It has been an unpredictable start to the NFL season, leaving fans on the edge of their seats and causing significant ripples in eliminator pool picks. The first two weeks have been nothing short of brutal for some of the league's biggest favorites, setting the stage for a thrilling and unpredictable narrative as the season progresses.
Early Season Surprises
Week 1 immediately kicked off with a seismic upset. The Cincinnati Bengals, who entered the season with high expectations, were stunned by the New England Patriots despite being 8.5-point favorites. The shockwaves continued into Week 2, where the Baltimore Ravens, also favored by 8.5 points, fell to the Las Vegas Raiders. These early-season surprises have notably thinned the ranks of fans making eliminator pool picks, underscoring the NFL's reputation for its unpredictability.
Favorites in Week 3
Heading into Week 3, the landscape appears a bit more stable, but the lessons from the first two weeks linger. Four teams are favored by at least 6.5 points this week. Among them, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are favored by 6.5 points in their matchup against the Denver Broncos, a team known for its competitive edge. The Buccaneers have shown early promise with victories over Washington and Detroit, suggesting they might reverse the trend of upsets.
On the other hand, the Denver Broncos have been competitive despite their losses, never losing by more than one score. Last week's 13-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers showcased their resilience, and rookie quarterback Bo Nix has gradually found his footing, promising to inject more excitement into their upcoming games.
Cincinnati Bengals Under Scrutiny
Among the teams heavily favored this week, the Cincinnati Bengals stand out. They are the biggest favorites of Week 3 at -7.5. Yet, their recent track record instills pause. They lost five of their final nine games last season and have had a rocky start this year. The Bengals dropped all three of their preseason games and have lost their first two regular-season games, including a 35-18 defeat against Kansas City.
The Bengals' offense, particularly their rushing attack, has struggled, averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. This statistical challenge raises valid concerns about their ability to perform as projected heavy favorites against their upcoming opponents.
Notable Wins and Performances
While unexpected upsets have dominated early headlines, there have been notable performances worth mentioning. In Week 1, the New Orleans Saints made a resounding statement with a 37-point victory over the Carolina Panthers, showcasing their offensive and defensive prowess. The Washington Commanders also eked out a close victory over the New York Giants, winning 21-18. Commanders' quarterback Jayden Daniels threw for 226 yards and rushed for another 44, demonstrating his dual-threat capability and the team's potential to pull off victories in tight games.
The Role of Experts
Throughout this turbulent start, seasoned sports analysts have played a crucial role in guiding fans and bettors through the chaos. One such expert is White, who has a remarkable record of 643-543-34 against the spread since 2017. White's 56.7% hit rate on his Vegas contest picks over the last nine seasons underscores his acumen. He notably achieved 18th place out of 2,748 entries in 2017, solidifying his reputation. As the article context suggests, "Anyone who followed his advice avoided two of the biggest NFL upsets of the season and advanced to Week 3."
Looking Ahead
As Week 3 unfolds, both fans and analysts will closely watch if the trends of unpredictability continue or if favored teams reassert their dominance. With heavy favorites like the Buccaneers and Bengals carrying the weight of expectations, the potential for more thrilling upsets cannot be discounted. This NFL season promises to keep everyone guessing, reaffirming the league's status as a hotbed of excitement and unpredictability.