As the NFL prepares for another thrilling season, several teams are entering the fray with significant changes and expectations. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, coming off a somewhat underwhelming NFC South-winning season with a 9-8 record, have made headlines this offseason by signing quarterback Baker Mayfield to a three-year, $100 million contract. Despite this high-profile acquisition, the Buccaneers are not the favorites to clinch the NFC South title according to the latest Super Bowl odds for 2025.
The Atlanta Falcons, who have made substantial moves of their own, are positioned as the front-runners to win the NFC South. The Falcons boast odds of -120 to secure the division and -196 to make the playoffs. One of the most notable changes for Atlanta is the acquisition of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, which has boosted their championship aspirations significantly.
Eric Cohen, a renowned SportsLine NFL expert with an impressive record, brings considerable credibility to the conversation. Last season, Cohen finished with a strong 39-28 streak in his NFL predictions, making him a trusted voice in the sports betting community. As Cohen puts it, "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big." His comprehensive grid predicting each team's final record for the 2024 season is a valuable resource for fans and analysts alike.
The Rams Under McVay: A Consistent Force
The Los Angeles Rams continue to be a team of interest under head coach Sean McVay. McVay has led the Rams to five playoff appearances in his seven seasons at the helm, including a standout 12-5 season in 2021-22 that culminated in a Super Bowl victory. Despite these achievements, the Rams have only managed to secure the NFC West title once in the past five years, illustrating the fierce competition within the division.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, the Rams will benefit from the continuity of returning the majority of their offensive production. Running back Kyren Williams, who had a stellar season with 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns, will be a focal point of their offensive strategy.
Patriots in Transition
On the other side of the spectrum, the New England Patriots have faced tough times recently, with losing records in three of their past four seasons. The 2023 season was particularly challenging, ending with a dismal 4-13 record. The departure of legendary head coach Bill Belichick has marked the end of an era for the Patriots, who are now under the new leadership of head coach Jerod Mayo.
Under Mayo, the Patriots are facing a daunting early schedule, playing three of their first four games on the road. Cohen's outlook on the Patriots is grim, predicting a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick. As Cohen points out, "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick."
Despite these challenges, the Patriots organization and their fans will be hoping for a surprising turnaround as they navigate this transitional period.
Looking at the Odds
Sports betting enthusiasts keep an eye on predictions and odds as they plan their wagers for the season. The Falcons, with their new quarterback and favorable odds, present an enticing option for those looking to place their bets. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," Cohen suggests, hinting at other potentially lucrative opportunities this season. Intriguingly, he mentions, "They include a potential Super Bowl result that pays almost 100-1 and a win total that pays back plus-money."
The dynamic shifts within these prominent NFL teams set the stage for an engaging and unpredictable season ahead. With experts like Cohen providing detailed insights and bold predictions, fans have plenty of analyses to consider as they gear up for what promises to be an action-packed football year.