Bucs Eyeing New Heights Under Mayfield
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are embarking on a new chapter as they head into the 2024 NFL season. After clinching the NFC South title last year with a 9-8 record, the Buccaneers have made significant changes to their roster and are looking to capitalize on their momentum. Despite this, they are not considered the favorites to win the NFC South according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds.
One of the cornerstones of the Buccaneers' offseason was the acquisition of quarterback Baker Mayfield, who signed a lucrative three-year, $100 million contract. The team is optimistic that Mayfield can elevate their offense and provide the stability and leadership they need to contend for the postseason once again.
Falcons: The Division Favorites
While the Buccaneers have made some high-profile moves, it is the Atlanta Falcons who are currently favored to win the NFC South. The Falcons have odds of -120 to clinch the division title and -196 to make the playoffs, highlighting the high expectations surrounding the team.
Integral to these expectations is the Falcon's offseason acquisition of quarterback Kirk Cousins. Known for his consistency and field vision, Cousins is anticipated to be a key player in the Falcons' quest to dominate the division. His presence under center adds a new dynamic to an already potent Falcons offense.
Eric Cohen: The Man With the Predictions
SportsLine NFL expert Eric Cohen has been a reliable source for NFL predictions, finishing last season on an impressive 39-28 streak. He's provided a comprehensive forecast for the 2024 NFL season, predicting each team's final record in a detailed grid format. According to Cohen, the New England Patriots are expected to face a particularly tough season.
"Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," Cohen noted. Encouraging fans to check out his latest insights, he added, "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine." Among his predictions, he suggests that "they include a potential Super Bowl result that pays almost 100-1 and a win total that pays back plus-money."
Patriots Brace for Challenging Season
The New England Patriots are entering unfamiliar territory as they cope with the departure of longtime head coach Bill Belichick. Jerod Mayo takes over the helm amid a challenging period for the franchise, marked by losing records in three of their past four seasons, including a dismal 4-13 showing in 2023.
"Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick," added the expert. With three of their first four games being on the road, the Patriots face an uphill battle from the get-go, testing Mayo's leadership and the resilience of the team.
Rams Maintain Winning Ways
The Los Angeles Rams have consistently been a force in the NFC under head coach Sean McVay. Winning at least 10 games in three of the past four seasons, the Rams secured a memorable 12-5 record in the 2021-22 season, culminating in a Super Bowl victory.
McVay's tenure has been marked by remarkable consistency, with five playoff appearances in seven seasons. Although the Rams have only clinched the NFC West title once in the past five years, they are returning most of their offensive production from last year. Key to their plans is running back Kyren Williams, who had a standout season with 228 rushing attempts, 1,144 yards, and 12 touchdowns.
The Rams are geared up for another competitive season and will rely on their established core to navigate the rigors of the NFL. Fans can look forward to seeing McVay's strategic prowess and the team's balanced attack as they aim to return to the playoffs and make a deep postseason run.
In summary, as the NFL gears up for another thrilling season, the storylines for teams like the Buccaneers, Falcons, Patriots, and Rams offer plenty of intrigue. With star quarterbacks in new places, coaching changes, and predictions that could shake up the league, fans are in for a captivating 2024 season.