The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering the new NFL season on the heels of winning the NFC South with a record of 9-8. This offseason, they made a significant move by signing quarterback Baker Mayfield to a three-year, $100 million contract. Despite their previous success, the Buccaneers are not the favorites to win the NFC South according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds.
NFC South Dynamics
The Atlanta Falcons have emerged as the favorites to clinch the NFC South title. With odds of -120 to win the division and -196 to make the playoffs, the Falcons are in a strong position. Their prospects were bolstered by the acquisition of quarterback Kirk Cousins in the offseason, adding a seasoned playmaker to their roster.
Expert Analysis
Eric Cohen, a respected SportsLine NFL expert, provides deep insights into the upcoming season. Last year, Cohen finished with a commendable 39-28 streak in his NFL predictions. His expertise has become a trusted resource for fans and bettors alike. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," reads a remark underscoring his accuracy.
Cohen has also predicted each team's final record for the 2024 NFL season in a comprehensive grid format. For those eager to see which other surprising winners Cohen is picking, he directs them to SportsLine, hinting at some intriguing potential outcomes. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," he suggests.
Los Angeles Rams Outlook
Looking westward, the Los Angeles Rams have had a roller-coaster few seasons. Winning at least 10 games three times in the past four seasons, they notably went 12-5 in the 2021-22 season and secured a Super Bowl victory. Head coach Sean McVay has led the team to five playoff appearances in seven seasons, an impressive feat by any standard.
Despite their successes, the Rams have only secured the NFC West title once in the past five years. This season, they aim to build on their existing strengths, returning the majority of their offensive production from last year. Running back Kyren Williams stands out after his stellar performance with 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns on 228 rushing attempts last season.
New England Patriots in Transition
The New England Patriots are navigating a period of transition. After enduring losing records in three of their past four seasons, they hit a low point with a 4-13 record in 2023. This challenging period culminated in the departure of legendary head coach Bill Belichick. In his stead, Jerod Mayo has stepped up as the new head coach.
Cohen's projections for the Patriots in their first year post-Belichick are bleak. "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick." This prediction, while sobering, sets the stage for new beginnings and potential growth under Mayo's leadership. Adding to the challenge, three of the Patriots' first four games in the 2024 season will be on the road, testing their resilience and preparation early on.
As teams gear up for the new season, the narratives around the Buccaneers, Falcons, Rams, and Patriots provide a fascinating tapestry of competition, strategy, and transformation. With seasoned experts like Eric Cohen offering their insights, fans and analysts alike will keenly follow each twist and turn on the road to the Super Bowl.