The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering the new NFL season with both cautious optimism and significant changes. Despite clinching the NFC South title last year with a modest 9-8 record, the team faces an uphill battle in maintaining supremacy within their division, according to recent predictions.
Quarterback Changes and New Contracts
Quarterback Baker Mayfield, a notable addition to the Buccaneers, signed a three-year, $100 million contract in the offseason. This move signifies a bold step for the team as they retool their roster in hopes of another playoff appearance. However, their journey will not be without challenges. The latest 2025 Super Bowl odds do not favor the Buccaneers, indicating a competitive season ahead.
Falcons Take the Spotlight
The NFC South battle is expected to be fierce, with the Atlanta Falcons emerging as the odds-on favorites to secure the division title. The Falcons, who acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins in the offseason, have been given odds of -120 to win the division and -196 to make the playoffs. This acquisition aims to boost their offensive capabilities and position them as a formidable contender.
Expert Predictions and Insights
Renowned SportsLine NFL expert Eric Cohen has been vocal about his predictions for the upcoming season. Finishing last season with a 39-28 prediction streak, Cohen's insights hold considerable weight among sports enthusiasts. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," showcases the accuracy and reliability of his forecasts.
In his comprehensive grid format, Cohen has outlined the final record predictions for each team for the 2024 NFL season. Among his bolder predictions, Cohen foresees a particularly tough season for the New England Patriots, projecting a grim 2-15 record in their first year without Bill Belichick at the helm. "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick," underscores the challenging road ahead for New England under new head coach Jerod Mayo.
Rams' Resilience and Consistency
The Los Angeles Rams have displayed a mix of resilience and consistency in recent seasons. Under head coach Sean McVay, the Rams have achieved three seasons with at least 10 wins in the past four years, including a Super Bowl victory in the 2021-22 season with a 12-5 record. Despite their success, they've managed to secure the NFC West title only once in the last five years.
McVay's leadership has steered the Rams to five playoff appearances in seven seasons, and they look to continue their competitive edge this year. The team is expected to return the majority of their offensive production from last year, including standout running back Kyren Williams, who delivered an impressive 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.
Patriots Rebuilding Phase
The Patriots are in a rebuilding phase following several disappointing seasons. With three losing records in the past four years, including a 4-13 record in 2023, the departure of long-time head coach Bill Belichick marks a significant shift for the team. New head coach Jerod Mayo faces the challenge of steering the Patriots back on course, with three of their first four games in the 2024 season being on the road, setting up a testing start to his tenure.
Uncertain Path Forward
As the NFL season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will keep a close watch on these teams, each facing unique challenges and opportunities. Eric Cohen's expertise and predictions offer valuable insights into the upcoming season's dynamics, highlighting potential winners and the fluctuating fortunes of teams across the league. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," invites enthusiasts to delve deeper into his analysis, promising intriguing outcomes and high-stakes results that capture the essence of NFL drama.
"They include a potential Super Bowl result that pays almost 100-1 and a win total that pays back plus-money," Cohen mentions, adding an element of excitement and unpredictability that makes the sport relentlessly engaging.
Overall, the NFC South's shifting landscape, the Rams' pursuit of sustained success, and the Patriots' journey through transition reflect the complexities and thrills of the NFL, where every play can swing the momentum and define a season's legacy.