The offseason for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been intriguing, especially after clinching the NFC South title last season with a 9-8 record. They made headlines by signing quarterback Baker Mayfield to a three-year, $100 million contract. Despite this significant acquisition, the Buccaneers are not regarded as frontrunners for the NFC South title according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds.
Falcons Emerge as NFC South Favorites
Shifting the focus to the Atlanta Falcons, they are now the favorites to win the NFC South. The Falcons have odds of -120 to win the division and -196 to make the playoffs. Their offseason has been equally eventful, with the acquisition of quarterback Kirk Cousins. This move has undoubtedly bolstered their chances and expectations for the upcoming season.
Insight from an Expert
SportsLine NFL expert Eric Cohen, known for his reliability and accuracy, finished last season with a 39-28 streak in his NFL predictions. His insights have become a dependable guide for many in the sports community. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," says Cohen, emphasizing the value of his forecasts.
Cohen has analyzed and predicted each team's final record for the 2024 NFL season, presenting his findings in a comprehensive grid format. His predictions reveal surprising winners and outcomes, which he shares exclusively on SportsLine. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," he mentions, hinting at more intriguing forecasts.
Los Angeles Rams’ Recent Performance
The Los Angeles Rams have showcased consistency over the past few years. They won at least 10 games three times in the past four seasons and secured a 12-5 record in the 2021-22 season, culminating in a Super Bowl victory. Head coach Sean McVay has led the team to five playoff appearances in seven seasons. Despite their achievements, the Rams have only secured the NFC West title once in the past five years.
Looking ahead, the Rams appear well-prepared for another competitive season, returning the majority of their offensive production from last year. Running back Kyren Williams is expected to play a central role, having amassed 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.
New Era for the Patriots
The New England Patriots are facing a challenging transition. The team has recorded losing records in three of their past four seasons, including a disappointing 4-13 record in 2023. The departure of legendary head coach Bill Belichick marks the end of an era, with Jerod Mayo stepping in as the new head coach. The Patriots will have a testing start to the 2024 season, with three of their first four games on the road.
Eric Cohen's predictions paint a bleak picture for the Patriots' immediate future. "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick," highlighting the steep challenges that lie ahead for the franchise.
As the new NFL season approaches, the dynamics within the NFC South and beyond are set to captivate fans and analysts alike. With significant changes in team rosters and leadership, coupled with expert insights from seasoned analysts like Eric Cohen, the journey toward the 2025 Super Bowl promises to be full of intrigue and excitement.