Buccaneers' Rollercoaster Offseason
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had an eventful offseason, coming off an NFC South-winning season with a 9-8 record. One of the most significant moves has been the acquisition of quarterback Baker Mayfield, who inked a three-year, $100 million contract. Despite a strong finish in the previous season, the Buccaneers are not the favorites to clinch the NFC South, according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds.
Falcons Rise as Division Favorites
The Atlanta Falcons have emerged as the favorites to win the NFC South. The Falcons boast odds of -120 to win the division and -196 to make the playoffs. Their chances have been bolstered by the acquisition of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins in the offseason, aiming to provide stability and leadership that could propel the Falcons to the top of the division standings.
Eric Cohen's Predictions
SportsLine NFL expert Eric Cohen, known for his impressive 39-28 streak in NFL predictions last season, has weighed in on the upcoming season. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," Cohen stated. His reputation for accurate forecasts continues to attract attention, making his predictions eagerly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.
Cohen has predicted each team's final record for the 2024 NFL season in a comprehensive grid format. His projections include some startling revelations, such as his grim outlook for the New England Patriots. "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.
Changes in New England
For the New England Patriots, the 2024 season marks a significant transition. The team has experienced losing records in three of their past four seasons and recorded a disappointing 4-13 record in 2023. Following the departure of Bill Belichick as head coach, the Patriots have turned to Jerod Mayo to lead the team. Mayo faces immediate challenges with three of the Patriots' first four games being on the road, a demanding start for a team looking to rebuild.
Rams Look to Rebound
The Los Angeles Rams, under the guidance of head coach Sean McVay, are aiming for a bounce-back season. McVay has an impressive resume, guiding the Rams to five playoff appearances in seven seasons and a Super Bowl title in the 2021-22 season with a 12-5 record. Despite winning at least 10 games three times in the past four seasons, the Rams have only secured the NFC West title once in the last five years.
The Rams will return the majority of their offensive production from the previous year, including standout running back Kyren Williams. Williams had an impressive season with 228 rushing attempts, 1,144 yards, and 12 touchdowns, which will be crucial for the Rams' offensive game plan moving forward.
Final Thoughts
As the 2024 NFL season approaches, teams are strategizing and making moves to secure their place at the top. While the Buccaneers and Patriots face significant challenges, the Falcons and Rams are positioning themselves as teams to watch. SportsLine's Eric Cohen offers a perspective that could be valuable for those looking to understand the potential outcomes of the season. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," he teases, hinting at under-the-radar teams that may make a splash.
Overall, the NFL landscape is poised for another season of thrilling competition, unexpected twists, and standout performances, keeping fans glued to the action every week.