It has been an unpredictable start to the NFL season, leaving fans reeling and eliminator pool contestants clinging to their remaining picks. In a season where the biggest favorites have stumbled early, Week 3 features four teams favored by at least 6.5 points, setting the stage for more potential surprises.
Early Season Surprises
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have emerged as early favorites, currently favored by 6.5 points against the Denver Broncos. The Buccaneers have shown promise with decisive victories over the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions. Their consistent performance has made them a team to watch as the season progresses.
Conversely, the Denver Broncos have demonstrated resilience, losing each game by just one score. Last week, they fell 13-6 in a hard-fought battle against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix is beginning to find his footing, offering hope for an improving Broncos offense as the season unfolds.
Big Hits and Misses
Recent NFL history suggests that early-season upsets are not anomalies but rather a recurring theme. In Week 1, the Cincinnati Bengals were stunned by the New England Patriots despite being 8.5-point favorites. The following week, the Baltimore Ravens, also favored by 8.5 points, succumbed to the Las Vegas Raiders. These unexpected results emphasize the unpredictability that is becoming a hallmark of the current NFL season.
The Houston Texans also made headlines with a victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 2, showcasing their capability to defy the odds. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints dominated their Week 1 matchup, winning by 37 points over the Carolina Panthers and setting an early tone for their season.
Bengals Lead the Favorites
This Week 3, the Cincinnati Bengals are the biggest favorites, listed at -7.5. However, the Bengals’ recent track record raises questions about their reliability in this role. They have lost five of their last nine games from the previous season and dropped all three of their preseason contests this year. Their regular-season performance has also been shaky, with losses in the first two games, including a defeat at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs last week.
A glaring issue for the Bengals has been their rushing attack, which averaged a mere 3.4 yards per carry, underscoring the need for improvement in their offensive strategy.
Commanders' Narrow Victory
The Washington Commanders provided a bright spot with a narrow 21-18 victory over the New York Giants. Quarterback Jayden Daniels led the charge, throwing for 226 yards and adding another 44 yards on the ground. The Commanders' balanced offensive effort and tenacious defense contributed to their hard-earned win and set a positive course for the games ahead.
Navigating the Right Picks
One expert, White, boasts a record of 643-543-34 against the spread since 2017 and has a remarkable 56.7% hit rate on his Vegas contest picks over the past nine seasons. In 2017, White achieved an impressive 18th place out of 2,748 entries, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable analyst. As the article states, "Anyone who followed his advice avoided two of the biggest NFL upsets of the season and advanced to Week 3."
The early weeks of the NFL season have already proven to be a minefield of upsets and unexpected outcomes. As the teams regroup and strategize for the coming weeks, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, eager to see which trends hold and which surprises continue to unfold. With heavy favorites on the line in Week 3, the drama and excitement of this NFL season are just beginning.