The NFL season has kicked off with a rollercoaster of unpredictability. As the first two weeks unfolded, many of the league's most anticipated powerhouses found themselves on the wrong end of shocking upsets. This trend has taken a toll on eliminator pools, leaving fans scrambling as their once-solid picks crumble week by week.
A Rocky Start for Favorites
Week 3 brings a glimmer of hope for those looking for a sense of normalcy. Four teams enter the week as favorites by at least 6.5 points. Leading this group are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, favored by 6.5 points against Denver. The Buccaneers have shown early signs of strength with victories over Washington and Detroit, creating optimism for their fan base.
Denver’s Steady Fight
On the other side, Denver has displayed resilience despite their losses. Each game has been a close contest, with the Broncos losing by a single score each time. Last week, they fell 13-6 to Pittsburgh, but there are promising signs as rookie quarterback Bo Nix starts to find his rhythm.
Expert Bets and Predictions
Sporting expert White has established credibility with an impressive record of 643-543-34 against the spread since 2017, achieving an admirable 56.7% hit rate on his Vegas contest picks over the last nine seasons. Notably, in 2017, he secured 18th place out of 2,748 entries. "Anyone who followed his advice avoided two of the biggest NFL upsets of the season and advanced to Week 3," highlighting White's strategic insights.
Unexpected Outcomes
Week 1 witnessed astonishing surprises, with the Cincinnati Bengals succumbing to the New England Patriots despite being cushioned as 8.5-point favorites. Contrarily, the New Orleans Saints dominated the Carolina Panthers with a staggering 37-point victory.
Week 2 continued the trend of upheavals. The Baltimore Ravens, favored by 8.5 points, faced an unexpected defeat against the Las Vegas Raiders. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans managed to outplay the Chicago Bears, further shaking the predictions.
Cincinnati’s Struggles
As Week 3 looms, the Bengals are the biggest favorites at -7.5. However, their recent performances raise questions. They ended last season on a low, losing five of their final nine games. Their preseason was also lackluster, with three consecutive losses, followed by a disappointing start to the regular season with defeats, including a loss against Kansas City last week. The Bengals' rushing game has been uninspiring, averaging just 3.4 yards per carry.
Commanders Show Grit
The Washington Commanders, however, have showcased their resilience. They triumphed over the New York Giants with a 21-18 victory. Commanders' quarterback Jayden Daniels shined, throwing for 226 yards and adding another 44 on the ground in their win against the Giants.
As the third week of the NFL season approaches, fans and experts alike are bracing for more twists and turns. With previous upsets still fresh in their minds, the anticipation only heightens the excitement and uncertainty that make the NFL a captivating spectacle.