The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to build on their recent NFC South-winning season, finishing with a 9-8 record. However, they are stepping into the 2024 NFL season with significant changes and challenges. One of the most notable offseason moves was signing quarterback Baker Mayfield to a lucrative three-year, $100 million contract, signaling a new era for the team. Despite this, the Buccaneers still find themselves behind the curve in the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds, where they are not favored to win the division.
Instead, the Atlanta Falcons have emerged as the frontrunners to capture the NFC South title. With odds of -120 to win the division and -196 to make the playoffs, the Falcons are riding high on optimism. A major catalyst for this shift has been their acquisition of quarterback Kirk Cousins in the offseason. Cousins brings a wealth of experience and skill to an already promising roster, making them a formidable opponent in the division.
According to SportsLine NFL expert, Eric Cohen, the Falcons’ superior positioning shouldn’t come as a surprise. Finishing last season with a 39-28 streak in his NFL predictions, Cohen has analyzed each team's prospects for the upcoming season. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," reads a testament to his expertise. This year, Cohen has even gone as far as predicting each team’s final record for the 2024 NFL season, providing fans and analysts alike with a comprehensive outlook.
Rams Eyeing Another Playoff Run
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams continue to be a team to watch in the NFC. The Rams have repeatedly proven their mettle, winning at least 10 games three times over the past four seasons. Their success peaked in the 2021-22 season, finishing with a 12-5 record and winning the Super Bowl. Under the guidance of head coach Sean McVay, the Rams have made five playoff appearances in seven seasons, though they've only secured the NFC West title once in the past five years.
The Rams look poised to maintain their offensive firepower this season, returning the majority of their key contributors. Running back Kyren Williams is coming off an impressive season, with 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns. McVay's expertise and the team's consistency make them a strong contender as they aim for another playoff berth.
Patriots Facing Uncertain Future
On the opposite coast, the New England Patriots are grappling with one of their most tumultuous periods in recent history. With losing records in three of their past four seasons, the Patriots hit rock bottom with a 4-13 record in 2023. The departure of legendary head coach Bill Belichick has only exacerbated the uncertainty surrounding the team. In his place, Jerod Mayo steps in as the new head coach, facing the daunting task of steering the franchise back to its former glory.
Eric Cohen has not held back in his assessment of the Patriots’ prospects for the 2024 season. "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick," he states. Such a prediction highlights the challenges Mayo and his team face, especially with three of their first four games of the season on the road. Fans will be watching closely to see how the Patriots navigate this period of transition.
Expert Predictions and High Stakes
For fans and bettors alike, Eric Cohen's predictions continue to carry significant weight. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," he encourages. Cohen’s insights include potential outcomes with impressive paybacks, such as a Super Bowl result that offers almost 100-1 odds and a win total bet that pays back plus-money. His analytical approach offers not just predictions but actionable insights that can lead to substantial rewards for those who choose to follow his advice.
As the 2024 NFL season approaches, teams like the Buccaneers, Falcons, Rams, and Patriots stand at various crossroads, each with its unique set of challenges and opportunities. With expert analysts like Eric Cohen providing detailed predictions and insights, fans and stakeholders are better equipped to understand the dynamics at play and the potential trajectories of their favorite teams.