Remember when a 16-seed somehow upended a 1-seed? Nobody expected it, and millions of brackets were immediately busted. Well, the CBS Sports Bracket Challenge puts that unpredictable thrill literally at your fingertips. There’s nothing like March Madness, and predicting the bracket is so much fun. This guide features intelligent insights and information to aid your cause in winning your CBS Sports Bracket Challenge pool.
Know the CBS Sports Bracket Challenge Basics
Within that universe, CBS Sports Bracket Challenge is king. What makes it so special? That’s important to know because you’ve got to know how this contest works. Let’s refresh the important pieces like rules, scoring, and bracket types.
How the Scoring System Works
If you correctly select the winner in each round, you earn points. Normally the idea is good players accumulate points as the tournament progresses. You may receive one point for a correct selection in the first round. You could get two points in the next round. But this is worth even more than the later rounds. Certain pools give you bonus points for selecting upsets. Know the scoring well. It will guide you in determining which risks to take.”
Different Bracket Formats on CBS Sports
CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Standard format bracket – A common bracket You select each game from scratch. There are other genres, like confidence pools. You score your selections by degree of confidence. Consider what style works for you. Do you prefer to play it safe, or do you prefer large risks for large rewards?
Key Dates and Deadlines
Don’t forget important dates. Selection Sunday is the day the tournament teams are selected. The cutoff for submitting a bracket is before the first games. Know when each round starts. If you miss these dates, you’re out. It is crucial to get your bracket in on time.
Margin of Victory: Data Behind the Bracket
Facts are what good picks are based on. Examine team statistics and previous outcomes. See what the experts think. Some data can help you discover how to make good picks.
Using KenPom and Other Advanced Statistics
KenPom is a site that has team ratings. It gives the numbers a glimpse of how talented teams are. NET rankings do something similar. These stats can identify teams that are better than people realize. For instance, a team can be lower in the standings but still possess a high KenPom rating. That group might be a nice upset pick.
Glance at Historical Trends in March Madness
Just look at past tournaments. Some seeds win more frequently than others. We have upsets, but some seeds are more likely to lose early. Apply these trends to your bracket picks. But don’t just copy the past. Every year is different.
Spotting Possible First Round Upsets
The first round is dominated by upsets. And nailing these can elevate you in the rankings. Beware of great teams with bad guards. Help comes from experienced coaches too. The 12 vs. 5 matchup is a place often to find an upset.
The Achievements of a True Underdog and Cinderella Team
That’s what makes March Madness so great, the upsets. You have to know which of them to pick in your bracket. But don’t go too crazy.
Why do upsets happen when you know they shouldn’t?
Upsets are not just strokes of luck. They can happen based on how teams feel. A team with decent momentum could beat a better team. Confident players can play above their usual level. Clever coaches can also be a huge difference maker.
The Key to Identifying Cinderella Candidates
They also have Cinderella teams that emerge from the fog to make a deep run. They tend to be stout defensively. It also helps if a team is making its shots. Teams that have played in tournaments know how to manage the pressure.
Risk vs. Reward: The Case for Picking Upsets
Picking upsets is risky. But you have to be risky to win. Don’t pick too many upsets. A bracket with a bunch of wacky picks probably isn’t winning. Take smart risks about where you go.
Optimizing Your Bracket for Your Particular Pool
The specifics of your pool are important. So does the opponent you are playing against. Adjust your bracket plan according to your pool
Scoring System in Your Pool Explained
Understand how points are awarded in your pool. If you get bonus points for upsets, pick more upsets. If not, play it safer. Another scoring requires another plans.
Analyzing your Competitors and their tendencies
Consider who else is in your pool. Do they tend to choose the favorites? Do they tend to go with a lot of upsets? When everyone else has chosen the same teams, it may be best to select against them.
The Art of Contrarian Picks
Contrarian picks are picks that defy the consensus. That’s a great way to set yourself apart — choosing a team that no one else believes is going to win. If that team succeeds, you leapfrog everyone else.
Selection Sunday+1: Tweaking Your Bracket
Once the teams are selected, pay close attention to the matchups. Injuries can change things. Read what the experts say.
Analyzing The Matchups, During The Peaks & Valleys
It’s always about teams matching up against each other. Is one team a lot taller than the other? Is one team considerably better shooting the ball than the other? Consider how each team’s strengths and weaknesses match up against the other opponent.
Accounting for Injuries and Late-Breaking News
An injury to a key player can change everything. Keep an eye on news of injuries or suspensions. These can have a huge effect on your selections.
Final Review: Verify Your Bracket Is Complete and Accurate
So, make sure everything is right before submitting it. Make sure that you finished out the entire bracket. Double-check to ensure you didn’t mess up. The deadline is quite critical.
Conclusion
It is some work to win your CBS Sports Bracket Challenge. Use data to make smart picks. Make some upset picks, but not too many. Know the rules of your pool. Good luck with your bracket!
