The college football season is barely underway, and already the betting landscape is shifting. Few teams illustrate this better than the Colorado Buffaloes. Entering 2025 with bold ambitions and the spotlight of head coach Deion Sanders, the Buffs have delivered flashes of promise mixed with frustrating setbacks. With three games in the books and plenty of football left to play, bettors and fans alike are asking a key question: where does Colorado really stand—and what does it mean for wagering the weeks ahead?

Early-Season Recap

The Buffaloes’ first three games have told three very different stories, giving bettors plenty to ponder as conference play heats up.

Week 1 – Loss vs. Georgia Tech (20–27)

Colorado opened the season at home with high expectations but struggled to find an offensive rhythm. Drives stalled repeatedly in the red zone, and the passing game never clicked, leaving them short of the spread and casting early doubt on their ability to handle pressure games. For bettors, it was an immediate reminder that preseason hype does not always translate to early- season payouts.

Week 2 – Win vs. Delaware (31–7)

In Week 2, the Buffaloes looked like a completely different team. They dictated tempo from the opening kickoff, leaning on a balanced attack that showcased the potential many expected under Deion Sanders. Colorado not only covered the spread comfortably but also rewarded over bettors with a late scoring surge. The convincing win briefly renewed optimism that the Buffs might steady their season.

Week 3 – Loss at Houston (20–36)

The momentum evaporated quickly in a tough road loss to Houston. Defensive lapses and quarterback uncertainty allowed the Cougars to seize control early. Colorado’s secondary struggled against Houston’s passing game, and offensive miscues, including key third-down failures, kept the Buffs from mounting a comeback. From a wagering standpoint, the game served as a sharp correction for those who anticipated a continued rebound.

Collectively, these results underscore Colorado’s early-season volatility. The Buffaloes have alternated between covering and missing spreads, and betting totals have mainly depended on whether the offense can sustain drives. For handicappers and casual bettors alike, Colorado remains a high-risk, high-reward proposition heading into Week 4. Check the latest Colorado Buffaloes odds to stay updated on how the market is pricing their next matchup.

The Analytics View

Two key predictive systems help bettors gauge a team’s true strength and future potential:

• ESPN Football Power Index (FPI)

  • Colorado holds an FPI rating of 2.5 with only a low chance of making the playoffs.

  • Big 12 leaders present a stronger profile:

    • Utah Utes: 14.3 FPI, 26.3% playoff chance

    • BYU Cougars: 13.7 FPI, 24.5% playoff chance

• SP+ Rankings

  • Overall ranking has slipped from No. 53 to No. 70.

  • Offense has dropped from No. 46 to No. 63.

  • Defense has fallen from No. 53 to No. 79.

    These metrics show a team still capable of scoring in bursts but trending downward in overall efficiency. For bettors, this information is essential when assessing point spreads, moneyline value, and over/under totals in upcoming games.

    Offense and Defense Trends

    Colorado’s play on offense has been inconsistent, leaving bettors unsure what to expect. Multiple quarterbacks have started, and Kaidon Salter is set to lead against Wyoming. His mobility can create scoring chances, but frequent changes have hurt the offense’s rhythm. The running game is better than in past seasons, but faded in the loss to Houston, where the team managed only 96 rushing yards. Wide receiver Sincere Brown and other key players still have the talent to boost production if execution improves.

    On defense, Colorado has struggled to contain the run, allowing 209 rushing yards to Houston. Safety Tawfiq Byard and linebacker Reginald Hughes provide steady tackling and occasional big plays. Still, the overall unit has slipped to No. 79 in SP+, reflecting the difficulty of stopping more physical Big 12 opponents.

These offensive and defensive patterns directly affect betting opportunities. Player props such as passing yards, rushing touchdowns, and opponent rushing totals depend on whether Salter can stabilize the offense and whether the defense can limit explosive runs. Totals and live betting lines will continue to move with Colorado’s ability to sustain drives and reduce significant defensive lapses.

Why A Win Against Wyoming Is Critical

Colorado’s next chance to regain momentum comes on Saturday, September 21, when it hosts Wyoming at Folsom Field. Wyoming is ranked No. 92 in SP+ with an offense at No. 115 and a defense at No. 77, the lowest-rated opponent left on Colorado’s schedule. The Buffaloes should be favored, but bettors should stay cautious since Wyoming can slow games down. A win would move Colorado to 2–2, help bowl hopes, and improve its SP+ and Football Power Index numbers. For a broader view of how upcoming games could affect Colorado’s season, see Top NCAAF Matchups to Watch.

Final Thoughts

Colorado’s 2025 season is still taking shape. The Buffaloes have shown talent but lack consistency on offense and defense, making them a challenging team for bettors to predict. Their performance in the coming weeks, starting with the Wyoming game, will reveal whether they can become a stronger play in spreads, totals, and futures or remain a risky choice. Keeping an eye on their progress is the best move for anyone following college football betting.