The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering the new NFL season with a mix of confidence and uncertainty. Coming off an NFC South-winning season marked by a 9-8 record, the Buccaneers have made some significant moves in the offseason. Leading the charge will be quarterback Baker Mayfield, who signed a lucrative three-year, $100 million contract. Despite these efforts, the Buccaneers are not considered the favorites to win their division according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds.
That title belongs to the Atlanta Falcons. Armed with odds of -120 to win the NFC South and -196 to make the playoffs, the Falcons have emerged as the team to beat in the division. The acquisition of quarterback Kirk Cousins in the offseason has only strengthened their positioning, raising expectations among fans and analysts alike.
Eric Cohen’s Expertise on NFL Predictions
Turning to expert analysis, Eric Cohen from SportsLine stands out with his uncanny acumen for NFL predictions. Cohen ended the last season with an impressive 39-28 record in his picks. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," reads one enthusiastic endorsement. For the upcoming season, Cohen has unveiled a comprehensive grid predicting each team's final record for the 2024 NFL season.
Intriguingly, Cohen forecasts a grim outcome for the New England Patriots, estimating they will languish at the bottom with a 2-15 record in their first year after the departure of long-time head coach Bill Belichick. It’s going to be a challenging transition, with Jerod Mayo taking the reins as the new head coach. With three of their first four games in the 2024 season scheduled on the road, the Patriots face an uphill battle.
The Los Angeles Rams: Stability Amidst Change
Another team making headlines is the Los Angeles Rams. Over the past four seasons, the Rams have consistently performed well, winning at least 10 games three times. Their 2021-22 season was particularly noteworthy, culminating in a 12-5 record and a Super Bowl triumph under head coach Sean McVay. Since McVay took over, the Rams have made five playoff appearances in seven seasons, although they have only secured the NFC West title once in the past five years.
Stability is a hallmark for the Rams as they return the majority of their offensive production from last year. One standout is running back Kyren Williams, who notched up 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. With such a potent offense, the Rams look well-prepared to compete in a highly contested NFC West.
Patriots Facing Uncertain Future
In stark contrast, the New England Patriots are grappling with uncertainty. The team has struggled in recent years, enduring losing records in three of their past four seasons, including a disappointing 4-13 record in 2023. The departure of Bill Belichick, one of the most successful coaches in NFL history, marks the end of an era. Jerod Mayo now faces the daunting task of rebuilding a storied franchise that has fallen on hard times.
Eric Cohen's prediction does not bode well for the Patriots, but it’s worth keeping an eye on how Mayo navigates these initial challenges. "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots," the analyst notes, "estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick." For a team synonymous with success, this forecast serves as a sobering reality check.
The upcoming NFL season promises to be filled with intriguing storylines and high-stakes drama. From the Buccaneers' quest to defy the odds in the NFC South to the Falcons solidifying their status as favorites, and the Rams seeking another deep playoff run, fans have plenty to anticipate. Meanwhile, the Patriots will embark on a new chapter, hoping to prove the doubters wrong and restore their legacy. As always, the expertise of analysts like Eric Cohen will be invaluable in navigating the thrilling yet unpredictable landscape of professional football.