Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A Look at the Upcoming Season
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering the new NFL season with the momentum of an NFC South-winning run, clocking in with a 9-8 record from last season. Their recent acquisition, quarterback Baker Mayfield, signed to a lucrative three-year, $100 million contract in the offseason, is expected to be a game-changer. Despite these efforts, the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds do not favor the Buccaneers to clinch the NFC South title.
The favorites to dominate the NFC South are the Atlanta Falcons. According to the experts, the Falcons boast odds of -120 to secure the division and -196 to make the playoffs. Their strategic move to acquire quarterback Kirk Cousins during the offseason has significantly bolstered their lineup and expectations for the season.
Expert Insights
Eric Cohen, a renowned NFL expert from SportsLine, has had an impressive track record, finishing last season with a 39-28 streak in his NFL predictions. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," as noted on SportsLine, highlighting the reliability of his insights.
Cohen has also released his predictions for each team's final record for the 2024 NFL season in a comprehensive grid format. Among these forecasts, Cohen presented a grim outlook for the New England Patriots, projecting a 2-15 record in their first year without Bill Belichick. "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick," the analysis elaborated.
Los Angeles Rams: Eyeing Another Strong Season
The Los Angeles Rams have showcased consistent performance, winning at least 10 games in three of the past four seasons. Their 12-5 finish in the 2021-22 season culminated in a Super Bowl victory, cementing their place among the elite. Under the guidance of head coach Sean McVay, the Rams have made five playoff appearances in seven seasons. However, they have only managed to secure the NFC West title once in the past five years.
Looking ahead, the Rams will benefit from retaining the majority of their offensive production from last year. Running back Kyren Williams figures prominently in their future plans, after recording 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.
New England Patriots: Rebuilding Phase
The New England Patriots are in a period of transition with the departure of longtime head coach Bill Belichick. Their recent performance has been subpar, with losing records in three of the past four seasons, culminating in a 4-13 finish in 2023. Jerod Mayo has taken over the reins as the new head coach, and the initial stages of his tenure will be challenging, with three of the Patriots' first four games in the 2024 season scheduled to be on the road.
Conclusion
As the NFL season approaches, teams like the Buccaneers, Falcons, Rams, and Patriots are preparing to navigate their respective challenges and opportunities. With expert predictions and recent acquisitions shaping the narrative, fans and analysts alike are set for an intriguing season. For more in-depth predictions, including surprising potential winners and Super Bowl forecasts, NFL enthusiasts can turn to Eric Cohen's insights available on SportsLine. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," providing valuable guidance for the season ahead.