The NFL season has started with a rollercoaster of unpredictability, leaving fans on edge and many of the biggest favorites nursing unexpected defeats within the first two weeks. This trend has significantly thinned out the number of fans making eliminator pool picks, highlighting the brutal nature of the early matchups.
Surprising Upsets and Early Patterns
Week 1 witnessed dramatic results, with the Cincinnati Bengals suffering a surprising loss to the New England Patriots despite being favored by 8.5 points. The same week, the New Orleans Saints steamrolled the Carolina Panthers by a staggering 37 points, underscoring the volatility and surprise elements that have defined the season so far. Week 2 followed a similar script, as the Baltimore Ravens fell to the Las Vegas Raiders despite being 8.5-point favorites. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans secured a victory over the Chicago Bears.
Week 3 Favorites and Underdogs
Heading into Week 3, four teams find themselves favored by at least 6.5 points, setting the stage for potential drama. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are among these favorites, carrying a 6.5-point edge over the Denver Broncos. The Buccaneers have shown early promise with victories over Washington and Detroit, positioning themselves as a team to watch.
The Denver Broncos, on the other hand, have remained competitive despite their losses, each coming by just one score. Last week, the Broncos fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a tight 13-6 game. However, there's a silver lining for Denver fans as rookie quarterback Bo Nix begins to find his footing, showing glimpses of potential that could soon translate into victories.
The Analyst's Perspective
Expert analysis from White, who boasts an impressive record of 643-543-34 against the spread since 2017, offers valuable insight. White's 56.7% hit rate on his Vegas contest picks over the last nine seasons speaks volumes of his expertise. Notably, in 2017, he achieved an 18th place finish out of 2,748 entries, reinforcing his credibility. Reflecting on the initial weeks of the season, it was noted, "Anyone who followed his advice avoided two of the biggest NFL upsets of the season and advanced to Week 3," emphasizing the value of experienced guidance.
Cincinnati Bengals: A Team in Flux
The Cincinnati Bengals, despite being the biggest favorites of Week 3 at -7.5, have faced a tumultuous period. They lost five of their final nine games last season and carried that losing streak into the preseason, dropping all three games. The regular season hasn't been kinder, with the Bengals dropping their first two games, including a defeat to Kansas City last week. Their rushing attack has struggled, averaging just 3.4 yards per carry, which has contributed to their recent woes.
Other Notable Performances
Beyond the Bengals and Buccaneers, other teams have also had notable performances. The Washington Commanders secured a hard-fought 21-18 victory over the New York Giants. Jayden Daniels played a pivotal role in the Commanders' win, throwing for 226 yards and rushing for another 44, showcasing his dual-threat capability and resilience under pressure.
As the NFL season progresses, the continuous upsets and unpredictable outcomes serve as a reminder of the volatility and excitement that make football so compelling. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see if the early trends persist or if the favorites can reassert their dominance in the weeks ahead.