As the NFL offseason winds down, every premise of anticipation swirls around upcoming roster changes, major signings, and expert predictions. This offseason revealed some startling shifts and projections from well-known insider Eric Cohen, whose predictions have previously led many to significant wins.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Changing Gears
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers stand in a familiar yet precarious position this year. After clinching the NFC South with a narrow 9-8 record last season, they are looking to build on their momentum. A key acquisition in this endeavor is quarterback Baker Mayfield, who penned a three-year, $100 million contract this offseason. Despite this significant investment, oddsmakers are cautious; the Buccaneers aren't favorites to retain the NFC South title according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds.
Atlanta Falcons: Rising as Favorites
The title of favorites in the NFC South is now held by the Atlanta Falcons. This shift is partly attributed to their savvy offseason moves, most notably acquiring quarterback Kirk Cousins. Analysts and fans alike have given their endorsement, with the Falcons holding odds of -120 to clinch the division and -196 to make the playoffs. This newfound faith in the Falcons sets an intriguing stage for the upcoming season, as they aim to fulfill these expectations.
Eric Cohen: The Expert with a Track Record
SportsLine NFL expert Eric Cohen has once again made waves with his latest predictions. His previous season insights ended on a remarkable 39-28 streak, cementing his reputation for accurate and lucrative guidance. Cohen’s estimations are highly coveted by football aficionados, as illustrated by the resonating sentiment: "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big."
As we edge closer to the regular season, Cohen has laid out his forecasts for each team's final record in a detailed grid format. Among his bold predictions, perhaps the most severe outlook is for the New England Patriots. Following the departure of legendary coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots, who had already posted a discouraging 4-13 record in 2023, face even darker projections. Cohen discerns a grim scenario for the storied franchise, positing a 2-15 record under new head coach Jerod Mayo.
New England Patriots: A Time of Transition
The departure of Bill Belichick has undoubtedly put the Patriots in an uncertain territory. Jerod Mayo takes the helm of a team that has experienced losing records in three of the past four seasons, and the schedule does not bode well for an easy transition. The Patriots will face a tough start with three road games in their first four encounters of the 2024 season. Cohen’s foresight offers little optimism here, further underscoring the magnitude of the challenges faced: "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick."
Los Angeles Rams: Consistency Amid Change
On the opposite coast, the Los Angeles Rams have been a model of consistency under head coach Sean McVay. McVay’s tenure has been marked by five playoff appearances in seven seasons and a glorious Super Bowl win in the 2021-22 season following a 12-5 record. Despite this success, the Rams have only secured the NFC West title once in the past five years, indicating fierce competition within the division.
The upcoming season sees the Rams poised to maintain their offensive prowess, retaining the majority of their key players. Running back Kyren Williams stands out, having recorded 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns on 228 rushing attempts last season. As the Rams strive to build on their recent achievements, maintaining such high levels of performance will be crucial.
The predictions and facts derived from this offseason provide a riveting narrative for the forthcoming NFL season. Be it the Bucs' efforts to validate their hefty investment in Mayfield, the Falcons’ quest to reclaim divisional supremacy, or the Patriots bracing for turbulent times post-Belichick, there's no shortage of talking points. Meanwhile, steady forces like the Rams continue to set the bar for consistent NFL success. As always, Eric Cohen's precise and often audacious predictions keep the excitement alive, leaving fans and analysts eagerly waiting to see how the season unfolds. For those seeking to ride on Cohen’s coattails, paying attention to his picks on SportsLine could again prove to be a rewarding venture. After all, "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine."