Analyzing the Sweet 16 Odds: Spreads and Betting Lines for Each of the 8 Games

• Sweet 16 odds are starting to trickle out for March Madness

• Texas Tech is an early favorite over Arkansas in the college basketball bracket

• See all the 2025 Sweet 16 odds, point spreads, and game totals below

Sportsbooks have begun releasing Sweet 16 odds for the third round of the NCAA Tournament as the matchups get finalized. In the first official Sweet 16 showdown, Texas Tech has opened as a 4.5-point favorite over Arkansas.

The table below lists the odds for all available games and will be updated as more Sweet 16 matchups are set.

Sweet 16 Odds for 2025 NCAA Tournament

Odds as of March 22, 2025 at DraftKings. Bet on the opening Sweet 16 odds with the DraftKings promo code.

Arkansas vs Texas Tech Opening Odds

The first matchup to be officially finalized in the Sweet 16 odds is No. 10 Arkansas battling No.4 Texas Tech. The Razorbacks are writing quite the Cinderella story, having defeated 7th-seeded Kansas in their opening game before stunning 2nd-seeded St. John’s 75-66 in the second round.

Arkansas was not among the top 20 teams in KenPom rankings entering the tournament, which historically has been a strong indicator of Final Four potential. That’s just part of the many reasons oddsmakers have opened the Sweet 16 odds with TTU as nearly a 5-point favorite.

Texas Tech punched their ticket to the Sweet 16 with a convincing victory over 14th-seeded UNC Wilmington in the opening game of the tournament. The Red Raiders followed that up with a 77-64 statement victory over 11th-seeded Drake in Round 2.

When we analyze this early matchup, Texas Tech has a clear advantage in offensive firepower, particularly from beyond the arc. TTU makes over 10 three-pointers per game, highlighted by their program-record 13 buckets from downtown in the tourney opener vs UNC Wilmington.

Arkansas’ physicality is going to be the key to a third consecutive upset bid.  The Hogs excel at drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line, attempting 20.7 free throws per game. The Razorbacks’ defense has been disruptive, forcing 11.8 turnovers per game from opponents.

John Calipari’s squad can’t let perimeter-oriented offense stretch Arkansas’s defense and create mismatches. If they can limit Texas Tech’s 3-point opportunities while exploiting their own size and athleticism inside, they have a chance at pulling off another stunner.

As we head into the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, fans and bettors alike are eagerly analyzing the odds and spreads for each of the eight games. With so much on the line and the competition heating up, it’s important to have a clear understanding of where the betting lines stand and how they may impact your wagering decisions.

Let’s take a closer look at the spreads and betting lines for each of the Sweet 16 matchups:

1. Gonzaga vs. Creighton
The top-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs are heavily favored in this matchup, with a spread of -13.5 points. Creighton will need to bring their A-game to keep up with the high-powered offense of Gonzaga.

2. Michigan vs. Florida State
Michigan is a slight favorite in this game, with a spread of -2 points. Both teams have shown strong performances in the tournament so far, making this a closely contested matchup.

3. Alabama vs. UCLA
Alabama comes into this game as the favorite, with a spread of -6 points. UCLA will need to find a way to contain Alabama’s explosive offense if they hope to pull off an upset.

4. USC vs. Oregon
USC is favored in this matchup, with a spread of -2.5 points. Both teams have shown strong defensive play in the tournament, making this a potentially low-scoring affair.

5. Baylor vs. Villanova
Baylor is heavily favored in this game, with a spread of -7 points. Villanova will need to find a way to slow down Baylor’s high-scoring offense if they hope to advance.

6. Arkansas vs. Oral Roberts
Arkansas comes into this game as the favorite, with a spread of -11 points. Oral Roberts has been a Cinderella story in the tournament so far, but they will face a tough test against Arkansas.

7. Loyola Chicago vs. Oregon State
Loyola Chicago is favored in this matchup, with a spread of -6 points. Oregon State has been a surprise team in the tournament, but they will need to find a way to contain Loyola’s stifling defense.

8. Houston vs. Syracuse
Houston is favored in this game, with a spread of -6 points. Syracuse’s zone defense has been effective in the tournament, but they will face a tough challenge against Houston’s balanced attack.

As you analyze the Sweet 16 odds and spreads for each of these games, be sure to consider factors such as recent performance, key matchups, and injury updates. By staying informed and making well-informed betting decisions, you can maximize your chances of success during this exciting stage of the NCAA Tournament.