March Madness 2013: Complete Gambling Guide for Sweet 16

Eileen Blass-USA TODAY Sports

The first week of the 2013 NCAA tournament is in the books, and it’s been a doozy for those fans gambling on the games.

Plenty of future championship tickets have already been torn to shreds since Gonzaga lost, while Florida Gulf Coast has managed to bust practically every bracket in existence by making an unprecedented run to the Sweet 16.

Congratulations to those of you who did well over the first three rounds. But those of you who did poorly have plenty of chances at redemption this coming week.

Let’s take a look at where you can watch every game, what time the action takes place, the latest point spread for each contest and some advice for betting the Sweet 16.

Schedule and Odds

*All times ET, Odds via VegasInsider.

Betting Guide

Best Bet: Michigan (-2) over Kansas

After destroying South Dakota State by 15 and obliterating VCU by 25, Michigan has top-seeded Kansas on its radar.

So far, the Wolverines have looked like the best team in the tournament, which is a big reason why Vegas favors them over the No. 1 seed Jayhawks.

There’s no reason to shy away from laying the two points, especially after watching KU struggle mightily in the round of 64 against a No. 16-seeded Western Kentucky team.

Add in the fact that the Jayhawks needed a big second-half surge to overcome the undersized North Carolina Tar Heels, and you are looking at a squad just waiting to be eliminated in the Sweet 16.

As long as Trey Burke, Glenn Robinson III, Tim Hardaway Jr. and the rest of the supporting cast wearing the Maize and Blue keep up their excellent play, you’d be a fool not to back Michigan on the spread.

Bad Bet: Indiana (-4.5) over Syracuse

While the Hoosiers and Orange should make for a great matchup for the casual observer, trying to bet the outcome will drive a gambler mad.

Both teams handily defeated their initial opponents to open the tourney and wound up with six-point victories in the round of 32, making this an extremely even match on paper.

Indiana may have more talented stars—namely Victor Oladipo and Cody Zeller—and a height advantage, but Syracuse possesses an elite playmaker in Michael Carter-Williams and a number of solid scorers who could match IU bucket for bucket.

We’d highly recommend staying away from this game, but if you must take action, take the points and go with ‘Cuse.

Win or lose, the Orange will make this one close and have a better shot of covering than Indiana.

Long Shot: Florida Gulf Coast (+13/+700 ML) over Florida

While it seems crazy to bet the money line for a No. 15 seed against the No. 3 seed in the Sweet 16, it’s certainly worth considering.

After all, anyone who put a few bucks down on the FGCU ML against Georgetown or San Diego State has been handsomely rewarded. That stretch could continue on Friday when the Eagles take on the Gators, as there isn’t another team like Florida Gulf Coast in this tourney.

The underdogs have been dubbed “Dunk City” for their high-flying, highlight-reel style of play, out-working and out-hustling two heavily favored opponents to get here.

On the other hand, the Gators have yet to be challenged during the 2013 tourney, waltzing to “W's” against Northwestern State and Minnesota to reach the fourth round.

Because the Eagles have momentum and a unique style Florida isn’t used to facing, there is a great chance that the Cinderella of this tourney keeps on dancing into the Elite Eight.

Odds to Win 2013 NCAA Tournament

*Via TopBet

Louisville +300

Indiana +400

Florida +500

Ohio State +500

Miami +600

Duke +650

Kansas +800

Michigan +1000

Michigan State +1200

Syracuse +1400

Arizona +1800

Marquette +3500

Wichita State +4000

Oregon +5000

La Salle +7500

Florida Gulf Coast +7500

Don't forget to print out your NCAA bracket and follow along with the live NCAA bracket.

Make your picks for the 2013 NCAA tournament here with the Bracket Challenge Game.

Follow all the exciting NCAA Tournament action with March Madness Live.