Buccaneers Seek to Build on NFC South Triumph
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are riding high after clinching the NFC South title last season with a respectable 9-8 record. However, quarterback Baker Mayfield's blockbuster three-year, $100 million contract during the offseason signals that the team is gearing up for more substantial achievements. Despite their previous success, the Buccaneers are not the bookies' favorites to win the NFC South according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds.
Falcons Emerge as Division Favorites
In contrast, the Atlanta Falcons have emerged as the favorites to top the NFC South. The Falcons, who have odds of -120 to win the division and -196 to secure a playoff spot, made a significant move by acquiring quarterback Kirk Cousins during the offseason. This development has elevated their status and heightened expectations for the upcoming season.
Predicting the 2024 NFL Season
SportsLine NFL expert Eric Cohen has provided a comprehensive slate of predictions for the 2024 NFL season. Cohen, who ended last season with an impressive 39-28 run in his NFL predictions, has shared his insights in a detailed grid format, offering a thorough forecast of each team's final record. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," is a testament to the reliability of his betting advice. Cohen's latest picks, exclusive to SportsLine, tease intriguing outcomes, including a potential Super Bowl result that offers almost 100-1 odds and a win total wager that pays back plus-money.
Los Angeles Rams: A Consistent Contender
Sean McVay's Los Angeles Rams have been a formidable presence in the league, winning at least 10 games in three of the past four seasons. The Rams' 12-5 record in the 2021-22 season culminated in a Super Bowl victory, underscoring their elite status. Under McVay's leadership, the Rams have secured five playoff appearances in seven seasons. Yet, they have only clinched the NFC West title once in the past five years. With a significant portion of their offensive firepower returning from last year, including running back Kyren Williams, who logged 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns, the Rams are poised for another competitive run.
Patriots Face an Uncertain Future
The New England Patriots, once a dominant force, have fallen on harder times, enduring losing records in three of their past four seasons. Last year, the Patriots slumped to a 4-13 record, precipitating the departure of head coach Bill Belichick. Jerod Mayo has stepped into the head coaching role, facing the daunting task of reviving the storied franchise. Cohen predicts a grim outlook for the Patriots, forecasting a dismal 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick. The challenges are compounded by a tough start to their schedule, with three of their first four games on the road.
As the NFL approaches its new season, the storylines are rich with anticipation. The Buccaneers aim to leverage Mayfield’s skills to surpass their recent accomplishments, while the Falcons, bolstered by Cousins' arrival, strive to justify their favoritism. The Rams continue to demonstrate consistency under McVay, maintaining their competitive edge. Meanwhile, the Patriots embark on a new era under Mayo, hoping to defy Cohen’s bleak projection and restore their former glory.