The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, fresh off an NFC South-winning season with a 9-8 record, are entering a new era with significant changes. Notably, Baker Mayfield has signed a three-year, $100 million contract this offseason, a move that has created quite a buzz among fans and analysts alike. Mayfield's addition to the Buccaneers signals a strong commitment to making another playoff run. However, despite their recent success, the Buccaneers are not currently favored to win the NFC South according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds. Instead, that distinction belongs to the Atlanta Falcons.
Atlanta Falcons Positioned as Favorites
The Falcons have emerged as the favorites to win the NFC South, carrying odds of -120 to win the division and -196 to make the playoffs. This optimistic outlook is partly due to their acquisition of quarterback Kirk Cousins during the offseason, a move aimed at bolstering their offensive capabilities. The shift in odds not only reflects confidence in the Falcons' revamped roster but also highlights a more competitive division as teams jockey for supremacy.
Eric Cohen's Insightful Predictions
Eric Cohen, a respected SportsLine NFL expert, has made compelling predictions for the upcoming season. Cohen, who finished last season with a 39-28 streak in his NFL predictions, has forecasted each team's final record for the 2024 NFL season in a comprehensive grid format. According to Cohen, those following his NFL predictions last season saw significant wins. Eric Cohen's track record has made his predictions a must-follow for NFL enthusiasts.
Among Cohen's many prognostications, he predicts a grim outcome for the New England Patriots. The Patriots, who have experienced losing records in three of their past four seasons and ended the 2023 season with a 4-13 record, are in a period of transition. With Bill Belichick departing as head coach and Jerod Mayo stepping in as his successor, Cohen estimates the Patriots will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick. Such a dismal outlook underscores the challenges Mayo will face as he attempts to steer the franchise back to its former glory.
Los Angeles Rams Maintain Stability
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams continue to demonstrate both stability and success under the guidance of head coach Sean McVay. Over the past four seasons, the Rams have won at least 10 games three times and clinched a Super Bowl victory with a 12-5 record in the 2021-22 season. McVay's tenure has produced five playoff appearances in seven seasons, although the team has only secured the NFC West title once in the past five years.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, the Rams will return the majority of their offensive production from last year. Running back Kyren Williams, who had 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, will be a key player in maintaining their offensive strength. This continuity in offensive talent could be crucial as they aim to reclaim the NFC West title and make another deep playoff run.
Patriots Face Uphill Battle
The Patriots' road to recovery will be strenuous, with three of their first four games in the 2024 season set to be played on the road. Such a challenging start will require quick adaptation from the players and astute leadership from the new head coach. The departure of a legendary figure like Belichick leaves a monumental void, and Mayo's ability to fill that role will be closely scrutinized.
In summary, the 2024 NFL season is poised to be one of significant intrigue and unpredictability. The Buccaneers' efforts to defend their NFC South title, the Falcons' rise as favorites, the Rams' quest for continued success under McVay, and the Patriots' challenging transition mark just a few of the compelling storylines. With expert insights from figures like Eric Cohen, fans have much to anticipate as teams prepare for the gridiron battles ahead. As always, the NFL promises a season rich with drama, excitement, and the pursuit of football glory.