The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, fresh off an NFC South-winning season with a 9-8 record, are gearing up for a potentially transformative year, thanks to some significant offseason moves and a tough division landscape. Despite their previous success, the Buccaneers are not favored to clinch the NFC South title this time around, as the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds place them behind their rivals.
Buccaneers Banking on Baker Mayfield
One of the most talked-about changes for the Buccaneers this offseason was the signing of quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mayfield inked a lucrative three-year, $100 million contract, setting high expectations for his performance and leadership on the field. The Buccaneers and their fans are hopeful that Mayfield can provide the consistency and dynamism needed to guide the team through what promises to be a challenging season.
Despite this high-profile acquisition, many eyes are on the Atlanta Falcons as the favorites to win the NFC South. The Falcons, who currently boast odds of -120 to capture the division title and -196 to make the playoffs, also made a significant quarterback acquisition of their own by bringing in Kirk Cousins during the offseason.
Falcons Positioned for Success
With Cousins at the helm, the Falcons are being widely regarded as the team to beat in the NFC South. The addition of a seasoned and skilled quarterback like Cousins strengthens their offensive lineup and increases their chances of a successful run in the playoffs. This marks a dramatic shift in the competitive balance within the division, adding an exciting layer of intrigue to the upcoming season.
Insight from Eric Cohen
SportsLine NFL expert Eric Cohen, who concluded last season with an impressive 39-28 streak in his NFL predictions, offers some compelling insights into what fans can expect. Cohen's prognostications have a track record of rewarding those who follow his advice. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," a testament to his analytical acumen and understanding of the game.
Among Cohen's latest predictions, he anticipates a grim outcome for the New England Patriots. He projects the Pats, under new head coach Jerod Mayo following the departure of legendary coach Bill Belichick, to finish with a dismal 2-15 record 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."
Challenges for the Patriots
The Patriots, who have had losing records in three of their past four seasons, are clearly in a period of transition and rebuilding. With Jerod Mayo stepping in as the new head coach, expectations are tempered, and the road ahead appears rocky. Their 2023 season ended with a disappointing 4-13 record, and with three of their first four games in 2024 slated to be on the road, early momentum will be hard to come by.
Rams Eyeing Consistency
On the other side of the country, the Los Angeles Rams are looking to build on their recent successes. The Rams have won at least ten games three times in the past four seasons, including a 12-5 record in the 2021-22 season, which culminated in a Super Bowl victory. Under the leadership of head coach Sean McVay, the Rams have made five playoff appearances in seven seasons and continue to be a formidable force in the NFC.
While the Rams have only secured the NFC West title once in the past five years, they 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 last season, remains a key part of their offensive strategy.
As teams across the league position themselves and recalibrate their strategies, fans can look forward to a season filled with intense competition and unpredictable outcomes. From the Buccaneers' bid to defend their division title with a new quarterback to the Falcons' quest for dominance and the Patriots' efforts to rebuild, the 2024 NFL season promises to be a thrilling ride.