The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering the upcoming NFL season with several significant changes following an NFC South-winning campaign where they finished with a 9-8 record. Among the most noteworthy moves, the Buccaneers secured quarterback Baker Mayfield with a three-year, $100 million contract, looking to revitalize their offense.
Despite this hefty acquisition, the Buccaneers are not considered the favorites to clinch the NFC South title according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds. That distinction goes to the Atlanta Falcons, who have emerged as the frontrunners with odds placed at -120 to win the division and -196 to make the playoffs. The Falcons bolstered their roster this offseason by acquiring quarterback Kirk Cousins, aiming to solidify their position as the team to beat in the division.
As analysts and fans alike evaluate the trajectory of various teams, SportsLine's NFL expert, Eric Cohen, has been a name to watch. Cohen ended last season on a high note with a 39-28 streak in his NFL predictions. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," one source noted. This season, Cohen has presented his exhaustive analysis, offering a detailed grid predicting each team's final record for the 2024 season.
One of his noteworthy predictions is for the New England Patriots. The Patriots have been struggling in recent years, enduring losing records in three of their last four seasons, including a dismal 4-13 record in 2023. With the departure of legendary head coach Bill Belichick, Jerod Mayo steps in as the new head coach. Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," the site urges its readers, highlighting Cohen's continued insights.
In contrast to the Patriots' turmoil, the Los Angeles Rams have shown a more stable performance in recent years. Under the leadership of head coach Sean McVay, the Rams have made five playoff appearances in seven seasons, though they have only secured the NFC West title once in the past five years. The Rams' track record speaks volumes: they won at least 10 games three times in the past four seasons, with a notable 12-5 record in the 2021-22 season that culminated in a Super Bowl victory.
Looking ahead, the Rams are poised to maintain their offensive firepower, returning the majority of their key players from last year. Running back Kyren Williams, who racked up 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, is expected to be pivotal in the Rams' quest for another successful season.
The ongoing shift in power within the NFC South and the broader league dynamics reflect a landscape teeming with potential and uncertainty. As teams gear up for the forthcoming battles on the gridiron, analysts like Eric Cohen continue to dissect and predict the ever-evolving NFL universe, from the high-stakes signing of quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Kirk Cousins to the shifting ambitions of franchises like the Patriots and Rams. “They include a potential Super Bowl result that pays almost 100-1 and a win total that pays back plus-money,” Cohen hints, drawing attention to the unpredictable nature of the sport and the tantalizing prospects for fans and bettors alike.
Whether the Buccaneers can defy the odds and clinch another NFC South title or the Falcons will realize their favored status with a division win remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that this NFL season promises to be as thrilling and unpredictable as ever, with every game contributing to the unfolding drama of America's favorite sport.