It has been an unpredictable start to the NFL season, and the opening weeks have already seen their fair share of drama and upsets. The first two weeks have been particularly brutal for some of the biggest favorites, leaving fans and analysts scratching their heads as eliminator pool picks have thinned out significantly.
A Week of Intriguing Matchups
This week, four teams enter their matchups favored by at least 6.5 points. Among them, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are favored by 6.5 points against the Denver Broncos. The Buccaneers have shown early promise in their campaign with victories over Washington and Detroit, indicating a strong start.
However, Denver has remained competitive despite their struggles, losing each game by just one score. Their narrow 13-6 loss against Pittsburgh last week showcases their resilience. Adding to their intrigue, Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix has started to find his footing, showing potential for development as the season progresses.
Historical Perspectives and Insights
Meanwhile, a look at the historical records can offer some perspective. Notably, White has a commendable record of 643-543-34 against the spread since 2017 and boasts a 56.7% hit rate on his Vegas contest picks over the last nine seasons. His expertise was further solidified when he achieved 18th place out of 2,748 entries back in 2017. As one might recall from earlier in the season, "Anyone who followed his advice avoided two of the biggest NFL upsets of the season and advanced to Week 3."
Surprising Upsets and Key Games
Even the most confident picks have shown vulnerability this season. In Week 1, the Cincinnati Bengals were stunningly upset by the New England Patriots despite being 8.5-point favorites. On the flip side, the New Orleans Saints delivered a resounding victory, crushing the Carolina Panthers by a staggering 37 points.
Week 2 continued the trend of surprises, with the Baltimore Ravens falling short as 8.5-point favorites against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Houston Texans also defied expectations, securing a victory over the Chicago Bears.
As we move into Week 3, the Cincinnati Bengals again find themselves under the spotlight, albeit with a cloud of uncertainties. They are the biggest favorites of the week at -7.5. However, the Bengals' recent performance has not inspired confidence. They've lost five of their final nine games last season, all three of their preseason games this year, and both of their first two regular-season games, including a defeat against Kansas City last week.
Challenges Ahead for the Favorites
The Bengals' difficulties extend to their offensive struggles, with their rushing attack averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. These statistics paint a challenging picture for a team trying to turn its fortunes around.
In other notable games, the Washington Commanders squeezed out a 21-18 victory over the New York Giants. Commanders' quarterback Jayden Daniels played a significant role, throwing for 226 yards and rushing for another 44, contributing decisively to the win.
As the season progresses, the unpredictability of early matchups serves as a reminder of the NFL's competitive nature. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the favored teams can navigate their way through the potential pitfalls and if underdogs like the Broncos can continue to challenge expectations.
This early volatility is what makes the NFL so compelling, as each week brings the promise of new narratives and unexpected heroes. The excitement is only beginning, and it remains to be seen how these storylines will evolve as the season marches on.