As the NFL offseason progresses, significant changes are shaping the landscape for several teams. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, fresh from an NFC South-winning season with a 9-8 record, have made headlines with the signing of quarterback Baker Mayfield to a lucrative three-year, $100 million contract. Although the Buccaneers clinched their division last season, they find themselves not favored to repeat their success, as the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds tilt in favor of their rivals, the Atlanta Falcons.
According to the odds, the Falcons are now the favorites to take the NFC South crown. They carry odds of -120 to win the division and -196 to make the playoffs. This optimism is bolstered by their acquisition of quarterback Kirk Cousins, a significant move aimed at elevating their offensive capabilities.
Falcons' Strategic Moves
The Falcons' offseason strategy indicates their commitment to contending in a highly competitive division. The addition of Cousins is expected to have a considerable impact, providing Atlanta with a veteran presence under center. This confidence is reflected in their odds, which depict a team ready to vie for a playoff berth and more.
On the prediction front, NFL expert Eric Cohen, known for his sharp insights, has a strong following. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," Cohen’s record speaks for itself, with a 39-28 streak last season. His precise analysis continues to draw attention, especially as he ventures into forecasting team performances for the upcoming season. Cohen's comprehensive predictions offer a deep dive into each team's prospects through a detailed grid format.
Rams' Consistency Under McVay
Another team in the spotlight is the Los Angeles Rams. Over the past four seasons, they have won at least 10 games three times, highlighted by their 12-5 record in the 2021-22 season, culminating in a Super Bowl victory. Head coach Sean McVay has been instrumental in the Rams' success, leading them to five playoff appearances in his seven seasons at the helm. Despite this track record, the Rams have only secured the NFC West title once in the past five years.
Looking into the upcoming season, the Rams will benefit from the return of the majority of their offensive production from last year. Running back Kyren Williams had an impressive season with 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns, setting high expectations for the team’s ground game going forward.
Patriots in Transition
In New England, the Patriots face a period of major transition. Having recorded losing seasons in three of their past four campaigns, the team hit a low with a 4-13 record in 2023. Consequently, the departure of legendary head coach Bill Belichick marked the end of an era. Taking the reins is Jerod Mayo, stepping into the head coaching role with significant expectations and challenges ahead.
The Patriots' schedule does not offer Mayo an easy start, with three of their first four games in the 2024 season being on the road. As per Cohen’s predictions, the outlook appears grim for the Patriots in their first year post-Belichick. "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record," reflecting the tough road ahead for Mayo and his team.
"See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," intrigues followers of Cohen's forecasts, indicating that his insights could reveal unexpected contenders. Intriguingly, his predictions include scenarios that can yield spectacular returns, such as a potential Super Bowl result with nearly 100-1 odds and win totals that offer plus-money paybacks.
As NFL teams prepare for the upcoming season, transitions and strategies are under the microscope. Whether it’s the Buccaneers' hopes resting on Mayfield, the Falcons aiming for division dominance with Cousins, the Rams' consistent performance under McVay, or the Patriots' rebuilding phase, each storyline promises to deliver captivating narratives and intense competition.