As the NFL gears up for another thrilling season, significant moves and strategic adjustments are grabbing headlines. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, fresh off an NFC South-winning season with a 9-8 record, made a considerable splash this offseason by signing quarterback Baker Mayfield to a three-year, $100 million deal. However, despite bolstering their roster, the Buccaneers are not the favorites to clinch the division title according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds.
The New NFC South Landscape
The Atlanta Falcons, once lingering in the shadows of NFC South, have emerged as the front-runners to win the division. With odds of -120 to win the NFC South and -196 to make the playoffs, their favored status is largely attributed to acquiring quarterback Kirk Cousins during the offseason. Cousins’ proven track record and experience are expected to provide the Falcons with the leadership needed to navigate a competitive division.
Eric Cohen's Track Record
When it comes to predicting NFC South outcomes, few analysts are as esteemed as Eric Cohen, a SportsLine NFL expert. He closed the previous season with an impressive 39-28 streak in his NFL predictions. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," highlighting his exceptional insight into the league. True to form, Cohen has already laid out his projections for the 2024 NFL season, capturing the nuances of each team’s performance in a comprehensive grid format.
Rams Resurgence Under McVay
The Los Angeles Rams have demonstrated remarkable consistency under the guidance of head coach Sean McVay. They achieved at least 10 wins in three of the past four seasons, including a notable 12-5 record during the 2021-22 season, which culminated in a Super Bowl victory. The Rams have made five playoff appearances in McVay's seven seasons, though they have only secured the NFC West title once in the past five years. With most of their offensive lineup returning, including running back Kyren Williams, who amassed 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns on 228 rushing attempts last season, the Rams are poised for another formidable run.
Patriots' New Era
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots are entering a new chapter. After experiencing losing records in three of their past four seasons and finishing with a dismal 4-13 record in 2023, the franchise saw the departure of the legendary head coach Bill Belichick. Stepping into his shoes is Jerod Mayo, who faces the daunting task of steering the Patriots back to glory. According to Cohen, the Patriots’ outlook for the 2024 season is bleak, predicting they will finish with a 2-15 record. "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick," capturing the pessimism surrounding the team’s prospects.
Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities
The Patriots will face early tests, as three of their first four games are on the road, potentially setting the tone for a challenging season. Cohen’s predictions don't just stop at win-loss records; they extend to potential unexpected outcomes. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," encourages fans to explore other bold predictions that may offer significant payouts. Among his forecasts are scenarios featuring potential Super Bowl results with nearly 100-1 odds and win totals that promise plus-money returns. Looking ahead, teams across the NFL will be striving to defy expectations and achieve glory in the upcoming season. With key player acquisitions and strategic changes, fan dynamics and playoff chances are as unpredictable as ever. As the season unfolds, the analyses of experts like Cohen will undoubtedly provide tantalizing glimpses into the potential outcomes that avid NFL followers will be watching closely.