The opening of this NFL season has been anything but predictable, stirring up excitement and uncertainty among fans. The initial weeks have thrown curveballs, with many of the league's biggest favorites facing unexpected losses. This roller-coaster start has put a significant dent in the number of fans making eliminator pool picks, reflecting the volatility in early matchups.
A Rocky Start for Favorites
As we head into Week 3, four teams are favored by at least 6.5 points, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers standing out as notable contenders. Favored by 6.5 points against Denver, the Buccaneers have demonstrated early promise, securing victories over both Washington and Detroit. This strong start has painted them as formidable opponents, despite the unpredictability seen thus far.
On the other side, Denver has proven to be a resilient squad, narrowly losing each of their games by just one score. Their recent 13-6 loss against Pittsburgh showcased their competitive spirit, with rookie quarterback Bo Nix starting to find his rhythm. Though the Broncos have yet to notch a win, their performances indicate they could soon turn the corner.
Analyzing the Trends
It's noteworthy to mention sports analyst White, who boasts an impressive record of 643-543-34 against the spread since 2017. With a solid 56.7% hit rate on his Vegas contest picks over the last nine seasons, White's insights have been invaluable to bettors. In 2017, White finished 18th out of 2,748 entries, cementing his reputation as a reliable source for betting advice. As the article states, "Anyone who followed his advice avoided two of the biggest NFL upsets of the season and advanced to Week 3."
Week 1 and 2 Surprises
The season's unpredictability was highlighted in Week 1 when the Cincinnati Bengals, despite being 8.5-point favorites, were upset by the New England Patriots. In stark contrast, the New Orleans Saints dominated the Carolina Panthers, winning by a staggering 37 points. Week 2 saw more unexpected results, with the Baltimore Ravens losing as 8.5-point favorites to the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Houston Texans securing a victory over the Chicago Bears.
Bengals Under the Spotlight
The Cincinnati Bengals have particularly drawn attention, being the biggest favorites of Week 3 at -7.5. However, their recent track record raises questions. The Bengals lost five of their last nine games last season and have struggled this year, losing all three preseason games and the first two regular-season matchups, including a painful defeat against Kansas City. Their rushing attack has been lackluster, averaging just 3.4 yards per carry, which does not bode well for their favored status.
Despite their challenges, the Washington Commanders have managed to pull off remarkable performances. In their recent 21-18 win over the New York Giants, Commanders' Jayden Daniels showcased his versatility, throwing for 226 yards and rushing for an additional 44.
Looking Forward
As fans and analysts alike gear up for Week 3, the focus will undoubtedly remain on whether the trends of upsets and underdog victories continue. With teams like the Buccaneers looking strong and the Bengals laboring under the weight of expectations, the early season's narrative remains thrillingly unpredictable. Whether the favorites will reassert their dominance or more surprises are in store, only time will tell. This season is shaping up to be one of the most exhilarating in recent memory.