The Tampa Bay Buccaneers tied up loose ends recently with a surprising 9-8 record, claiming the NFC South title. However, they enter the new season without the status of favorites. The Atlanta Falcons, with odds of -120 to win the division and -196 to make the playoffs, are expected to take the division crown instead. One of the most impactful moves of the offseason has been the Falcons acquiring quarterback Kirk Cousins, bolstering their roster significantly.
Buccaneers Bet on Mayfield
Contrary to the Falcons' rising prospects, the Buccaneers are navigating uncharted waters. Landing quarterback Baker Mayfield on a three-year, $100 million contract stands as a bold move reflecting their commitment to building a competitive team. Despite this high-stakes signing, the Buccaneers' path to another NFC South title seems steep, given the current Super Bowl odds that don't position them as favorites this time around.
Eric Cohen’s Insights
Adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming season, SportsLine NFL expert Eric Cohen has an impeccable track record on predictions. Cohen, who finished last season with a 39-28 prediction streak, offers an array of insights for NFL enthusiasts. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," noted several analysts. With promises of more surprising winners and offering odds such as a potential Super Bowl result paying almost 100-1, Cohen drives anticipation high for the season's outcomes.
In his latest predictions, Cohen has outlined each team’s final record for the 2024 NFL season in a detailed grid format. One of his most controversial views concerns the New England Patriots. He forecasts a dire 2-15 record for the Patriots, now under the leadership of new head coach Jerod Mayo following Bill Belichick’s departure. "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick," adding further skepticism around the franchise’s current direction.
The Rams’ Rebuilding Strategy
Similarly, a lot of attention is also directed towards the Los Angeles Rams. The team has enjoyed remarkable success under head coach Sean McVay, making five playoff appearances in seven seasons and winning the Super Bowl following their 12-5 record in the 2021-22 season. Despite their impressive outings, the Rams have only clinched the NFC West title once over the past five years. McVay’s leadership remains crucial as the Rams aim to leverage returning offensive strengths, with running back Kyren Williams spearheading their ground game. Williams posted notable numbers last season, with 228 rushing attempts, 1,144 yards, and 12 touchdowns.
Patriots in Transition
Meanwhile, it’s a period of transition for the New England Patriots. Experiencing losing records in three of their past four seasons and a disappointing 4-13 record last year, the franchise is in the midst of a significant overhaul. With Jerod Mayo taking over as head coach, the Patriots face a challenging schedule ahead. Three of their first four games in the 2024 season are set to be away, adding to the trial by fire for Mayo and his squad.
As NFL teams brace for the new season, the shifting dynamics, key player acquisitions, and insightful predictions add layers of excitement and drama. These narratives, enriched by expert opinions and statistical analysis, set the stage for a compelling NFL season. As Cohen advises fans and bettors alike: "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine."
The upcoming season promises to be a roller-coaster, with the balance of power continually shifting across the NFL landscape. With so many variables in play, the only certainty is that the road to the Super Bowl will be filled with unexpected twists and turns.