The start to this NFL season has been nothing short of unpredictable. The first two weeks have seen many of the biggest favorites fall to unexpected defeats, leaving the landscape more volatile than expected. This unpredictability has trimmed down the number of fans confidently making eliminator pool picks.
Significant Shifts in Week 3
Week 3 is shaping up with four teams strongly favored by at least 6.5 points. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are among these favorites, set at -6.5 points against the Denver Broncos. The Buccaneers have shown early promise with victories over Washington and Detroit, highlighting their potential dominance this season.
On the other hand, Denver has remained competitive, losing each of their games by just one score. Despite their competitiveness, they fell 13-6 to Pittsburgh last week. A glimmer of hope for Broncos fans is rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who has started to find his footing, signaling potential improvements ahead.
Expert Predictions and Performance
White, a seasoned NFL analyst, has an impressive track record with a 643-543-34 record against the spread since 2017. His expertise is underscored by a 56.7% hit rate on his Vegas contest picks over the last nine seasons, which includes an 18th place finish out of 2,748 entries in 2017. As the season unfolds, White’s predictions continue to be closely watched.
"Anyone who followed his advice avoided two of the biggest NFL upsets of the season and advanced to Week 3," which speaks volumes to his credibility in the world of NFL predictions.
Week 3 Favorites and Underdogs
The Cincinnati Bengals are the biggest favorites of Week 3 at -7.5, despite a shaky start to their season. They lost five of their final nine games last season and have yet to win this season, dropping all three of their preseason games and their first two regular-season games, including a loss to Kansas City last week. The team's rushing attack has been particularly ineffective, averaging just 3.4 yards per carry.
Cincinnati's early-season struggles underscore the tumultuous start across the league. In Week 1, the Bengals were upset by the New England Patriots despite being 8.5-point favorites. Similarly, the Baltimore Ravens suffered an unexpected loss as 8.5-point favorites to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2. These upsets underscore the fierce competitiveness and the narrow margins that can define NFL games.
While the New Orleans Saints kicked off their season with a resounding win, defeating the Carolina Panthers by 37 points in Week 1, the Houston Texans managed a surprise victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 2, further muddling predictions and expectations.
Upcoming Matchups and Outcomes
As Week 3 approaches, the Washington Commanders are coming off a narrow 21-18 win over the New York Giants. Commanders' quarterback Jayden Daniels showed his potential by throwing for 226 yards and rushing for another 44 in the win. These performances add another layer of intrigue to an already unpredictable season.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike are poised for more unexpected turns. The early weeks have showcased the volatility and excitement inherent in the NFL, making every game a must-watch event.