As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers embark on the upcoming NFL season, they face a blend of renewed optimism and challenging skepticism. Emerging from a season where they clinched the NFC South with a 9-8 record, the Buccaneers have made headlines by signing quarterback Baker Mayfield to a hefty three-year, $100 million contract. Yet, despite last season's success, they are not the front-runners to win the NFC South, according to recent 2025 Super Bowl odds.
The Favorites and New Faces
The Atlanta Falcons are currently the favorites to claim the NFC South, with odds of -120 to win the division and -196 to secure a playoff spot. The Falcons have significantly bolstered their roster in the offseason with the acquisition of seasoned quarterback Kirk Cousins, aiming to end their playoff drought and make a competitive push for the division title.
Expert Insights
Seasoned NFL analyst Eric Cohen has weighed in on the potential outcomes of the new season. Cohen, who finished the last season with an impressive 39-28 streak in his NFL predictions, is known for his comprehensive and insightful forecasts. He has already predicted each team's final record for the 2024 season in his exhaustive grid format. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," he touts with confidence, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable source for NFL betting advice. Cohen also hints at "a potential Super Bowl result that pays almost 100-1 and a win total that pays back plus-money," showcasing his knack for identifying surprising winners.
Rams Returning to Form
The Los Angeles Rams, under the guidance of head coach Sean McVay, look to build on their historical performance. McVay has led the Rams to five playoff appearances in seven seasons, including a Super Bowl victory after a 12-5 season in 2021-22. With such a strong track record, the Rams aim to recapture their consistent winning form after securing at least ten wins in three of the last four seasons. Returning much of their offensive production from last year, the Rams are poised for another strong campaign.
Key to their offensive prowess is running back Kyren Williams, who had a standout season with 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns. With Williams maintaining his formidable form, the Rams' offensive unit looks promisingly robust for the challenges ahead.
Patriots' Transition and Challenges
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots find themselves in a period of significant transition. Having experienced losing records in three of their last four seasons and a dismal 4-13 record in 2023, the Patriots are in dire need of a turnaround. Adding to their woes, legendary head coach Bill Belichick has departed, passing the baton to Jerod Mayo.
Eric Cohen has issued a grim forecast for the Patriots, predicting they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick. This stark prediction underscores the monumental task ahead for Mayo and his team, especially considering that three of their first four games in the 2024 season will be on the road.
Cohen's cautious yet assertive outlook serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NFL. As the season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see if his predictions hold true or if the league's ever-present potential for surprises turns the tables. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," he teases, ensuring that the anticipation for the new season remains tantalizingly high.