Tampa Bay Buccaneers Facing Tough Competition Despite Veteran Presence
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off an NFC South-winning season with a 9-8 record. Quarterback Baker Mayfield, who signed a three-year, $100 million contract this offseason, returns under center, aiming to build on last season's moderate success.
Joining Mayfield are seasoned veterans Mike Evans and Chris Godwin on offense, providing a stable foundation. However, despite their talent and experience, the Buccaneers are not the favorites to win the NFC South according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds.
Falcons Positioned as Division Favorites
The Atlanta Falcons, who have not won the NFC South since 2016, are the ones to watch. With odds of -120 to win the division and -196 to make the playoffs, the Falcons are heavily favored. Adding to their optimism is the acquisition of quarterback Kirk Cousins in the offseason, a move that indicates Atlanta is aggressively pursuing postseason success.
Insights from Expert Eric Cohen
SportsLine NFL expert Eric Cohen has closely analyzed the upcoming season. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," he boasts, citing his impressive record. Cohen finished last season with a 39-28 streak in his picks and continues to offer insights and predictions that intrigue many sports enthusiasts.
Cohen has an extensive overview of the 2024 NFL regular season, having predicted each team's final record in a comprehensive grid format. His projections extend to the playoffs and include best bets for win totals and Super Bowl futures. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," he teases, adding that some of these bets offer nearly 100-1 returns.
Los Angeles Rams: A Team with Mixed Success
The Los Angeles Rams are another team drawing attention. They've won at least 10 games three times in the past four seasons. Their standout moment came in the 2021-22 season when they went 12-5 en route to a Super Bowl title. Under the guidance of head coach Sean McVay, Los Angeles has made five playoff appearances in seven seasons, though they have only secured the NFC West title once in the past five years.
This season, the Rams will return the majority of their offensive production from last year. Running back Kyren Williams, who had 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns, is expected to be a key player. Yet, despite this impressive lineup, the Rams are not without challenges in their quest for dominance in the NFC West.
New England Patriots' Struggles and Uncertain Future
The New England Patriots are going through a transitional phase, having experienced 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 a new era with Jerod Mayo now at the helm. Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick.
Adding to their challenge, three of New England's first four games in the 2024 season will be on the road, putting immediate pressure on the team to perform under a new leadership structure.
A Season of High Stakes
The 2024 NFL season promises a blend of excitement and uncertainty. The Buccaneers, armed with veteran experience, face fierce competition from a rejuvenated Falcons squad. The Rams aim to capitalize on their established success, while the Patriots navigate the uncharted waters of a post-Belichick era. As Cohen puts it, "They include a potential Super Bowl result that pays almost 100-1 and a win total that pays back plus-money." Fans and bettors alike should keep a close eye on the developing narratives, as predictions and outcomes could shift dramatically throughout the season.