The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the new season with a chip on their shoulder, coming off an NFC South-winning campaign. Despite a 9-8 record, the team is facing an uphill battle, with sportsbooks not favoring them for the divisional title according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds. The Bucs have made some notable moves this offseason, including the signing of quarterback Baker Mayfield to a three-year, $100 million contract, yet they are not the favorites to retain their division crown.
Falcons Poised for NFC South Dominance
The Atlanta Falcons find themselves in an enviable position as the favorites to win the NFC South. With odds of -120 to clinch the division and -196 to make the playoffs, they have captured the attention of many football pundits. A significant part of this optimism can be attributed to their acquisition of quarterback Kirk Cousins in the offseason, bolstering their offensive capabilities.
Eric Cohen’s Predictions
SportsLine’s NFL expert Eric Cohen has a strong track record, finishing last season with a 39-28 streak in his NFL predictions. His insights have proven valuable to those following his advice. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," Cohen notes.
Looking ahead, Cohen has forecasted each team's final record for the 2024 NFL season in a comprehensive grid format. Among his most surprising predictions is a bleak outlook for the New England Patriots, whom he expects to finish with a 2-15 record in their first year without long-time head coach Bill Belichick. "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick," Cohen predicts.
The Rams’ Roads Ahead
Turning to the Los Angeles Rams, the team has managed to maintain a level of consistency, winning at least 10 games three times in the past four seasons. Under head coach Sean McVay, the Rams clinched the Super Bowl in the 2021-22 season with a 12-5 record. In seven seasons with McVay at the helm, the Rams have secured five playoff appearances, though they’ve won the NFC West title just once in the past five years.
The Rams’ upcoming season looks promising as they will return the majority of their offensive production from last year. Key among these returning players is running back Kyren Williams, who had an impressive season with 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns. With such talent, the Rams are expected to be competitive in their division, despite not being the dominant force they once were.
Patriots in Transition
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots are navigating through turbulent waters. Suffering losing records in three of their past four seasons, the Patriots had a notably poor showing with a 4-13 record in 2023. The departure of Bill Belichick marks the end of an era, ushering in a period of uncertainty under new head coach Jerod Mayo.
The Patriots will face a challenging start to their 2024 campaign, with three of their first four games on the road. This tough schedule could further complicate Mayo's debut season, adding to the pressure facing the rookie head coach.
Expert Insights
Cohen’s detailed season predictions offer intriguing perspectives for fans and bettors alike. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," Cohen teases, alluding to potential underdog successes and valuable betting opportunities. Some of these include "a potential Super Bowl result that pays almost 100-1 and a win total that pays back plus-money," enticing odds for those willing to take a gamble on Cohen’s projections.
Cohen’s forecasting prowess and the current dynamics of several NFL teams spotlight an exciting and unpredictable upcoming season. As the Buccaneers, Falcons, Rams, and Patriots navigate their respective challenges and opportunities, fans will be eagerly watching to see how these narratives unfold.