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NCAA Bracket Picks 2026

Articles

Analysis of this year's bracket, bracket strategy advice and past bracket writeups.

2025 Bracket Analysis

Bracket Pool Strategy

Bracket Strategy Guide: How to Win at March Madness Pools

In our bracket strategy guide, we have articles on several topics, ranging from expectations, to how to spot bad advice, to understanding value and risk.

Bracket Scoring Systems: Why They Matter & How to Exploit Them

Winning a bracket pool often requires adapting to different bracket scoring systems. We look at common types and key strategies.

The Tested Risk-Reward Formula for Bracket Success

To win your bracket pool, you need to consider the value upside and risk downside of each selection.

NCAA Tournament "Pick X" Pool Strategy

Strategy advice to get an edge in NCAA Tournament "Pick X" pools, where you pick specific teams and earn points as they win games.

Why Bracket Pools Are a Better Investment Than the Stock Market

Winning pool contests takes a long-term approach but offers great opportunities with the right mindset.

5 Signs of Bad Bracket Advice (Use These Proven Tips Instead)

There's lots of bracket advice out there, so here are some things you should consider (or avoid) when filling out your bracket.

Setting Expectations for March Madness Bracket Pools

If you want to get the most out of March Madness brackets, you need to understand what you are up against, and the chances of winning bracket pools.

How Many Bracket Upsets Should You Pick in March Madness?

Be careful with bracket upsets—picking too many can quietly ruin your chances.

Every NCAA Tournament is Different: Ignore The "Golden Rules" Of Bracket Picking

Every NCAA Tournament is different, and what worked one year in your bracket pools may not be the optimal strategy in another year.

March Madness Myths

Do Play-In Teams Win More First Round Games Than Expected?

Do First Four teams have an edge in March Madness? We break down the numbers and smartest approach for your bracket.

How Often Do No. 1 Seeds Make the Final Four?

How often do No. 1 seeds make the Final Four on average, and how often do they win the NCAA Tournament?

What's the Lowest Seed to Win the NCAA Tournament?

Learn about the biggest Cinderella stories in NCAA Tournament history and what these historical upsets mean for your bracket strategy.

How Often Does a 16 Seed Beat a 1 Seed?

Learn the full history of the 1 vs 16 seed matchup, and what it means for your bracket strategy.

How Often Does a 15 Seed Beat a 2 Seed?

Learn the full history of the 2 vs 15 seed matchup and what it means for your bracket strategy.

How Often Does a 14 Seed Beat a 3 Seed?

Get the complete 3 vs. 14 seed history in the NCAA Tournament. How often has the 14 seed won?

How Often Does a 13 Seed Beat a 4 Seed?

Explore complete 4 vs 13 seed history and how often the underdog has pulled off the unthinkable in March Madness.

How Often Does a 12 Seed Beat a 5 Seed?

How often does a 12 seed beat a 5 seed, and what does it mean for your March Madness bracket?

How Often Does an 11 Seed Beat a 6 Seed?

Check out the full NCAA Tournament 11 vs. 6 seed history along with how many times an 11 seed has made the Final Four.

How Often Does a 10 Seed Beat a 7 Seed?

Learn the full history of the 7 vs 10 seed matchup, and what it means for your bracket strategy.

How Often Does a 9 Seed Beat an 8 Seed?

Learn the complete NCAA Tournament 8 vs. 9 seed matchup history and what it means for your bracket strategy.

Past Bracket Writeups