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2024 NCAA Tournament: Sweet 16 Sleeper Picks (March Madness)

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It's that time of year again. March Madness has finally returned. One of the most exciting aspects is this week leading up to the tip-off is when you fill out your bracket. If you're like me, you will stress over every little decision. If you aren't like me, you will trust my advice and use it to build your brackets. In this article, I will discuss some of my favorite sleepers to make the Sweet 16. 

In this instance, I consider sleepers as a double-digit seed. In 14 straight tournaments, at least one double-digit seed has made the Sweet 16. Successfully predicting who that team might be can be the difference between winning and losing your bracket.

I will note from the start that I already wrote about New Mexico as a Final Four sleeper, so I will not cover them again, but of course, they apply here.

Here are my favorite Sweet 16 sleepers.

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Sleepers To Make the Sweet 16

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

McNeese State Cowboys (12) | +550

This is the first bet I placed once the bracket dropped, and I am not backing down now. Their opening-round game against Gonzaga is the single most exciting game in the Round of 64 in my humble opinion. McNeese State is a serious double-digit threat. They defend well, force turnovers, limit transition and don’t allow much from inside. These are all things that Gonzaga likes to do. It will be a battle of wills for who comes out on top, but the Cowboys are seriously athletic, and if they get the Zags into foul trouble - which is likely considering McNeese’s 19th-ranked free throw rate - I don’t trust the Bulldogs’ depth.

Will Wade is a more than capable coach and this team will bring energy to this game for all 40 minutes. Their top-10 perimeter shooting with ball control is the cherry on top. If they take down Gonzaga, I’m more than confident in their ability to handle a crippled Kansas team or Samford.

Mississippi State Bulldogs (8) | +450

I believe the Mississippi State-Michigan State winner will beat UNC in the second round, and you can bookmark that. Either team is a good choice, but I simply expect the Bulldogs to handle business against an over-ranked Sparty squad.

Josh Hubbard has improved as a freshman guard throughout the season, and Tolu Smith is one of the best big men in the country who gets the least coverage. Their defense dominated in the SEC Tournament, ranking sixth overall in that time frame. I don’t think Michigan State’s 56th-ranked offense is ready for that. With their ability to snag offensive boards and UNC’s limited ceiling, I love the value for Chris Jans’ squad to make a Sweet 16 appearance.

Colorado Buffaloes (10) | +1100

I pegged Florida as my favorite selection in my article on Final Four sleepers. There is a huge asterisk there because I honestly think their toughest matchup might be Colorado. The Buffaloes have been banged up all year and are finally healthy. With KJ Simpson at point, an expected lottery pick Cody Williams healthy again and experienced Tristan da Silva and Eddie Lampkin in the front court, this is a dangerous team.

Of course, they have to beat Boise State tonight in the play-in round, which is a big reason why their odds are so long. However, I see that happening. Even with the injuries sustained, they still rank 24th in KenPom and are a much better team than that. With their talent, sharp shooting and overall play, this is a sleeping giant waiting to wake.

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