Buccaneers Aim to Surpass Last Season’s Success
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are heading into the new season with a considerable amount of momentum, following an NFC South-winning campaign that saw them finish with a 9-8 record. Despite their success, the team has secured quarterback Baker Mayfield with a substantial three-year, $100 million contract in the offseason, indicating their commitment to remain competitive.
However, the Buccaneers face daunting odds in their quest to reclaim the NFC South title. They are currently not the favorites to win the division according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds. Instead, that honor goes to the Atlanta Falcons.
Falcons Position Themselves as NFC South Favorites
The Atlanta Falcons have made significant strides to fortify their roster, acquiring quarterback Kirk Cousins during the offseason. This acquisition bolsters their standing, making them the favorites with odds of -120 to win the division and -196 to make the playoffs. The Falcons’ strategic moves reflect their ambition to dominate the NFC South and make a strong playoff push.
Cohen’s Insights Drive Anticipation
For avid followers of NFL predictions, Eric Cohen’s insights continue to be a beacon. Cohen, a SportsLine NFL expert, finished last season with an impressive 39-28 streak in his NFL predictions. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," he notes, confirming his reliability as an analyst. This season, Cohen has gone a step further by predicting each team's final record for 2024, presenting his forecasts in a comprehensive grid format available at SportsLine.
"See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," he urges, adding a layer of intrigue to his predictions. Notably, he includes a potential Super Bowl result that pays almost 100-1 and a win total that pays back plus-money, drawing significant attention from fans and analysts alike.
Specifically, Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the New England Patriots. "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick." This forecast raises eyebrows as the Patriots transition into a new era under head coach Jerod Mayo, following Bill Belichick’s departure.
Rams Aim to Regain Dominance
The Los Angeles Rams have been a powerhouse in recent years, winning at least 10 games in three of the past four seasons. They were particularly impressive in the 2021-22 season, boasting a 12-5 record and ultimately lifting the Super Bowl trophy. Head coach Sean McVay remains a pivotal figure in the team’s achievements, leading them to five playoff appearances in seven seasons.
Nevertheless, the Rams have only clinched the NFC West title once in the past five years, indicating a need for sustained dominance in a highly competitive division. This season, they look to return the majority of their offensive production from last year. Running back Kyren Williams will be crucial to their success, coming off a remarkable season with 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Patriots Face Tumultuous Transition
The New England Patriots are navigating uncharted waters, having experienced losing records in three of their past four seasons. Their 4-13 record in 2023 was a stark contrast to the dynasty built under Bill Belichick. With Belichick’s departure, Jerod Mayo steps in as the new head coach, tasked with steering the franchise back to its winning ways.
The Patriots’ schedule presents immediate challenges, with three of their first four games in the 2024 season being on the road. Mayo’s leadership and the team’s resilience will be under the microscope as they strive to improve upon their recent performances.
Looking Forward
As the new season approaches, fans and analysts eagerly await the unfolding drama in the NFL. From the Buccaneers’ quest to capitalize on their previous success, the Falcons’ efforts to assert dominance in the NFC South, to the Rams’ determination to regain their stronghold, and the Patriots’ struggle to find their footing, the storylines promise a season filled with excitement and unpredictability. Following experts like Eric Cohen will provide crucial insights and perhaps even lucrative betting opportunities as the teams battle it out on the gridiron.