The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering the new NFL season riding the waves of their recent triumph as NFC South champions, boasting a 9-8 record. Despite the promising finish, the Buccaneers are set on a challenging path forward, notably with the addition of quarterback Baker Mayfield who inked a substantial three-year, $100 million contract during the offseason. However, this investment alone has not placed them as favorites to reclaim their divisional crown, according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds.
The Atlanta Falcons have emerged as the frontrunners for the NFC South title. The oddsmakers are favoring Atlanta with odds of -120 to clinch the division and -196 to secure a playoff berth. This confidence in the Falcons is bolstered by key offseason moves, including the acquisition of seasoned quarterback Kirk Cousins, signaling the franchise's intent to make a significant impact in the coming season.
Expert Insights from Eric Cohen
SportsLine NFL expert Eric Cohen offers a seasoned perspective on the unfolding NFL narratives. Cohen, who concluded the last season on an impressive 39-28 streak in his NFL predictions, continues to be a reliable source for strategic insights. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," underlining the credibility of his insights as a valuable asset to football enthusiasts. Cohen's predictions are highly anticipated, with fans eager to see which other surprising winners he is picking exclusively at SportsLine.
Remarkably, Cohen has provided a comprehensive grid predicting each team's final record for the 2024 NFL season, offering a sweeping overview of the potential league outcomes. Among his notable predictions is a grim outlook for the New England Patriots, with Cohen projecting a 2-15 record as the team navigates its first season post-Bill Belichick.
New Challenges for the New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are grappling with significant changes. After experiencing losing records in three of their past four seasons, the Patriots are in the midst of a transitional phase. The departure of legendary head coach Bill Belichick marks a new era, with Jerod Mayo stepping in as the new head coach. The Patriots are poised for a challenging start to the season, facing three of their first four games on the road. This rough schedule, coupled with an underwhelming 4-13 record last year, sets the stage for what Cohen predicts could be a tough season ahead.
Steady Performance by the Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams offer a contrasting narrative of stability and success. Under the leadership of head coach Sean McVay, the Rams have secured five playoff appearances in seven seasons. Their consistency is underscored by having won at least 10 games three times in the past four seasons, including a memorable 12-5 record in the 2021-22 season which culminated in a Super Bowl victory. Despite making only one NFC West title claim in the past five years, the Rams continue to remain a formidable force. They are expected to benefit from the return of the majority of their offensive production from last year, particularly with running back Kyren Williams, who delivered 1,144 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 228 attempts last season.
As the NFL season kicks off, the journey of each team will unfold with every game. From the Buccaneers' quest to defend their title, the Falcons' rise as divisional favorites, to the Patriots' struggle in a post-Belichick era, and the Rams' quest for continued excellence, fans across the league will be treated to a spectacle of resilience, strategy, and unyielding passion for the game.