocket Classic
Rasmus Hojgaard

a High-Ceiling Play in Rocket Classic
Matt McCarty

a Wild Card Heading into Detroit
Emiliano Grillo

Rolling into the Summer Season
Rickie Fowler

Looking for More Magic at Rocket Classic
Wyndham Clark

Brings High Upside to Detroit Golf Club
Max Greyserman

Could Make Noise at Rocket Classic
Akshay Bhatia

a Strong Value Play at Rocket Classic
Eric Cole

Hoping for Better Times at Rocket Classic
Beau Hossler

Searching for Form at Rocket Classic
PGA

Byeong Hun An in Good Form Heading into Rocket Classic
Cameron Young

Looking For Redemption and Possible First Career Victory in Detroit
Collin Morikawa

is The Headliner This Week in Detroit For Good Reason
Si Woo Kim

Back in Competition After Last Week's Withdrawal
PGA

Alex Noren Finishes Tied For 30th at Travelers Championship
Kurt Kitayama

Misses The Cut at RBC Canadian Open
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF