It has been an unpredictable start to the NFL season, marked by dramatic twists and turns that have left fans and analysts grappling for explanations. The first two weeks brought shocking outcomes and saw many of the biggest favorites stumble to unexpected defeats, thinning out the competition in eliminator pools nationwide.
Early Season Surprises
The Cincinnati Bengals, who blazed into the new season as 8.5-point favorites against the New England Patriots, faced a jarring upset in Week 1. This trend of favored teams falling short continued with the Baltimore Ravens, who were also 8.5-point favorites, succumbing to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2. Even the Houston Texans managed to secure a victory over the Chicago Bears, further pushing the narrative of unpredictability.
Buccaneers: The Strong Contenders
Amidst the chaos, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have managed to stay afloat, showing early promise with victories over Washington and Detroit. The Buccaneers, favored by 6.5 points against Denver in Week 3, are now looked upon as one of the more stable teams as they prepare to face the Broncos.
Denver, despite losing each game by just one score, has remained competitive. The Broncos fell 13-6 against Pittsburgh last week, and with rookie quarterback Bo Nix beginning to find his footing, they are showing signs of an upward trajectory.
Eliminator Pool Woes
The outcome of these games has significantly impacted eliminator pool picks, leaving participants reluctant to make bold predictions. Notably, White's expertise stands out in such uncertain times. "Anyone who followed his advice avoided two of the biggest NFL upsets of the season and advanced to Week 3," solidifying his reputation as a reliable source for NFL enthusiasts. Since 2017, White has a record of 643-543-34 against the spread, with a 56.7% hit rate on his Vegas contest picks over the last nine seasons. His prowess was most evident in 2017 when he achieved an impressive 18th place out of 2,748 entries.
Bengals’ Early Season Struggles
As Week 3 approaches, the Bengals are the biggest favorites at -7.5 points, despite losing five of their final nine games last season, all three preseason games this year, and their first two regular-season games, including a tough match against Kansas City. Their struggling rushing attack, averaging just 3.4 yards per carry, adds to their woes.
A Glimmer of Hope for Washington
On a brighter note, the Washington Commanders secured a 21-18 win over the New York Giants, with Jayden Daniels throwing for 226 yards and rushing for another 44. This victory has brought some optimism to a team and its fanbase that is eagerly looking for reasons to believe in their squad this season.
As Week 3 kicks off, the narrative remains unpredictable and thrilling, full of potential for both triumphs and upsets. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching every play, every touchdown, and every pivotal moment as the NFL season continues its rollercoaster trajectory.