Every NFL Team's Biggest Problem Heading into Week 1

Everybody's got problems, including each of the 32 NFL teams. 

We're here to monitor those problems on a weekly basis throughout the 2025 season, while adding some potential solutions when possible. 

Not every problem is of the same magnitude; sometimes we'll analyze and predict, rather than offer solutions.

Here's a key challenge facing every franchise this week.

Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong

Problem: The road 

The Cardinals won five of their last six home games in 2024, scoring 29-plus points in each of the last four wins. But they went 0-4 on the road in November and December, with three soul-crushing one-score losses that essentially cost them the NFC West title. 

In order to get over the hump as they continue to rebuild, they need to show they can take care of business outside of Arizona, at least against inferior teams like the Saints on Sunday. 

Outlook: Get this W Sunday in New Orleans and they will have that off your back. And with Carolina, Seattle and Tennessee coming to Glendale in the next few weeks, they will have a good shot at a 4-0 or 5-0 start.

Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Abbie Parr

Kaleb McGary

Problem: Right tackle

The Falcons face a problem at right tackle, which poses a significant challenge for QB Michael Penix Jr. as he begins his first full season as a starter.

The team is down starter Kaleb McGary and backup Storm Norton at the right tackle position, which could be problematic if Haason Reddick and Vita Vea can get it rolling out of the gate for the Buccaneers in this NFC South battle Sunday in Georgia. 

Outlook: Vea appears to be less than 100 percent with a foot injury and Reddick is still somewhat of a wild card in his new home, which could make things easier. At least the Falcons have a veteran fill-in with Elijah Wilkinson.

Baltimore Ravens

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Problem: No Isaiah Likely

A foot injury is almost certain to keep the tight end out of a critical Week 1 road matchup with the Bills, which is a tough break because the Ravens need as much firepower as they can get in Buffalo. 

Likely's absence will put extra pressure on a declining Mark Andrews, who committed a devastating drop to potentially cost the Ravens a playoff victory over the Bills just eight months ago. 

Outlook: The Ravens have already lost two playoff games in Buffalo in the last four years, and the Bills should be fired up for their last-ever home opener at Highmark Stadium. This is a tough spot for Baltimore, especially without Likely. 

Buffalo Bills

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

Tre'Davious White

Problem: The depleted defense

This could make things easier on the Ravens. Top Bills cornerback Christian Benford (groin) should play but may not be 100 percent, while fellow cover men Tre'Davious White (groin) and Maxwell Hairston (knee) remain on the sideline.

Hairston—the team's rookie first-round pick—isn't eligible to return until after Week 4. 

That could leave Buffalo thin in the secondary against a passing offense led by two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. 

Outlook: Likely may be out, but Andrews is no slouch and could be motivated, and the Ravens have a deep receiving corps as well. The game could be decided in this area, especially if Benford isn't himself and White isn't available.

Carolina Panthers

AP Photo/Rusty Jones

Bryce Young

Problem: Support for Bryce Young

What's new, right? 

In Carolina's defense, this isn't just about talent but also a key ailment. Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu (appendectomy) may not be available for Sunday's opener in Jacksonville, which could put extra pressure on Young. 

Outlook: Keep in mind Young's receiving corps already lacks experience following Adam Thielen's departure. A lot will fall on the third-year QB and young receivers Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette against a defense that is talented. Carolina could be in big trouble here.

Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann

Ben Johnson

Problem: Potential growing pains

Second-year Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is working within a new system, for a new head coach and behind an entirely new interior offensive line. That's a lot of change for a guy who struggled quite a bit as a rookie and faces plenty of pressure to get it together early this season. 

That being the case, it's far from ideal that Chicago even had lingering questions about the left tackle position late this summer, and that the team has to play the daunting Vikings out of the gate. 

Outlook: At least they're at home Monday night against Minnesota, but it's still a tall task. That's made worse by the fact that they then travel to Detroit on somewhat short rest before hosting Dallas in Week 3. The Bears have plenty of talent but could easily start 0-3. 

Cincinnati Bengals

AP Photo/Jeff Dean

Joe Burrow

Problem: Their September reputation

The Browns should be an easy out for Cincinnati come Sunday afternoon, but road divisional games can be tricky and the Bengals have developed a reputation for starting slow. 

Cincy started 0-3 last year, 0-2 the year before and 0-2 in 2022. It's won its last three matchups with Cleveland but faces extra pressure here because it's such notoriously horrible starters. 

Outlook: This year feels a little different, with Joe Burrow coming off a strong summer and the Bengals' two star receivers locked up with long-term deals. Throw in that they finally settled the Trey Hendrickson contract dispute and we're digging the good vibes with a team that is due a successful start.

Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/David Richard

Problem: Quarterback uncertainty 

Because the Browns are loaded with options at quarterback and starter Joe Flacco has a clear ceiling at the age of 40, it won't take more than a few bad moments for fans to start clamoring for Dillon Gabriel and/or Shedeur Sanders. 

With a nightmare September schedule that includes the Bengals (Sunday), Ravens, Packers and Lions, this dynamic could quickly become a huge distraction in Cleveland. 

Outlook: At least Deshaun Watson isn't a factor. Considering how thin the offense is in general these days, the Browns are in for a train wreck of a 2025 campaign. Expect a blowout loss to the Bengals in Week 1.

Dallas Cowboys

AP Photo/Matt Patterson

Brian Schottenheimer

Problem: The Micah Parsons void

The Parsons-less Cowboys defense did make progress and get some stops as Thursday night's opener against Philadelphia wore one, but it was trampled on in the first half.

Overall, Dallas had trouble getting off the field on third down and failed to produce a takeaway. And that plus some drops on offense was likely the difference in a close road loss.

Outlook: The Cowboys will eventually need somebody to step up as the new leader of this defense, ideally on the edge or within the front seven. But second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku doesn't appear to be ready for that challenge just yet.

Denver Broncos

AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman

Problem: The prospect of a sophomore slump for Bo Nix

It happened to C.J. Stroud in Houston last year, and it could happen to Nix in 2025. The 25-year-old came into the league mature and was fantastic down the stretch as a rookie, but defensive coordinators throughout the league will be more prepared for him in Year 2. 

That starts with the Titans, who might not pose a massive challenge overall in Week 1 but do possess a talented defensive front led by Jeffery Simmons and T'Vondre Sweat. 

Outlook: The good news is the Broncos have a strong offensive line and defense. The receiving corps isn't stacked for Nix, but there's enough talent to get by. He stands a better chance at avoiding that slump than Stroud did in Houston. 

Detroit Lions

AP Photo/Rick Osentoski

Jared Goff

Problem: Life without Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn

The Lions are still expected to crush it offensively and in general this season, but they'll be operating without their offensive and defensive coordinators from 2024. On top of that, Ben Johnson's offensive line will be without departed interior veterans Frank Ragnow and Kevin Zeitler. 

It's a tough spot for a team with high expectations that ultimately fell short in 2024, especially with the hyped Packers out of the gate. 

Outlook: Green Bay on the road out in Week 1 is scary, but it's a long season and the Lions are too stacked not to contend. Long-term, we're more concerned about how they handle late-season or playoff pressure. 

Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Kenny Clark

Problem: A temporary void without Kenny Clark?

It's possible the injury to the thumb on Jordan Love's non-throwing hand becomes a problem in live action for the Packers, but that's unlikely unless a botched handoff results in a costly fumble. 

It's worth noting, though, because the Packers seem to be riding a problem-free high entering the season.

In this case, we'll focus on the fact that they've sacrificed an experienced key cog within the defensive interior by trading Kenny Clark for Micah Parsons, who could eventually become a force in the front seven but is dealing with a back injury and may need some time to acclimate in general. 

Outlook: There's no doubt Clark for Parsons is an upgrade overall for Green Bay, but the latter's situation could mean the move hurts the Packers in the short term. With the Lions and Commanders out of the gate, that's a potential issue in a monster division. 

Houston Texans

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

C.J. Stroud

Problem: Support for C.J. Stroud 

We understand the desire to be proactive and refresh the offensive line following last year's issues, but it's not easy to argue that unit is better off without veteran stalwart Laremy Tunsil at left tackle.

They've lost experience and talent, as well as continuity, and it doesn't help that veteran wideout Christian Kirk remains sidelined by a hamstring injury in Houston's receiving corps. 

Outlook: Stroud faces an uphill battle to prove his 2024 struggles were a sophomore slump, but at least the Texans don't face an overwhelmingly talented defense throughout September (starting with the Rams on Sunday). 

Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo/Zach Bolinger

Daniel Jones

Problem: Daniel Jones

Both in the fact that Jones is the team's starting quarterback despite proving time and again in New York he doesn't have what it takes to lead an offense, and the fact that third-year No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson still wasn't good enough this summer to beat him out. 

And while the line is good and the receiving corps has some decent young talent, none of it is enough to carry Jones or Richardson at this point. 

Outlook: The receiving corps still leaves something to be desired right now, and the line still lost veterans Will Fries and Ryan Kelly. It's not a good recipe for season-opening home matchups with Miami and Denver, and you have to hang in those games to compete overall.

Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/Doug Murray

Liam Coen

Problem: Big changes everywhere

Trevor Lawrence is taking the reins of his third offense in five years under incoming head coach Liam Coen, and he's doing so with a rejigged-but-still-mediocre offensive line and a new receiver in Travis Hunter. 

Meanwhile, the defense has a new boss as well, with Anthony Campanile coming over from Green Bay. Hunter is a new presence there, too, along with fellow defensive backs Jourdan Lewis and Eric Murray. 

Outlook: All of this change could be for the better, as the Jags have consistently underperformed of late. Still, it leaves a lot up in the air for a team that has to deal with the Bengals, 49ers and Chiefs in the first five weeks of the season.

Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Fernando Llano

Patrick Mahomes

Problem: Increasing offensive uncertainty 

When will it become too much? 

The Chiefs survived a mediocre 2024 season from Patrick Mahomes because they continually found ways to pull close victories out of their hat, but that may not be sustainable. And now they're left thinner than ever on offense following the loss of Joe Thuney as well as Rashee Rice's suspension. 

Outlook: They still have plenty of experience in the receiving corps, and first-round rookie Josh Simmons could eventually be a boon to the line, but it still feels like the dynasty is fading. The Chargers provide a heck of a test right off the bat Friday night in Brazil. 

Las Vegas Raiders

AP Photo/Samantha Chow

Pete Carroll

Problem: Substantial change (again)

This isn't new for the Raiders, who are on their fourth head coach (Pete Carroll) since 2021 and their fourth Week 1 starting quarterback (Geno Smith) in as many years.

They also brought back Amari Cooper, who suddenly retired before the start of the season, and they shockingly released Christian Wilkins one year after handing him a huge contract. 

Smith's returning backup, Aidan O'Connell, is out long-term, paving the way for a midsummer Kenny Pickett trade. They'll work under new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. And there was a ton of turnover deeper on the depth chart as well. 

Outlook: It's just...a lot. But the early-season schedule is fairly soft. If they can get through that and their core can stay healthy and productive, the Raiders can overcome this. It won't be easy, but there is plenty of talent on this top-heavy roster. 

Los Angeles Chargers

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong, file

Rashawn Slater

Problem: Rashawn Slater's absence

The Pro Bowl left tackle suffered a season-ending knee injury last month, leaving the Chargers with a big concern when it comes to protecting quarterback Justin Herbert in Year 2 of the Jim Harbaugh era. 

Second-year first-round pick Joe Alt will jump from the right side to replace Slater, while veteran swing man Trey Pipkins III takes over for Alt at right tackle.

It's not necessarily a doomsday scenario, but it's far from ideal considering issues already exist within the interior offensive line. 

Outlook: The margin for error is razor-thin for the Bolts if they want to finally slay the Kansas City dragon atop the AFC West, so this is a big blow ahead of their Friday night opener against the Chiefs in Brazil. 

Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/David Dermer

Matthew Stafford

Problem: A hurting Matthew Stafford and his linchpins 

Left tackle Alaric Jackson has been dealing with blood clot issues all summer, and his now-former go-to receiver, Cooper Kupp, finds himself representing a division rival in Seattle. 

Jackson at less than 100 percent and the loss of Kupp could make it extra hard on the 37-year-old Stafford, who is well beyond his prime and has been battling disc issues with his back throughout the offseason.  

Outlook: Stafford and Jackson do look as though they'll be good to go for Sunday's opener against Houston, and the QB at least has Davante Adams to work with instead of Kupp. Still, these are ailments that could easily linger well into the season, which the Rams can't afford. 

Miami Dolphins

AP Photo/Ryan Sun

Minkah Fitzpatrick

Problem: The secondary is kind of a mess

Gone are strong veterans Jalen Ramsey and Jevon Holland. Injured are Artie Burns and Kader Kohou. There are still questions surrounding who will get the lion's share of snaps next to incoming standout Minkah Fitzpatrick, and who will start in the nickel corner role. 

Generally, beyond Fitzpatrick and Rasul Douglas, there isn't a lot of proven talent or experience in Miami's defensive backfield. 

Outlook: At the very least, that's a lot of change. In our weekly expert picks, Brent Sobleski referred to the Dolphins as a team that is rebuilding, which was surprising until you consider the trajectory of this roster. It starts with potential trouble in the secondary, which could be on full display when they travel to Buffalo in 13 days (if not sooner). 

Minnesota Vikings

AP Photo/Stew Milne

J.J. McCarthy

Problem: The unknown with J.J. McCarthy, and support issues

Not only is the Vikings quarterback making his first career start in a tricky road spot Monday against Chicago, but he'll also be doing so without suspended receiver Jordan Addison. And while he may have Christian Darrisaw, it's tough to tell how effective the left tackle will be coming off a major knee injury. 

Throw in that the Vikes have completely retooled their interior offensive line, and there could be significant issues in terms of finding rhythm within this offense out of the gate. 

Outlook: They could easily be in the wrong place at the wrong time Monday night, and there are no soft spots on the schedule until they play the Browns in London in Week 5. This is worth some concern considering the competition in the mighty NFC North. 

New England Patriots

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

Josh McDaniels

Problem: Everything is new for Drake Maye

The Patriots sophomore quarterback is looking to build on a promising rookie campaign, but he's dealing with an entirely new offensive system under Josh McDaniels, an entirely new offensive line featuring two rookies (one of whom, Will Campbell, is now dealing with an ankle injury), a new head coach (Mike Vrabel) and a new No. 1 receiver in Stefon Diggs.

That could do a number on Maye early on, especially if the league has been watching his tape and learning his tendencies. 

Outlook: This could ultimately be a good thing, as most of these changes are logical and represent potential improvements in vacuums. But it may take some time, especially if Campbell is less than 100 percent. That line may need some serious time. 

New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong

Spencer Rattler

Problem: Quarterback uncertainty 

This rebuilding team has plenty of flaws worth poking at, but it always has to start at quarterback when you've got as many questions as the Saints probably should when it comes to Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough. 

The former went 0-6 in place of injured starter Derek Carr last year, but he still managed to win a camp battle over Shough, who struggled outside of some flashes this summer. 

Outlook: There's a good chance neither Rattler nor Shough is the long-term solution. The good news is there are low expectations this year anyway, for both the team and its quarterbacks. At the very least, Kellen Moore and the new regime in New Orleans get a good look at both. 

New York Giants

AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.

Andrew Thomas

Problem: The offensive line

When Pro Football Focus ranked the New York O-line 28th in the NFL earlier this offseason, they noted "the only thing keeping the Giants' offensive line from sinking further down this list is left tackle Andrew Thomas." 

Well, Thomas has a foot injury that has kept him out of practice and could prevent him from suiting up for Sunday's critical opener against Washington.

Outlook: Thomas might not miss any action, but it's hard to imagine he'll be 100 percent early. With so many question marks elsewhere within this offense, that's a potentially big problem.

New York Jets

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Alijah Vera-Tucker

Problem: Everything is new, particularly on offense

This is another problem that is more of an early-season concern and potentially less of a long-term issue. Can't fault the Jets for going back to the drawing board with Justin Fields quarterbacking a new offense coached by first-year coordinator Tanner Engstrand. They've also added yet another first-round offensive linemen in Armand Membou. 

That unit has a high ceiling but is quite raw, especially following the loss of Alijah Vera-Tucker to a season-ending triceps injury. 

Outlook: There isn't a lot of time to get in sync, as they don't have a soft spot in the schedule until they host the Panthers in Week 7. We can see them digging a bit of a hole, starting Sunday against Pittsburgh.

Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Nick Sirianni

Problem: Curses, hangovers etc.

The defending champs took care of business in the season opener Thursday night, but merely surviving at home against an inferior Cowboys team that just traded away its best defensive player isn't something to boast about.

The Eagles are likely aware that only one team has successfully defended a Super Bowl win in the last two decades, and that the NFC East hasn't had a repeat champion in just as long. Both trends are working against Philly, and the team got off to an slightly awkward start.

Outlook: They'll probably need to be a little more crisp in Kansas City next weekend. The problem is they may not have Jalen Carter for that one, either.

Pittsburgh Steelers

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Aaron Rodgers

Problem: Aaron Rodgers hasn't been an elite quarterback since 2021

Rodgers saw his play fall way off with Green Bay in 2022 and wasn't able to make much of an impact with the Jets following his injury in 2024. And now the potential distraction is on the verge of his age-42 season. 

Why should anyone expect a different showing from Rodgers with a Steelers team that isn't significantly more talented than the Jets? 

Outlook: DK Metcalf is a potential wild card here, but we didn't see enough of Rodgers and Metcalf together this summer to know what to expect. An intriguing start to the season against the Jets should be telling. 

San Francisco 49ers

AP Photo/John Locher

Brock Purdy

Problem: A lack of roster maturity in support of Brock Purdy

Purdy got his bag this offseason based primarily on his production from his first two seasons, when the contending 49ers were stacked on both sides of the ball. When injuries decimated the roster in 2024, the quarterback's play fell off markedly. 

Now, while the Niners are somewhat healthier, they've undergone a significant roster transformation that has left them relying heavily on rookies and other unproven players, especially on defense. 

Outlook: Gone are Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, Charvarius Ward, Aaron Banks and Deebo Samuel, while Brandon Aiyuk appears to be far from recovered from a major knee injury. It's also hard to trust Christian McCaffrey to stay healthy. Under those circumstances, Purdy and the 49ers could be in big trouble. 

Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps

Sam Darnold

Problem: Odds aren't in Sam Darnold's favor

The Seahawks paid up for Darnold as Geno Smith's replacement following the former top-five pick's breakout 2024 campaign with the Vikings, but Darnold struggled mightily when it mattered most, and he's got a lot less support across the board now. 

Darnold has less talent surrounding him at receiver, along the offensive line and on defense, which will make it much harder to prove he wasn't a one-year wonder last season in Minnesota. Keep in mind he's on his fifth NFL roster at the age of 28. 

Outlook: A poor performance in Seattle's home opener against the depleted 49ers on Sunday could immediately put Darnold and the Seahawks behind the eight ball heading to Pittsburgh.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

Vita Vea

Problem: Veteran injuries

The Bucs have a nice mix of young emerging talent and veterans from the Super Bowl era. The problem is, three key members of that 2020 championship team are dealing with injuries entering the important Week 1 meeting with the Falcons. 

Chris Godwin (ankle) and left tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee) are both expected to miss multiple weeks to start the season, while defensive tackle Vita Vea is dealing with a foot injury that appears to be less serious but could threaten his status for Sunday's game. 

Outlook: It's a concern because the margin for error keeps shrinking in the NFC South and the Bucs run into a tough Atlanta team right off the bat before staying on the road with a trip to Houston. 

Tennessee Titans

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Cam Ward

Problem: Cam Ward in Denver

Like Young in 2023 and Williams in 2024, will Ward be the next rookie No. 1 overall pick to struggle? He's not positioned to put together a great campaign, as the Titans are clearly rebuilding and the player himself has to improve in a lot of areas. 

The line and receiving corps aren't talentless, but they lack the ability to carry a quarterback who has issues with his internal clock and turnover-worthy plays. He might be in the wrong place at the wrong time with a Week 1 matchup with a fierce and improved Broncos defense on the road. 

Outlook: It's going to be a long season, starting with trouble against a D that ranked in the top three in points allowed, yards per play allowed and sacks in 2025 and is even better on paper now.

Washington Commanders

AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein

Jer'Zhan Newton

Problem: Defensive vulnerabilities 

Washington's defense wasn't bad last year, and it did improve over the course of a surprise season across the board for the Commanders. But it was rarely great, and it was roasted in an NFC Championship Game loss to the Eagles. 

This is a nitpick because the offense was spectacular and looks even stronger now, but Washington will need more this year from a defense that generated just 17 takeaways in 2024. 

Outlook: The Commanders need to make more plays this year, and the run defense has to improve. With more experience on the edges, let's see if 2024 second-round pick Jer'Zhan Newton can step up in his sophomore campaign.