As the NFL offseason is well underway, several marquee moves and expert analyses are setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing 2024 season. Teams across the league have been making key acquisitions, roster changes, and strategic adjustments.
Buccaneers Look to Build on NFC South Victory
Last season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinched the NFC South with a 9-8 record. The team has made significant moves to bolster their roster, headlined by the signing of quarterback Baker Mayfield to a three-year, $100 million contract. Despite these efforts, the Buccaneers aren't the favorites to retain their division title according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds. The challenge posed by the Atlanta Falcons is particularly noteworthy.
Falcons Favored to Win NFC South
The Atlanta Falcons have emerged as the favorites to win the NFC South, bolstered by their recent acquisition of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Falcons have odds of -120 to secure the division title and -196 to advance to the playoffs. The addition of Cousins provides a stable presence under center, and Atlanta fans are hopeful this will translate into on-field success.
Eric Cohen's NFL Predictions and Insights
One of the most reliable sources for NFL predictions has been Eric Cohen of SportsLine. Cohen ended last season on an impressive 39-28 streak with his NFL predictions. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," his followers have noted. This season, Cohen has extended his expert analysis to a comprehensive grid predicting each team's final record for the 2024 NFL season.
Cohen's insights include some enticing projections. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," teases the expert, adding intrigue for those looking to place bets or simply gain deeper insights into the upcoming season. Among his standout predictions are a potential Super Bowl outcome with nearly 100-1 odds and a win total bet that promises plus-money returns.
However, Cohen's projections are not optimistic for all teams. "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick," highlights a particularly bleak forecast for New England fans.
Patriots Face Challenging Season Ahead
New England Patriots, a team synonymous with success over the past two decades, faced a tumultuous 2023 season finishing with a disappointing 4-13 record. The departure of legendary head coach Bill Belichick marks the end of an era, with Jerod Mayo stepping in as the new head coach. The transition period is set to be challenging, especially with three of their first four games of the 2024 season being on the road. Fans are bracing themselves for what could be a tough season ahead.
Los Angeles Rams Aiming for Consistency
Turning to the West Coast, the Los Angeles Rams have demonstrated the ability to compete at a high level consistently. They have won at least 10 games three times in the past four seasons. Notably, the Rams enjoyed a stellar 2021-22 campaign, finishing 12-5 and capturing the Super Bowl under the leadership of head coach Sean McVay. With McVay at the helm, the Rams have secured five playoff appearances in seven seasons, showcasing their strategic prowess.
Nevertheless, the Rams have clinched the NFC West title only once over the past five years, indicating that there is still ground to be gained in divisional play. This season, Sean McVay's squad will be buoyed by the return of most of its offensive production from the previous year. Running back Kyren Williams, who recorded 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, will be instrumental in the team’s aspiration for another deep playoff run.
With the NFL season set to kick off, teams are gearing up for what promises to be a riveting few months of football. The early predictions and offseason moves are shaping the narrative, but as always, the game’s unpredictable nature is what keeps fans coming back week after week.