It has been an unpredictable start to the NFL season, with the first two weeks bringing a wave of unexpected outcomes that have left fans reeling. Many of the biggest favorites have faced stunning defeats, drastically thinning the ranks of those still making eliminator pool picks.
Early Surprises and Setbacks
One of the most notable upsets occurred in Week 1 when the Cincinnati Bengals, heavily favored by 8.5 points, were handed a surprising defeat by the New England Patriots. The second week continued the trend of unpredictability as the Baltimore Ravens, also 8.5-point favorites, fell to the Las Vegas Raiders. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans pulled off a victory over the Chicago Bears, further shaking up expectations for the season.
The New Orleans Saints kicked off their season in dominant fashion with a staggering 37-point victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, setting a high bar for their performance. However, other teams have not fared as well in maintaining consistency in these early weeks.
Performance Gaps
The Cincinnati Bengals, who are the biggest favorites of Week 3 with a -7.5 point spread, have struggled to live up to expectations. After an uneven finish last season where they lost five of their final nine games, their preseason woes continued as they dropped all three of their games. Their regular season has started on a similarly sour note, with defeats in both of their opening games, including a loss to Kansas City. The Bengals' rushing attack has been notably inefficient, averaging just 3.4 yards per carry, a statistic that does not bode well for their future matchups.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, on the other hand, have shown early promise and are favored by 6.5 points against the Denver Broncos for Week 3. The Buccaneers have secured victories over Washington and Detroit, suggesting they might be ready to make a significant impact this season.
Competitive Contenders
The Denver Broncos have proven to be a thorny opponent, remaining competitive despite their losses. Each of their games has been lost by just one score, including a 13-6 defeat against Pittsburgh last week. Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix appears to be finding his footing, which could signal brighter prospects for the team going forward.
White's success as a respected figure in the sports betting world lends further insight into the unpredictability of this season. With a record of 643-543-34 against the spread since 2017 and a 56.7% hit rate on his Vegas contest picks over the last nine seasons, White's expertise is well-regarded. Notably, he achieved 18th place out of 2,748 entries in 2017. His advice has been pivotal, as evidenced by the claim that, "Anyone who followed his advice avoided two of the biggest NFL upsets of the season and advanced to Week 3."
Unexpected Dynamics
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders secured a closely contested 21-18 victory over the New York Giants, an outcome that highlights the volatility and competitiveness of the league this season. Jayden Daniels had a standout performance, throwing for 226 yards and adding another 44 on the ground, showcasing his dual-threat capability and playing a crucial role in the Commanders' win.
As teams like the Bengals and Broncos grapple with their performance struggles and adjustments, others like the Buccaneers and Saints aim to capitalize on their favorable starts. The early weeks have certainly set the stage for what promises to be an intriguing and unpredictable NFL season, where every game holds the potential for surprise and drama.