It has been an unpredictable start to the NFL season, marked by shocking results and surprising performances. The first two weeks have seen many of the league's powerhouses stumble, generating unexpected outcomes and thinning eliminator pool picks. As we enter Week 3, several teams are heavily favored, but the unpredictability of this season means nothing is guaranteed.
Buccaneers Showcase Early Promise
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of four teams favored by at least 6.5 points heading into Week 3. With a 6.5-point edge over the Denver Broncos, the Buccaneers have shown early promise with victories over Washington and Detroit. These wins have positioned Tampa Bay as a formidable team in the early part of the season.
However, the Denver Broncos, despite their winless start, have remained competitive, losing each of their games by just one score. Last week's 13-6 loss against Pittsburgh demonstrated the Broncos' resilience, with rookie quarterback Bo Nix beginning to find his footing. Though underdogs, Denver's ability to stay close in their matches suggests they cannot be written off easily.
White's Impressive Track Record
Against this backdrop of unpredictability, seasoned sports analyst White has continued to provide invaluable insights. White, who boasts an impressive record of 643-543-34 against the spread since 2017, has a 56.7% hit rate on his Vegas contest picks over the last nine seasons. His performance in 2017 was particularly notable, achieving 18th place out of 2,748 entries.
Following his advice allowed followers to avoid two of the biggest NFL upsets of the season in Week 1, thus advancing to Week 3 with their eliminator pool picks intact. As the season progresses, White's insights could prove crucial for those looking to navigate the tumultuous early weeks of the NFL calendar.
Early Season Surprises
The Cincinnati Bengals have been another source of surprise this season. Despite being the biggest favorites of Week 3 at -7.5, their recent performance raises questions. The Bengals ended last season with a disappointing run, losing five of their final nine games. Their struggles have continued into this season, with losses in all three of their preseason games and defeats in their first two regular-season matchups, including a recent loss to Kansas City. The Bengals' offensive woes are highlighted by their rushing attack, which averaged just 3.4 yards per carry.
Unexpected Victories and Losses
Week 1 offered its own set of surprises. The Cincinnati Bengals, expected to triumph as 8.5-point favorites, were upset by the New England Patriots. Conversely, the New Orleans Saints dominated the Carolina Panthers, securing a 37-point victory. Week 2 continued the trend of upsets, with the Baltimore Ravens losing as 8.5-point favorites to the Las Vegas Raiders, while the Houston Texans managed to outplay the Chicago Bears.
Amidst the chaos, one team that managed to secure a win was the Washington Commanders, who overcame the New York Giants with a 21-18 victory. Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels played a pivotal role, throwing for 226 yards and rushing for another 44 yards in the win.
As Week 3 beckons, all eyes will be on whether the early trends of unpredictability and surprising outcomes continue to shape the season. With heavy favorites like the Buccaneers and Bengals facing teams with something to prove, the NFL season promises even more excitement and drama in the weeks to come. The only certainty in this unpredictable start is that fans and analysts alike are in for an exhilarating ride.