It has been an unpredictable start to the NFL season, shaking up fans and analysts alike. The opening weeks have been marked by unexpected upsets, leaving many of the biggest favorites reeling from unexpected defeats. As a result, the number of fans making eliminator pool picks has significantly thinned out.
Early Season Surprises
The trend of unexpected outcomes continued into Week 3, where four teams entered the week as favorites by at least 6.5 points. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of these teams, favored by 6.5 points in their matchup against Denver. The Buccaneers have indicated early promise with convincing victories over Washington and Detroit, showcasing their competitive edge.
On the other hand, Denver has shown resilience despite their losses. They managed to keep each game within a one-score margin, highlighting their competitive spirit. Last week, the Broncos lost 13-6 against Pittsburgh, but rookie quarterback Bo Nix is beginning to find his footing, offering hope for Denver's future performances.
Key Performances and Figures
White, a notable figure with a record of 643-543-34 against the spread since 2017, achieved an impressive 56.7% hit rate on his Vegas contest picks over the last nine seasons. Such consistency underscores his expertise in navigating the unpredictable NFL landscape. In 2017, White notably finished in 18th place out of 2,748 entries, a testament to his forecasting skill. "Anyone who followed his advice avoided two of the biggest NFL upsets of the season and advanced to Week 3," highlighting the weight of his guidance.
Week 1 and 2 Highlights
The season kicked off with a shock as the Cincinnati Bengals, 8.5-point favorites, were upset by the New England Patriots. Adding to the chaos, the New Orleans Saints routed the Carolina Panthers with a dominant 37-point victory in Week 1. In Week 2, the tumultuous trend continued as the Baltimore Ravens, 8.5-point favorites, fell to the Las Vegas Raiders. The Houston Texans also secured a victory over the Chicago Bears, further shaking up expectations.
Bengals' Struggles Continue
Moving into Week 3, the Cincinnati Bengals find themselves as the biggest favorites at -7.5. However, their recent performances leave much to be desired. Last season, the Bengals lost five of their final nine games, and this year they dropped all three of their preseason games. Their struggles have persisted into the regular season, with consecutive losses, including a defeat against Kansas City last week. The Bengals' rushing attack has also been lackluster, averaging just 3.4 yards per carry, which raises concerns about their offensive efficiency.
Notable Wins
While some teams stumbled, others found success. The Washington Commanders secured a hard-fought 21-18 victory over the New York Giants, with Jayden Daniels playing a pivotal role. Daniels threw for 226 yards and added another 44 rushing yards, driving the Commanders to win against the Giants and showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.
As the season progresses, the unpredictability witnessed in the opening weeks sets an intriguing stage for what lies ahead. Fans will be keenly watching to see if the early surprises were merely flukes or indications of a season full of twists and turns.