Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Offseason Moves and Predictions for the 2024 Season
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter the 2024 NFL season on the heels of a challenging 9-8 campaign that saw them secure the NFC South title. However, despite their recent division crown, the Buccaneers are not the favorites to repeat, according to the latest 2025 Super Bowl odds.
This offseason, the Buccaneers made headlines by signing quarterback Baker Mayfield to a staggering three-year, $100 million contract. This investment underscores the franchise's commitment to bolstering its offense and making a deep playoff run. The Buccaneers' front office is banking on Mayfield to elevate their quarterback play and bring stability to a position that has been in flux since Tom Brady's departure.
NFC South Landscape: Falcons Take Pole Position
While the Buccaneers are reloading, it's the Atlanta Falcons who have emerged as the favorites to win the NFC South title. The Falcons boast odds of -120 to clinch the division and -196 to secure a playoff berth. A pivotal move in their favor was the acquisition of experienced quarterback Kirk Cousins during the offseason. His presence is expected to provide the kind of leadership and consistency the Falcons have lacked in recent years.
These calculations are rooted in expert analysis, including insights from SportsLine's NFL specialist, Eric Cohen. Cohen, who finished the last season with a 39-28 record in his predictions, has weighed in on the upcoming season. "Anyone who followed Cohen's NFL predictions won big," a testament to his prowess in forecasting NFL results.
Eric Cohen's Prognostications
Eric Cohen has forecasted each NFL team’s final record for the 2024 season, delivering his assessments in a comprehensive grid format. According to Cohen, the upcoming season paints a grim picture for the New England Patriots, who are predicted to struggle mightily. He estimates a stark 2-15 record for the Patriots in their first season after the departure of legendary head coach, Bill Belichick.
Belichick's departure marks the end of an era, with Jerod Mayo stepping in as the new head coach. Mayo faces an uphill battle, especially considering that three of the Patriots' first four games are on the road. The Patriots have undergone a rough patch with losing records in three of their past four seasons, culminating in a dismal 4-13 record in 2023.
Los Angeles Rams: A Team to Watch
In contrast to the Patriots' struggles, the Los Angeles Rams have been notably successful under the leadership of head coach Sean McVay. They have won at least 10 games in three of the past four seasons, including a remarkable 12-5 record during the 2021-22 season, which culminated in a Super Bowl victory.
McVay has led the Rams to five playoff appearances in seven seasons, showcasing consistently high levels of performance. Despite their accomplishments, the Rams have only secured the NFC West title once in the past five years. Yet, entering the 2024 season, the Rams will benefit from the return of the majority of their offensive production from the previous year. Notably, running back Kyren Williams, who amassed 1,144 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 228 attempts last season, will again be a focal point of their offensive strategy.
High Stakes and Unpredictability
As the 2024 season approaches, the predictions from industry experts like Cohen provide fans and stakeholders alike with insights on what to expect. "See which other surprising winners Cohen is picking only at SportsLine," prompts curiosity about potential underdog successes. Cohen’s predictions also include a tantalizing potential Super Bowl result that pays nearly 100-1 and a win total that offers plus-money returns.
With various teams at different stages of rebuilding, retooling, or reinforcing their rosters, the 2024 NFL season promises to be filled with compelling storylines and unpredictable outcomes. As Cohen aptly summarizes, "Cohen predicts a grim outcome for the Patriots, estimating they will finish with a 2-15 record in their first year post-Belichick." The season's arc, whether for perennial contenders like the Rams or teams in transition like the Patriots and Buccaneers, remains a subject of keen anticipation and analysis.
As fans gear up for another exhilarating season of NFL action, the expert forecasts and offseason maneuvers set the stage for a year that could redefine the landscape of the league.