The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head into the new NFL season riding the waves of a recent NFC South title, albeit with a modest 9-8 record. This offseason brought significant changes, including the acquisition of quarterback Baker Mayfield, who inked a three-year, $100 million contract. Despite these moves, the Buccaneers are not considered favorites to repeat their divisional success, at least according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds.
Falcons Poised for Dominance
Leading the charge in the NFC South are the Atlanta Falcons, who have emerged as the front-runners. With odds of -120 to win the division and -196 to secure a playoff berth, the Falcons are generating high expectations. One of the keys to their anticipated success is the offseason acquisition of quarterback Kirk Cousins. This move has bolstered their prospects considerably, positioning them as the team to beat in the NFC South.
Eric Cohen, a respected SportsLine NFL expert, finished last season with an impressive 39-28 streak in his predictions. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," reads one of the testimonials highlighting Cohen's forecasting prowess. Cohen has even projected each team's final record for the 2024 season, anticipating a potentially lucrative outcome that includes a Super Bowl result with nearly 100-1 odds and a favorable win total payout. His predictions are sought after, with many eager to see what surprising winners he picks this year.
Rams Seeking Resurgence
Elsewhere in the league, the Los Angeles Rams aim to build on their recent successes. Under head coach Sean McVay, the Rams have secured five playoff appearances in seven seasons. While they have only won the NFC West title once in the past five years, their performance remains commendable. They notably achieved a stellar 12-5 record during the 2021-22 season, culminating in a Super Bowl victory.
Continuity appears to be a focal point for the Rams as they prepare to return the majority of their offensive starters from last season. Running back Kyren Williams, who amassed 1,144 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 228 attempts last year, will be a key component of their strategy. With consistency in their roster, the Rams hope to replicate and exceed their previous achievements.
Patriots in Transition
The New England Patriots find themselves in a period of transition following a string of disappointing seasons. With losing records in three of their past four seasons, they stumbled to a 4-13 record in 2023. The departure of longtime head coach Bill Belichick marks the end of an era, paving the way for new head coach Jerod Mayo to take the reins.
However, Cohen predicts a challenging road ahead for the Belichick-less Patriots. "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick," reflecting a stark forecast for this storied franchise. Adding to their challenges, three of the Patriots' first four games in the 2024 season will be on the road, further testing their mettle early on.
Despite these challenges, Mayo’s leadership will be under scrutiny as the Patriots strive to rediscover their winning ways. With both fans and analysts closely monitoring their progress, the Patriots' transition period promises to be a fascinating storyline in the upcoming season.
As the NFL gears up for another exciting year, teams like the Buccaneers, Falcons, Rams, and Patriots represent the diverse narratives set to unfold. Whether it's a reigning division champion looking to hold its ground, a favorite eyeing dominance, an established powerhouse seeking consistency, or a legendary franchise navigating change, the storylines are rich with potential. Stay tuned as the season promises to bring both expected triumphs and unpredictable twists.