The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are poised for an intriguing season after clinching the NFC South division last year with a 9-8 record. However, despite this solid performance, they find themselves overshadowed in the Super Bowl odds for the 2025 season. Much of the suspense surrounds their new signal-caller, Baker Mayfield, who inked a lucrative three-year, $100 million contract in the offseason.
The Buccaneers' predicament is further highlighted by the rise of the Atlanta Falcons, who have emerged as division favorites. According to the latest betting odds, the Falcons hold odds of -120 to win the NFC South and -196 to make the playoffs. A significant factor in their favor is the acquisition of quarterback Kirk Cousins, which has bolstered expectations in Atlanta.
Eric Cohen's Analysis
As always, NFL analysts are weighing in with their predictions and insights. Among them, SportsLine expert Eric Cohen stands out with a notable track record. Cohen, who finished last season on an impressive 39-28 streak in his NFL predictions, offers a comprehensive outlook for the coming season. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," states Cohen confidently. His detailed final record predictions for each team are eagerly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.
Cohen’s analysis goes beyond just predicting wins and losses. His insights include intriguing bets and long-shot opportunities. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," he teases. Among his boldest predictions is a potential Super Bowl result that promises a payout of nearly 100-1 and a win total bet that offers lucrative plus-money returns.
New Challenges for the Rams
Turning to the west coast, the Los Angeles Rams are preparing for another competitive year. Led by head coach Sean McVay, the Rams have enjoyed substantial success, winning at least 10 games in three of the past four seasons. Notably, they secured a 12-5 record in the 2021-22 season, culminating in a Super Bowl victory.
Under McVay’s leadership, the Rams have made five playoff appearances in seven seasons, though they have only clinched the NFC West title once in the past five years. This season, the Rams will retain the majority of their offensive production from last year, suggesting continuity and stability. Running back Kyren Williams' performance will be crucial; he amassed 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns on 228 rushing attempts last season, showcasing his importance to the team's ground game.
Patriots' New Era
In stark contrast, the New England Patriots find themselves in a period of transition. Having experienced losing records in three of their past four seasons, the Patriots hit a nadir with a 4-13 record in 2023. The departure of legendary head coach Bill Belichick has signaled a significant shift in Foxborough.
Jerod Mayo steps in as the new head coach, facing an uphill battle to reverse the team's fortunes. Early challenges await the Patriots, with three of their first four games in the 2024 season being on the road. Cohen has not been optimistic about their prospects, predicting a grim 2-15 record in their first year without Belichick. "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick," his assessment highlights the daunting task ahead for Mayo and his squad.
As the NFL season approaches, each team faces unique challenges and opportunities. The Buccaneers, Falcons, Rams, and Patriots illustrate the diverse trajectories within the league. From high expectations in Atlanta to renewed hope in Los Angeles and uncertainty in New England, the forthcoming season promises to be a compelling chapter in NFL history. Football fans will no doubt follow closely, eager to see how these narratives unfold on the field.