The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are heading into the new NFL season with a mix of aspirations and uncertainties. Despite winning the NFC South last year with a modest 9-8 record, the Buccaneers find themselves in an unfamiliar position—underdogs in the NFC South according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds.
A significant move in the offseason saw quarterback Baker Mayfield securing his future with the Bucs after signing a three-year, $100 million contract. The franchise hopes that Mayfield's experience and skills can steer them back to consistent success. However, challenges remain as the Atlanta Falcons, fortified by the acquisition of quarterback Kirk Cousins, have emerged as the favorites to clinch the division. The Falcons boast odds of -120 to win the NFC South and -196 to make the playoffs, indicating confidence from oddsmakers about their potential.
Falcons' Optimism
In Atlanta, optimism is palpable. The Falcons’ aggressive off-season included the strategic move to bring in Kirk Cousins, a quarterback known for his reliability and leadership. This addition has substantially boosted their prospects, turning them into serious contenders. The Falcons' favorable odds reflect this newfound belief, signaling that they are poised to make a significant impact in the NFC South race.
Buccaneers' Uncertainties
In contrast, the Buccaneers, despite their recent success, find themselves grappling with skepticism. Their roster remains talented, and Mayfield’s signing could prove to be a pivotal moment, yet the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The team’s ability to exceed expectations will be closely watched as the new season unfolds.
Expert Analysis
Renowned SportsLine NFL expert Eric Cohen has also weighed in with his predictions for the upcoming season. Cohen’s track record speaks for itself, having ended last season with an impressive 39-28 streak in his NFL predictions. Fans and analysts alike closely follow his insights, with many who adhered to his advice "winning big."
This season, Cohen offers a grid format prediction for each team's final record. His assessment brings several surprises and intriguing bets, including a potential Super Bowl result that pays almost 100-1 and a win total that offers plus-money returns. One of his more somber forecasts concerns the New England Patriots.
Patriots Facing Tough Times
The Patriots have been enduring a rough patch, underscored by losing records in three of their past four seasons. The situation appears particularly dire as Cohen predicts a grim outcome for New England, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Bill Belichick, who departed as head coach. Now under the guidance of Jerod Mayo, the Patriots face an uphill battle, especially with three of their first four games being on the road.
Rams' Steady Course
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams are looking to maintain their steady course under the expert leadership of head coach Sean McVay. The Rams have enjoyed substantial success in recent years, winning at least 10 games in three of the last four seasons and securing the Super Bowl title in the 2021-22 season. McVay's tenure has been marked by consistent playoff appearances—five in seven seasons—although they have only won the NFC West title once in the past five years.
The Rams will largely return the core of their offensive production from last year, giving them stability as they enter the new season. Running back Kyren Williams, who had a stellar season with 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns, will undoubtedly be a key player to watch as the Rams strive for continued success.
As the NFL season draws closer, the dynamics within divisions and the league as a whole are becoming clearer. The Buccaneers, Falcons, Patriots, and Rams each head into the season with distinct ambitions, yet all are bound by the unpredictability that makes the NFL so captivating. Only time will reveal which teams will rise to the occasion and which will falter under the immense pressure of professional football.