Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Navigating a New Season
Fresh off an NFC South-winning season with a 9-8 record, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter 2024 packed with potential yet brimming with uncertainty. The offseason has been marked by significant moves, most notably the acquisition of quarterback Baker Mayfield on a lucrative three-year, $100 million contract. However, despite their recent success, the Buccaneers find themselves not favored to clinch the division this year according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds. That mantle belongs to the Atlanta Falcons.
Falcons' Rising Expectations
The Falcons have emerged as the team to beat in the NFC South. Oddsmakers have placed them as favorites with odds of -120 to win the division and -196 to make the playoffs. A significant factor in their favor has been the acquisition of quarterback Kirk Cousins during the offseason, a move that has seemingly shifted the balance of power within the division.
The Eric Cohen Perspective
Eric Cohen, a well-respected SportsLine NFL expert, has provided comprehensive predictions for the 2024 NFL season, constructing a detailed grid that outlines each team’s projected final record. Cohen, renowned for his last season's 39-28 streak in NFL predictions, has been a reliable source for accurate forecasts. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," he notes, further indicating his confidence in his analyses.
Cohen’s projections include some bold predictions this season, including a potential Super Bowl outcome with long-shot odds of almost 100-1 and a win total that offers a plus-money payout. One of his more sobering forecasts involves the New England Patriots, for whom he anticipates a dismal 2-15 finish in their first year without long-time head coach Bill Belichick. "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick," the expert asserts, providing a stark outlook for Patriots fans.
Los Angeles Rams: Maintaining Momentum
Shifting focus to the NFC West, the Los Angeles Rams have had a mixed run in recent seasons. Under head coach Sean McVay, the Rams have secured five playoff berths in seven years, including an impressive 12-5 record in the 2021-22 season that culminated in a Super Bowl win. Yet, they have only grasped the NFC West title once in the last five years.
This season, the Rams are optimistic, aiming to carry forward the majority of their offensive output from the previous year. Running back Kyren Williams, who amassed 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns on 228 rushing attempts last season, remains a critical component of their offense.
New England Patriots: A New Chapter
For the New England Patriots, the transition from the Belichick era stands as the most significant storyline. The Patriots have faced challenges, posting losing records in three of their past four seasons, and they finished at a dismal 4-13 in 2023. With Bill Belichick’s departure, the team now turns to Jerod Mayo as their new head coach.
Mayo’s tenure begins under the microscope, with three of the team's first four games being on the road. The early stretch will be a significant test for a squad in the midst of a pivotal rebuilding phase.
Concluding Thoughts
The 2024 NFL season is poised to be a captivating narrative of comebacks, fresh starts, and strategic plays. With prognosticators like Eric Cohen providing insights and teams like the Buccaneers, Falcons, Rams, and Patriots each grappling with their distinct challenges and opportunities, fans can expect a thrilling rollercoaster of a season.
"See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," teased Cohen, reminding everyone that in the unpredictable world of the NFL, surprises are always around the corner.