The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off an NFC South-winning season with a 9-8 record. This offseason, they made a significant move by signing quarterback Baker Mayfield to a three-year, $100 million contract. Despite this bold acquisition, the Buccaneers are not the favorites to clinch the NFC South according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds.
The Rise of the Atlanta Falcons
That distinction belongs to the Atlanta Falcons, who have emerged as frontrunners with odds of -120 to capture the division and -196 to make the playoffs. This offseason, the Falcons bolstered their roster by acquiring quarterback Kirk Cousins, aiming to bring stability and experience to their offense.
Eric Cohen, a knowledgeable SportsLine NFL expert, has been following these developments closely. Cohen ended last season with an impressive 39-28 streak in his NFL predictions. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," reflects the expert's reliability in forecasting the league's outcomes.
In-Depth Team Analysis
Cohen has also compiled a comprehensive grid predicting each team's final record for the 2024 NFL season. His analysis sheds light on the future trajectories of various franchises, including the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots.
Los Angeles Rams: Analyzing Stability and Success
The Los Angeles Rams have consistently been competitive under head coach Sean McVay. Over the past four seasons, they have recorded at least 10 wins on three occasions. Their 12-5 record in the 2021-22 season culminated in a Super Bowl victory. Under McVay's leadership, the Rams have made five playoff appearances in seven seasons, a testament to their consistent performance.
However, the team has only secured the NFC West title once in the past five years. Yet, looking ahead to this season, they maintain a strong offensive lineup. Running back Kyren Williams, who had an impressive 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, is expected to return, adding firepower to their offensive arsenal.
The New England Patriots: A Transition Phase
On the other side of the spectrum are the New England Patriots, who have faced challenging times recently. They have endured three losing records in their past four seasons, finishing with a dismal 4-13 record in 2023. The end of the Bill Belichick era marks a new chapter for the franchise as Jerod Mayo steps into the role of head coach.
Cohen provides a bleak outlook for the Patriots, forecasting they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year without Belichick. "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots," noting the team's struggle in this transitional period. Mayo's mettle will be tested early, with three of the Patriots' first four games in the 2024 season scheduled on the road.
Predictions with Potential Payouts
Cohen's insights are not limited to individual team performances. He has identified surprising winners, which he shares exclusively at SportsLine. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," he advises readers who are eager to capitalize on his expertise.
Moreover, Cohen's predictions include a potential Super Bowl result that offers significant returns. "They include a potential Super Bowl result that pays almost 100-1 and a win total that pays back plus-money," showcasing opportunities for those willing to take calculated risks based on his analysis.
Closing Thoughts
This upcoming NFL season promises to be one filled with intrigue, anticipation, and dramatic shifts. With major moves like Mayfield's signing by the Buccaneers and Cousins' acquisition by the Falcons, alongside the ongoing evolution of teams like the Rams and Patriots, fans have much to follow. Eric Cohen's predictions and insights provide valuable perspective, potentially guiding fan expectations and betting strategies for the season ahead.