The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have entered the offseason with a sense of cautious optimism. Coming off an NFC South-winning season with a 9-8 record, the team has made significant moves to bolster their roster. Among the most notable is the signing of quarterback Baker Mayfield to a three-year, $100 million contract. Despite this major acquisition, the Buccaneers are not the favorites to win the NFC South, according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons have emerged as the favorites to win the NFC South. With odds of -120 to take the division and -196 to make the playoffs, the Falcons have positioned themselves as the team to beat. A key factor in this favorable outlook is the acquisition of quarterback Kirk Cousins during the offseason, a move that signals their intent to dominate the division.
Expert Analysis
Eric Cohen, a well-respected SportsLine NFL expert, has been a reliable source for NFL predictions. Cohen concluded last season with an impressive 39-28 streak, establishing himself as a go-to analyst. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," a testament to his analytical prowess and understanding of the game.
Cohen's keen insights are sought after for good reason. His latest predictions include some surprising winners, promising potential Super Bowl results that pay almost 100-1, and a win total bet that offers plus-money returns. For those looking for strategic betting advice, Cohen remains an invaluable resource. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," he suggests, inviting keen followers to stay tuned for his latest picks.
The Los Angeles Rams' Prospects
Transitioning to the NFC West, the Los Angeles Rams have managed to stay competitive. The team has recorded a minimum of 10 wins in three of the past four seasons, including their 12-5 record in the 2021-22 season, which culminated in a Super Bowl victory. Under the leadership of head coach Sean McVay, the Rams have made five playoff appearances in the last seven seasons, underscoring McVay's impact on the franchise.
However, the Rams have only managed to secure the NFC West title once in the past five years. They will seek to build on their existing strengths, returning the majority of their offensive production from last year. Running back Kyren Williams, who had an outstanding season with 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns, will undoubtedly be a key player to watch.
Challenges Facing the New England Patriots
Over in the AFC East, the New England Patriots find themselves at a crossroads. Having experienced losing records in three of their past four seasons, the Patriots are in the midst of a significant transition. Last year's 4-13 finish marked one of the lowest points in the franchise's recent history.
The departure of legendary head coach Bill Belichick has left a void that new head coach Jerod Mayo will aim to fill. Mayo's inaugural season will be daunting, with three of the Patriots' first four games in the 2024 season being on the road. The team faces an uphill battle to restore their former glory, and Cohen's forecasts do not bode well for them. "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick," highlighting the substantial challenges ahead.
Looking Toward the Future
As the 2024 NFL season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring these narratives. The Buccaneers' bold moves, the Falcons' rise, the Rams' resilience, and the Patriots' rebuilding efforts all add layers of intrigue to what promises to be a captivating season. With experts like Eric Cohen providing insightful analysis, the anticipation and excitement continue to build.