The start of the NFL season has been nothing short of unpredictable. Fans and analysts alike have watched in shock as many of the league's biggest favorites have met unexpected defeats, particularly in the first two weeks. This early season turmoil has greatly impacted eliminator pools, whittling down the number of contestants making picks week by week.
Early Season Surprises
While it's common to see surprises in the NFL, the level of unpredictability this season has been remarkable. In Week 1, the Cincinnati Bengals, who were 8.5-point favorites, were upset by the New England Patriots. This was followed by an astounding 37-point victory for the New Orleans Saints over the Carolina Panthers. Such outcomes have not only surprised fans but have also kept analysts on their toes.
The story didn't change much in Week 2. The Baltimore Ravens, also 8.5-point favorites, were defeated by the Las Vegas Raiders. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans managed to pull off a win against the Chicago Bears. These unexpected results have made the early season a challenging puzzle for those trying to predict outcomes.
Week 3: Who Are the Favorites?
As we move into Week 3, four teams are favored by at least 6.5 points. Leading the pack are the Cincinnati Bengals, who are the biggest favorites at -7.5. However, their current form raises questions. The Bengals have lost five of their final nine games from last season and all three of their preseason games this year. Furthermore, they have dropped their first two regular-season games, including a notable loss against Kansas City last week.
The Bengals' struggles have not gone unnoticed. Their rushing attack has been particularly weak, averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. Despite the challenges, their favored status heading into Week 3 remains a point of interest and scrutiny.
Another team to watch is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, favored by 6.5 points against the Denver Broncos. The Buccaneers have shown promise early in the season with victories over Washington and Detroit. On the other side, Denver has remained competitive, although they’ve lost each of their games by just one score. Their recent loss was a 13-6 battle against Pittsburgh.
Individual Performances and Key Statistics
Individual performances are always a critical component of NFL success. For the Denver Broncos, rookie quarterback Bo Nix is starting to find his footing. His development could be key to turning Denver's close losses into wins. Meanwhile, Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders threw for 226 yards and rushed for another 44 in their 21-18 victory over the New York Giants, showcasing his versatility and leadership on the field.
The Betting Angle
For those following betting trends, the insights of proven experts like White are invaluable. With a record of 643-543-34 against the spread since 2017 and a 56.7% hit rate on his Vegas contest picks over the last nine seasons, White's advice is highly regarded. His exceptional performance includes an 18th place finish out of 2,748 entries in 2017, underscoring his keen understanding of the game's nuances.
White's acumen was evident once again this season, as his followers avoided two of the biggest upsets so far and advanced to Week 3 unscathed. Such expertise continues to be a reliable guide for many navigating the unpredictability of the NFL season.
As the season unfolds, the early surprises have set the stage for an intriguing journey ahead. The next few weeks will likely provide more clarity on which teams can sustain their momentum and which might falter under pressure. Until then, fans and analysts remain captivated by the myriad possibilities each game week brings.