The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering the 2024 NFL season with significant changes and expectations, coming off an NFC South-winning season with a somewhat modest 9-8 record. The offseason saw the Buccaneers making a splash by signing quarterback Baker Mayfield to a lucrative three-year, $100 million contract. Despite this high-profile acquisition, the Buccaneers are not favored to retain their division crown according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds.
Buccaneers' Offseason Moves
Entering the new season with Mayfield at the helm, the Buccaneers are aiming to build on their recent success. Still, the excitement around the team is tempered by current betting odds, which place the Atlanta Falcons as the favorites to win the NFC South. With odds set at -120 to win the division and -196 to make the playoffs, the Falcons have set a strong preseason precedent.
Falcons' New Look
The Falcons have gone all in for the upcoming season, most notably by acquiring quarterback Kirk Cousins. This move underscores the team's win-now mentality and their determination to capitalize on a seemingly wide-open division. Their significant odds of clinching the NFC South and making a deep playoff run reflect this aggressive strategy.
Expert Analysis and Predictions
Among the analysts providing insight into the NFL landscape is Eric Cohen, a renowned SportsLine NFL expert. Cohen finished last season with an impressive 39-28 streak in his NFL predictions, earning him a reputation as a reliable authority on the sport. According to Cohen, "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big."
Cohen has also predicted each team's final record for the 2024 NFL season in a detailed grid format. Among his many forecasts, one of the most striking predictions is for the New England Patriots. Faced with considerable changes, including the departure of legendary head coach Bill Belichick and the appointment of Jerod Mayo as his successor, the Patriots are predicted by Cohen to finish with a worrying 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," he stated.
Challenges for the Patriots
The Patriots are in a transitional period, having experienced losing records in three of their past four seasons. Last year, they posted a dismal 4-13 record, a clear indicator of the challenges they face. The upcoming season features a tough start, with three of their first four games taking place on the road, adding to Mayo's burden as he begins his tenure as head coach.
Rams Seek to Maintain Competitiveness
In the NFC West, the Los Angeles Rams are looking to remain competitive. Over the past four seasons, they have won at least 10 games three times, including a stellar 12-5 record during the 2021-22 season that ultimately led them to a Super Bowl victory. Under the guidance 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, their consistent performance is a testament to McVay's leadership.
The Rams are expected to return the majority of their offensive production from last year. Running back Kyren Williams stands out after recording 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. This continuity could be pivotal as the Rams aim to assert themselves in a fiercely competitive division.
Cohen's Underdog Picks
Eric Cohen's insights often highlight underrated teams and potential surprising winners. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," he teased, emphasizing the value of his analysis for those looking to capitalize on unexpected outcomes. Among his predictions is a potential Super Bowl result that "pays almost 100-1 and a win total that pays back plus-money," showcasing the thrilling unpredictability of the NFL.
As the NFL gears up for another action-packed season, teams across the league are making pivotal moves to enhance their competitiveness. Whether it's marquee signings like that of Baker Mayfield, significant trades such as Kirk Cousins to the Falcons, or coaching changes like Jerod Mayo for the Patriots, the 2024 season is shaping up to be a fascinating chapter in NFL history. The comprehensive predictions and expert analysis provided by seasoned professionals like Eric Cohen will undoubtedly add to the excitement and anticipation for football fans everywhere.