It has been a roller-coaster start to the NFL season, with each week serving up a fresh platter of surprises. The initial two weeks have been particularly brutal for fans and analysts alike, as many of the league's pre-season favorites have fallen unexpectedly. This unforeseen trend has notably diminished the number of fans making eliminator pool picks.
Shocks and Upsets
The unpredictability began in Week 1 when the Cincinnati Bengals, despite being favored by a hefty 8.5 points, were stunned by the New England Patriots. Likewise, the New Orleans Saints delivered a commanding 37-point win over the Carolina Panthers, standing out as one of the few games that went according to script in those early days.
This trend of upsets continued into Week 2. The Baltimore Ravens, also favored by 8.5 points, suffered an unexpected loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. On the other end of the spectrum, the Houston Texans triumphed over the Chicago Bears, much to the surprise of many.
Favorites for Week 3
As we look ahead to Week 3, four teams are favored by at least 6.5 points, suggesting we may see some semblance of order restored. Leading the pack are the Cincinnati Bengals, the biggest favorites of the week, at -7.5. The Bengals, however, have had their fair share of struggles. They lost five of their final nine games last season and performed poorly in the preseason, dropping all three games. Their rough start has continued into the regular season, with losses in their first two games, including a defeat at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs. Compounding their troubles is a lackluster rushing attack that has averaged just 3.4 yards per carry.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are favored by 6.5 points against the Denver Broncos. The Buccaneers have shown early promise, securing victories over Washington and Detroit. However, Denver remains a competitive opponent, having lost each game by just one score. Last week, the Broncos fell 13-6 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but rookie quarterback Bo Nix is beginning to find his footing, providing a glimmer of hope for Denver fans.
The Numbers Game
White, whose analytics and advice have become a trusted source for NFL enthusiasts, boasts an impressive record of 643-543-34 against the spread since 2017. With a 56.7% hit rate on his Vegas contest picks over the past nine seasons, his expertise is widely recognized. In 2017, he achieved an impressive 18th place out of 2,748 entries.
This season, White’s insights have helped many avoid some of the biggest upsets. "Anyone who followed his advice avoided two of the biggest NFL upsets of the season and advanced to Week 3," reflects on the significant impact of his guidance.
Commanders On the Rise
Another team to watch is the Washington Commanders, who recently eked out a 21-18 victory over the New York Giants. Jayden Daniels played a key role, throwing for 226 yards and adding another 44 on the ground. The Commanders' win against the Giants has added to the chaotic start to the season, leaving fans wondering what surprises the coming weeks might hold.
As Week 3 approaches, the anticipation and excitement are palpable. The upsets and surprises of the first two weeks have set the stage for what promises to be an unpredictable and thrilling NFL season. Football fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see which teams can capitalize on their favorable matchups and who might be the next to pull off a stunning upset.