The Buccaneers and Falcons Set the Stage for NFC South Battle
As the NFL season approaches, the buzz surrounding the NFC South is palpable. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off an NFC South-winning season, finishing with a 9-8 record. However, their journey ahead seems more arduous than ever.
This offseason, the Buccaneers made a significant move by signing quarterback Baker Mayfield to a three-year, $100 million contract. Despite this hefty investment, they are not the favorites to clinch the NFC South title according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds.
Falcons Emerge as Favorites
Instead, the Atlanta Falcons have been pegged as the frontrunners for the division title. The odds reflect this sentiment, with the Falcons boasting -120 odds to win the NFC South and -196 to secure a playoff spot. This offseason, the Falcons made a splash by acquiring veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, a move that significantly bolstered their roster.
SportsLine NFL expert Eric Cohen, who finished last season with an impressive 39-28 streak in his NFL predictions, has laid out his insights for the upcoming season. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," state the reports, affirming Cohen's reputation in the sports betting community. Cohen's latest projections also include a couple of surprising winners, available exclusively at SportsLine.
Projections for the Patriots and Rams
In a stark contrast to the buoyant outlook for the Falcons, the New England Patriots appear to be bracing for a challenging season. The Patriots have suffered losing records in three of their past four seasons, most recently finishing 2023 with a dismal 4-13 record. Adding to their woes, long-time head coach Bill Belichick has departed, handing the reins to new head coach Jerod Mayo. With three of their first four games in the 2024 season being on the road, the Patriots face an uphill battle. Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick.
Meanwhile, on the West Coast, the Los Angeles Rams are preparing for another competitive season under head coach Sean McVay. The Rams have showcased resilience and competitive fire, winning at least 10 games three times in the past four seasons, including a 12-5 record in the 2021-22 season that ultimately led to a Super Bowl victory. Under McVay’s guidance, the Rams have made five playoff appearances in seven seasons, although they have only clinched the NFC West title once in the past five years.
Kyren Williams Shines
Returning to the Rams' bright spots, running back Kyren Williams, who had an outstanding season with 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns, will once again be a key player. The Rams will also see the majority of their offensive production from last year return to the field, further solidifying their position as contenders.
Season Outlook
As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will watch closely whether the Buccaneers can defy the odds and if the Falcons can live up to their newfound expectations. While optimism surrounds some teams, others have a mountain to climb. Sports enthusiasts will undoubtably stay tuned to see which of Cohen's predictions materialize, including his long-shot Super Bowl winner and potentially lucrative win total bets.
"See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," the seasoned analyst teases. Whether it’s the steadfast plans of the Falcons, the turbulent times for the Patriots, or the resilience of the Rams, the narratives of this NFL season promise drama, strategy, and unwavering fandom.