The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering the upcoming NFL season with a complex mix of hope and uncertainty. Following a 9-8 campaign that saw them clinch the NFC South title, expectations are tempered, especially given some notable changes. Perhaps the most significant move this offseason was the signing of quarterback Baker Mayfield to a three-year, $100 million contract. However, despite the high-profile acquisition, the Buccaneers aren't the favorites to repeat as division champions in the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds.
Falcons Emerge as Division Favorites
Instead, the spotlight shines on the Atlanta Falcons, who are poised to dominate the NFC South. The Falcons are pegged as the division favorites, with odds of -120 to win the division and -196 to secure a playoff spot. This newfound status is bolstered by their offseason coup—acquiring quarterback Kirk Cousins. The addition of Cousins is expected to provide stability and leadership, enhancing their chances to make a deep playoff run.
Expert Predictions
One person closely watching these developments is SportsLine NFL expert Eric Cohen. Known for his sharp insights and reliable streaks, Cohen ended last season with a 39-28 mark in his NFL predictions. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," the sports analyst boasts. Cohen's comprehensive grid for each team’s final record in the 2024 NFL season has generated much buzz, promising intriguing outcomes.
For instance, Cohen foresees a challenging season for the New England Patriots. Under new head coach Jerod Mayo, the Patriots are projected to struggle mightily. After posting a 4-13 record in 2023, the departure of legendary coach Bill Belichick marks a significant turning point. According to Cohen, the Patriots may end up with a grim 2-15 record, plagued by three of their opening four games being on the road.
Rams Maintain Their Momentum
The Los Angeles Rams, meanwhile, offer a more optimistic narrative. Head coach Sean McVay, who has masterfully led the team to five playoff appearances in seven seasons, continues to steer a steady ship. With three seasons of at least ten wins in the past four years and a memorable 12-5 campaign that culminated in a Super Bowl victory in 2021-22, McVay’s Rams are set to be contenders once more. While they've only secured one NFC West title in the past five years, the core of their offensive production returns for another shot at glory.
Running back Kyren Williams exemplifies this core strength. Williams, who racked up 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns from 228 rushing attempts last season, will again be pivotal to the Rams' offensive strategy.
The Path Forward
As the NFL season approaches, narratives are forming that will define the league's landscape. The Buccaneers and their investment in Baker Mayfield, the Falcons' ambition fueled by Kirk Cousins, and the Patriots' arduous transition post-Belichick are all stories to watch closely. Furthermore, the Rams’ quest to capitalize on their retained offensive firepower under McVay’s expert guidance promises to provide thrilling football.
Eric Cohen’s predictions, celebrated for their accuracy, could be a valuable compass for fans and analysts alike. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," suggests Cohen, hinting at unexpected outcomes that may pay significant dividends. With predictions encompassing potential Super Bowl results that quote almost 100-1 returns and win totals offering plus-money paybacks, his insights could very well shape the narrative of this NFL season.
In the ever-dynamic world of the NFL, the interplay of strategic moves, expert analyses, and on-field performances continues to capture the imaginations of fans across the globe. As we gear up for another exhilarating season, it's these emerging stories and expert predictions that keep the heartbeat of this beloved sport palpably thrilling.