As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prepare for the upcoming NFL season, notable changes and unexpected developments have set the stage for an intriguing 2024 season. Fresh from an NFC South-winning campaign, the Buccaneers achieved a 9-8 record, but they now face a substantial challenge ahead.
One of the most notable offseason moves sees quarterback Baker Mayfield stepping into the spotlight in Tampa Bay. Mayfield's three-year, $100 million contract signals a new chapter for the Buccaneers' offense. Despite this hefty investment, current predictions do not favor the Buccaneers to dominate the NFC South. Instead, the Atlanta Falcons have emerged as the front-runners in the division.
Falcons Favored to Win NFC South
Odds-makers have expressed strong confidence in the Falcons, who boast -120 odds to clinch the division title and -196 odds to make the playoffs. A pivotal acquisition contributing to this confidence is quarterback Kirk Cousins, who joined the Falcons during this offseason. Cousins' arrival is anticipated to elevate Atlanta's game, making them a formidable contender in the NFC South.
Reflecting on the offseason moves and predictions, SportsLine NFL expert Eric Cohen has weighed in with his insights. Cohen, who concluded last season with an impressive 39-28 streak in his NFL predictions, has offered comprehensive forecasts for each team's final records for the 2024 NFL season. His analysis will undeniably be a critical resource for fans and analysts alike.
"Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," notes Cohen, emphasizing the value his insights have delivered in past seasons. For those curious about this year's under-the-radar picks, Cohen hints, "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine."
Los Angeles Rams: A Consistent Contender
Across the country, the Los Angeles Rams have demonstrated a consistent knack for success under head coach Sean McVay. The Rams have won at least 10 games in three of the past four seasons and captured the Super Bowl with a 12-5 record in the 2021-22 season. Under McVay's guidance, the team has made five playoff appearances in seven seasons, highlighting the coach's adeptness at maintaining a competitive edge.
That said, the Rams have only secured the NFC West title once in the past five years. Despite this, the team is poised to return the majority of its offensive production from last year, providing a stable foundation for another strong campaign. Running back Kyren Williams, who racked up an impressive 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns on 228 rushing attempts last season, will be a player to watch as he looks to replicate and build on his success.
Challenges in New England
Amidst these positive projections, the New England Patriots find themselves in a period of transition. The once-dominant franchise has endured losing records in three of the past four seasons, with a particularly dismal 4-13 finish in 2023. The departure of Bill Belichick marks the end of an era, as New England now turns to Jerod Mayo to lead the team as the new head coach.
Cohen, offering a candid prognosis, predicts a tough road ahead for the Patriots. "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick." With three of New England's first four games in the 2024 season on the road, Mayo and his squad will need to find their footing quickly to avoid a catastrophic start.
The landscape of the NFL is as dynamic and unpredictable as ever, with strategic moves and new leadership breathing fresh life into longstanding rivalries and team narratives. Fans and analysts will be keenly observing how these developments unfold when the season kicks off. For detailed analyses and surprising winner picks, the spotlight will be on experts like Eric Cohen, whose track record promises insightful and engaging predictions for the seasons ahead.