There may not be a more disrespected No. 1 seed in the 2022 NCAA Tournament than Baylor, as reflected by the Bears’ odds to win the national title being the fifth-shortest. The No. 2 seed in their region, Kentucky has better odds.
There’s a reason doubt is being cast on Baylor, however, as it’s trying to do something that hasn’t been done since Florida in 2006 and 2007: repeat as national champions. Before that, it was Duke in 1991 and 1992.
Baylor no doubt is talented, but so is Kentucky. And No. 3 Purdue and No. 4 UCLA make this one of the toughest regions to come out of. Even teams like No. 11 Virgina Tech and No. 12 Indiana are deep sleepers.
Here’s a look at the best bets in the East Region, with odds via Tipico Sportsbook.