The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gearing up for another NFL season after finishing with a 9-8 record and clinching the NFC South title last year. This off-season brought significant changes, particularly the acquisition of quarterback Baker Mayfield. Signing Mayfield to a three-year, $100 million contract, the Buccaneers are betting heavily on his capabilities to lead the team. Despite this high-profile addition, they are not considered the favorites to win the NFC South in the latest Super Bowl odds for 2025.
Instead, the Atlanta Falcons have emerged as the front-runners. The Falcons, who acquired quarterback Kirk Cousins over the summer, have been given odds of -120 to win the NFC South and -196 to make the playoffs. This shift comes as no small surprise given the team's recent efforts to build a more competitive roster. Eric Cohen, a seasoned NFL expert for SportsLine, had a 39-28 streak in his predictions last season. Cohen's insights have often guided bettors to substantial wins, as he meticulously forecasts outcomes for each team.
Changing Dynamics in the NFC South
The Buccaneers may have the recent division title, but the Falcons appear to be the team to beat. While Tampa Bay is making bold moves, Atlanta's calculated approach in bringing on Cousins and other key players aims to stabilize their performance and secure playoff contention. This rivalry will be something to watch closely as the season develops.
Los Angeles Rams: Consistency and Challenges
Shifting focus to the NFC West, the Los Angeles Rams have had a strong presence. Winning at least 10 games in three of the past four seasons, the Rams have demonstrated remarkable consistency under head coach Sean McVay. The 2021-22 season marked a pinnacle for the franchise as they went 12-5 and claimed the Super Bowl title.
Despite making five playoff appearances in seven seasons under McVay, the Rams have only secured the NFC West title once in the last five years. Consistency in offensive production has played a role in their success, with running back Kyren Williams contributing significantly last season with 1,144 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns over 228 attempts. The Rams are keen on maintaining this momentum as they retain the core of their offensive lineup.
New England Patriots: A New Era
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots are embarking on a new chapter as Jerod Mayo steps into the head coach role following the departure of the legendary Bill Belichick. The Patriots have faced a rough patch, with losing records in three of their past four seasons and a dismal 4-13 record in 2023. This season's initial schedule poses additional challenges, with three of their first four games set away from home.
Eric Cohen’s prediction for the Patriots is particularly grim, projecting a 2-15 record in their first year without Belichick. Cohen also hints at other surprising winners, and those looking to capitalize on his predictions can find exclusive insights at SportsLine. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," notes Cohen, emphasizing that his expert picks include potential Super Bowl results with almost 100-1 payouts and win totals offering plus-money returns.
The outlook for the upcoming NFL season is shaped by significant player moves and coaching changes. The balance of power in the NFC South and NFC West is evolving, and all eyes will be on how teams like the Buccaneers, Falcons, Rams, and Patriots adapt to their new circumstances. With expert insights from analysts like Eric Cohen, fans and bettors alike will closely follow these developments, anticipating a season packed with both expected and surprising outcomes.