The 2025 NFL season is shaping up to be an interesting one for a number of teams as they navigate new signings, coaching changes, and shifting odds. One team that stands out in discussions is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are coming off an NFC South-winning season, albeit with a modest 9-8 record. Despite their recent division title, they are not the favorites to repeat in the 2025 season, according to the latest Super Bowl odds. The Buccaneers' most notable off-season move was signing quarterback Baker Mayfield to a lucrative three-year, $100 million contract. This decision places considerable expectations on Mayfield's shoulders as the team navigates the highly competitive NFC South.
Falcons Favored in NFC South
Contrary to the Bucs, the Atlanta Falcons find themselves as the favorites to win the NFC South. The Falcons, who have odds of -120 to win the division and -196 to make the playoffs, made a significant acquisition by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins in the offseason. This move strengthens their roster and provides them with a seasoned quarterback to lead their charge. The pressure is on, but with these odds in their favor, the Falcons are set for what could be a stellar season.
Eric Cohen's Predictions
SportsLine NFL expert Eric Cohen has been making headlines with his accurate NFL predictions. Cohen, who ended last season on a high note with a 39-28 streak in his predictions, has laid out an in-depth forecast for each team’s performance in the 2024 season. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," boasts an excerpt from his analyses. One of Cohen's more grim forecasts concerns the New England Patriots. He predicts that the Patriots, now led by new head coach Jerod Mayo after the departure of the legendary Bill Belichick, will finish with a dismal 2-15 record. "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick." The departure of Belichick and the challenging schedule, with three of their first four games on the road, contribute to Cohen's dour outlook for the storied franchise.
Cohen’s predictions aren't just about doom and gloom, though. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," he hints, pointing towards some unexpected potential victors that promise high returns. "They include a potential Super Bowl result that pays almost 100-1 and a win total that pays back plus-money," adds Cohen, enticing bettors to consider his advice seriously.
Los Angeles Rams: A Consistent Contender
Switching gears to the Los Angeles Rams, this team has consistently performed well under head coach Sean McVay. The Rams have won at least 10 games in three of the past four seasons, including a memorable 12-5 performance in the 2021-22 season, which culminated in a Super Bowl win. McVay, who has secured five playoff appearances in seven seasons, will look to maintain this high level of performance. Despite their successes, the Rams have only managed to claim the NFC West title once in the past five years, suggesting there’s more work to do.
Nevertheless, the Rams' lineup remains robust. They will return the majority of their offensive production from last year, a lineup that includes running back Kyren Williams, who had a standout season with 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns. Stability and proven talent could very well keep the Rams in the playoff mix once again.
Patriots Face Tough Times Ahead
For the New England Patriots, the outlook is less optimistic. The franchise, which has experienced losing records in three of the past four seasons, hit a low point with a 4-13 record in 2023. The departure of Bill Belichick marks the end of an era and the beginning of new challenges. Jerod Mayo’s tenure as head coach starts with a considerable hurdle, with the team facing three out of their first four games on the road. While the Patriots are historically resilient, the subsequent rebuilding phase could be lengthy and fraught with difficulty.
As the 2024 NFL season approaches, teams and fans alike will be keenly observing how these stories unfold. Will the Buccaneers rise to the occasion with Baker Mayfield at the helm? Can the Falcons meet the expectations set by their favored status? And what kind of influence will Jerod Mayo have on the direction of the Patriots? Only time will reveal these answers, making for an exciting and unpredictable season ahead.