The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head into the new NFL season with heightened expectations after clinching the NFC South title last year with a 9-8 record. However, despite their successful run, they find themselves overshadowed in the 2025 Super Bowl odds.
During the offseason, the Buccaneers made a significant move by signing quarterback Baker Mayfield to a three-year, $100 million contract. Yet, it's the Atlanta Falcons who have emerged as the favorites to win the NFC South. According to the latest odds, the Falcons stand at -120 to claim the division title and -196 to secure a playoff spot.
Falcons' Bold Moves
The Falcons' favorable odds can be attributed to a few key acquisitions, most notably the addition of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. With Cousins now spearheading their offense, the team looks poised for a robust campaign. This shift in the NFC South dynamics sets the stage for an intriguing season as the Buccaneers and Falcons vie for supremacy.
Eric Cohen's Insightful Predictions
SportsLine NFL expert Eric Cohen has established himself as a reliable source for football predictions. Last season, Cohen finished with an impressive 39-28 streak in his NFL forecasts. His projections for the upcoming season have garnered attention, particularly from those who have followed his advice and reaped the rewards. As he puts it, "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big."
Cohen's comprehensive grid format prediction for each team's final record in 2024 offers a detailed outlook. For the New England Patriots, Cohen forecasts a particularly challenging season, estimating a grim 2-15 record in their first year under new head coach Jerod Mayo. As Cohen states, "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick."
Patriots in Transition
The Patriots are indeed in a transitional phase, having experienced losing records in three of their past four seasons. Their most recent struggle culminated in a 4-13 record in 2023. The departure of legendary head coach Bill Belichick marks the end of an era, thrusting Jerod Mayo into the spotlight.
The schedule adds to the Patriots' woes, with three of their first four games set to take place on the road. This tough start could further compound the challenges facing Mayo and his team as they navigate the post-Belichick landscape.
Rams Under McVay
On the West Coast, the Los Angeles Rams continue to build on their success under head coach Sean McVay. The Rams have notched at least 10 wins in three of the past four seasons, including a 12-5 campaign in 2021-22 that culminated in a Super Bowl triumph. McVay has guided the Rams to five playoff appearances in seven seasons, although the team has only secured the NFC West title once in the past five years.
This season, the Rams will field a familiar offensive lineup, retaining the majority of their key contributors from last year. Running back Kyren Williams, who amassed 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns on 228 rushing attempts last season, will be a pivotal figure in their game plan.
Looking Ahead
As teams across the NFL navigate the ebb and flow of offseason changes and strategic acquisitions, fans can look forward to a season filled with intense competition and unexpected outcomes. For those eager to delve into expert analyses and predictions, Eric Cohen's insights will be highly sought after. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," he urges, hinting at potential underdog successes and golden betting opportunities.
In a season brimming with possibilities, it will be fascinating to watch how these narratives unfold. With established teams like the Rams looking to cement their legacy under Sean McVay, the Buccaneers striving to defend their division title, and the Patriots grappling with a new era, the stage is set for a captivating NFL season.