Buccaneers and Falcons Paint Contrasting Offseason Pictures
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head into the 2024 NFL season with a mix of optimism and uncertainty. Fresh off an NFC South-winning season with a 9-8 record, the Buccaneers aim to build on their recent successes even as they navigate significant changes within their roster and coaching staff.
One of the most notable changes for the Buccaneers comes at the quarterback position. Baker Mayfield, who signed a three-year, $100 million contract this offseason, will be expected to lead the team under center. Given his previous performances, fans are hopeful yet cautious of what he might bring to Tampa Bay. However, despite their recent division win, the Buccaneers are not favored to win the NFC South according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds.
Falcons Emerge as NFC South Favorites
In stark contrast, the Atlanta Falcons have had a busy and seemingly transformative offseason, positioning themselves as the favorites to capture the NFC South title. Buoyed by the acquisition of quarterback Kirk Cousins, the Falcons boast odds of -120 to win the division, with -196 to make the playoffs, reflecting heightened expectations for the upcoming season.
Eric Cohen, a renowned NFL expert from SportsLine, highlights these significant developments. Cohen, who impressively finished last season with a 39-28 streak in his NFL predictions, has put his analytical prowess to work once again. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," he reflects on his past successes. This track record enhances the weight of his latest insights and forecasts for the upcoming season.
A Season of Change for the Rams and Patriots
Meanwhile, looking across the league, the Los Angeles Rams continue their trajectory under head coach Sean McVay. The Rams, who have won at least 10 games three times in the past four seasons, went 12-5 in the 2021-22 season and captured the Super Bowl title. McVay's tenure has seen the team make five playoff appearances in seven seasons, a testament to his coaching acumen. Despite only securing the NFC West title once in the past five years, the Rams remain a formidable force, especially with much of last year's offensive production returning, including standout running back Kyren Williams, who amassed 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns with 228 rushing attempts last season.
The New England Patriots, on the other hand, find themselves grappling with a challenging transition. Having experienced losing records in three of their past four seasons, including a disappointing 4-13 record in 2023, the Patriots are undergoing significant changes. The departure of legendary head coach Bill Belichick marks the end of an era, with Jerod Mayo stepping in as the new head coach. Eric Cohen has not shied away from making bold predictions here, either: "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick."
The Patriots' early schedule does little to alleviate concerns, with three of their first four games set to take place on the road. It will be a stern test for Mayo’s leadership and the team’s resolve as they navigate this new chapter.
Eric Cohen's Ongoing Analysis
Eric Cohen's role as a SportsLine NFL expert offers fans an analytical edge. For those looking to capitalize on his predictions and insights, Cohen provides a comprehensive grid format predicting each team's final record for the 2024 NFL season. His keen eye for detail and track record of accurate forecasts make his insights particularly valuable for football enthusiasts and bettors alike. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," he teases, hinting at potential underdog victories and unexpected playoff contenders. "They include a potential Super Bowl result that pays almost 100-1 and a win total that pays back plus-money."
As the NFL season approaches, teams and fans alike will be keenly watching how these offseason moves and new leadership changes play out on the field. With so much at stake, the narratives shaping up promise a season filled with intrigue, tension, and uncharted paths.