Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Offseason Moves Yet to Make an Impact
With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coming off an NFC South-winning season with a 9-8 record, expectations were high for this offseason. However, despite significant changes, including a hefty three-year, $100 million contract for quarterback Baker Mayfield, the Buccaneers are not emerging as favorites to clinch the division title.
The latest 2025 Super Bowl odds reflect this sentiment, with the Atlanta Falcons, rather than the Buccaneers, pegged as the team to beat in the NFC South. The Falcons have acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins in the offseason and boast odds of -120 to win the division and -196 to make the playoffs. This acquisition, combined with an overall stronger roster on paper, places the Falcons ahead in the divisional race.
Eric Cohen's Sharp NFL Insights
Eric Cohen, a renowned SportsLine NFL expert, continues to offer valuable insights into the league's dynamics. Boasting a commendable 39-28 streak in his NFL predictions last season, Cohen’s forecasts carry significant weight. He has gone a step further this year by predicting each team's final record for the 2024 NFL season in a comprehensive grid format.
Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions last season saw substantial success. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," notes a testimonial that underscores his accuracy. Cohen's latest predictions include some surprising winners, hinting at a potential Super Bowl result that offers almost 100-1 odds and a win total with plus-money returns.
Among Cohen’s boldest predictions is a particularly grim outlook for the New England Patriots. In their first year post-Bill Belichick, Cohen estimates the Patriots will finish with a dismal 2-15 record. For a franchise accustomed to greatness, this stark prediction signals a significant transition phase under new head coach Jerod Mayo.
The Rams Maintain High Hopes
Turning to the West Coast, the Los Angeles Rams, who have been a consistent force in recent years, aim to replicate their success. The Rams have had three seasons with at least 10 wins in the past four years, including a memorable 12-5 run in the 2021-22 season that culminated in a Super Bowl victory.
Sean McVay, the dynamic head coach of the Rams, has steered the team to five playoff appearances in his seven seasons at the helm. However, despite their achievements, the Rams have only secured the NFC West title once in the past five years.
This season, the Rams are poised to return the majority of their offensive production from last year. Running back Kyren Williams, who had an impressive 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, will be a key figure in their offensive plans.
Patriots Face Challenges Ahead
The New England Patriots are undeniably in a period of rebuilding. Experiencing losing records in three of their past four seasons and finishing with a 4-13 record in 2023, the departure of legendary head coach Bill Belichick marks the end of an era. Jerod Mayo now takes the reins, looking to navigate a challenging opening with three of the Patriots' first four games in the 2024 season on the road.
The Patriots’ fan base, spoiled with decades of success under Belichick, will need to adjust to this new reality. While rebuilding phases are challenging, they present opportunities for new leadership and emerging talents to reshape the team’s future trajectory.
Conclusion
As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the landscape of the league is dotted with intriguing storylines. From the Buccaneers’ uncertainty despite significant investments to the Falcons' rise as divisional favorites, and from the Rams’ steady championship aspirations to the Patriots’ turbulent transition, fans have much to anticipate.
For those closely following NFL predictions, Eric Cohen’s insights remain a vital resource. Revealing surprising winners and potential high-return bets, his analysis offers a roadmap for navigating the season ahead. As teams hit the gridiron, the narratives will evolve, bringing new triumphs, challenges, and the perennial excitement that defines the NFL.