3 March Madness Teams to Avoid Picking to Go Deep in Your 2022 Bracket

March Madness is here, and that means there are only a couple days left to fill out your 2022 March Madness bracket.

With your funny bracket name set, your March Madness winner decided and even some sleeper picks ready, it's time to figure out which teams you need to avoid picking for a deep tournament run.

Here's a look at three March Madness teams to avoid picking to go deep with your 2022 bracket.

March Madness Teams to Avoid

1. Providence — Midwest Region No. 4 Seed

The Providence Friars enter this year's March Madness tournament following a 25-5, 14-3 Big East run. Unfortunately, it's hard to picture the Friars going that deep this year. For starters, Providence was absolutely destroyed by Creighton in the Big East semifinals, 85-58, in their last game before the tournament. That isn't exactly the momentum (or lack thereof) you want a higher seed to have at this time of the year. The Friars also have a tough opening matchup against the offensively-talented South Dakota State Jackrabbits. Considering how Providence is only a 2-point favorite in this matchup, chances are there isn't much faith for a deep run even if they make it to Round 2.

2. Illinois — South Region No. 4 Seed

When it comes to the March Madness tournament, you want to avoid top teams that can't separate themselves from their opponents. Although the Illinois Fighting Illini had a lot to be proud of this season, their +8.2 point differential leaves a lot to be desired, especially when comparing it to their peers. The Chattanooga Mocs are a big team that could provide a difficult matchup with the Fighting Illini in Round 1, with the rest of the South Region posing difficult matchups should Illinois continue to advance. As great as the team looks on paper, fade them for a deep run.

3. Purdue — East Region No. 3 Seed

The Purdue Boilermakers finished as the third-best team in the Big Ten this year, which includes a run to the conference tournament championship. Unfortunately, that doesn't guarantee a long March Madness run. Purdue is a concerning 3-3 in their last six games, leaving experts to wonder if they have what it takes to go far. Yes, Jaden Ivey is one of the best players in college basketball, but there's only so much he can do on his own. Even if Purdue makes it past Yale in the first round, a second-round matchup against either Texas or Virginia Tech awaits them. Neither of those schools is a slouch and could potentially stop the Boilermakers from a deep run.

Devon Platana is not a FanDuel employee. The views expressed in his articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.