Every NFL Team's Biggest Problem Heading into Week 2

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 (1-0)

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Kyler Murray

Problem: Hit or miss offense

A win's a win, especially on the road considering Arizona's struggles outside of Glendale. But after scoring on four consecutive drives spanning from the end of the first quarter to the start of the third quarter in a Week 1 victory over the Saints, the Cards failed to register points on each of their final four offensive possessions.

Penalties and broken plays were a factor as the offense failed to sustain a promising start (beyond a first-drive punt), and they allowed the Saints to hang around as a result.

Outlook: They might be able to get away with something similar this weekend against the Panthers, but that'll have to change when the schedule toughens up later on.

Atlanta Falcons (0-1)

AP Photo/Abbie Parr

Kaleb McGary

Problem: Right tackle (and then some)

Last week's key problem persists for an offense that didn't perform well with Elijah Wilkinson filling in for the injured Kaleb McGary at the right tackle spot in a Week 1 loss to the Buccaneers.

That's not all on Wilkinson, but the line in general made things extra difficult for Michael Penix Jr. in his debut as Atlanta's full-time starting quarterback. They couldn't get anything going on the ground, as Penix was 0-for-5 on deep passing attempts in a one-dimensional attack.

Outlook: It gets even tougher in a prime-time road matchup with the Vikings. The Falcons could soon already be in serious trouble.

Baltimore Ravens (0-1)

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

Derrick Henry

Problem: Big-game letdowns

Sunday night's 15-point fourth-quarter collapse in Buffalo wasn't an isolated incident for a Ravens team that has Super Bowl-level talent but consistently falls short in critical moments.

It happened earlier this calendar year in a playoff loss to the Bills, and they also blew a double-digit-point lead last September against the Raiders. They lost a winnable home game to the Chiefs in the 2023 playoffs and they still haven't won multiple playoff games since their 2012 Super Bowl campaign.

Outlook: How they deal with Detroit and Kansas City later this month will speak volumes about this team's mental fortitude and ability to deliver in key spots.

Buffalo Bills (1-0)

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

Tre'Davious White

Problem: The depleted defense

We figured this could be a problem in Week 1. And sure enough, it nearly cost the Bills the game.

Baltimore's offense continually moved the ball far too easily, especially on the ground, as a Buffalo defense that is banged up in the secondary struggled to contain Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson while failing to wrap up or make key plays.

Outlook: Veteran cornerback Tre'Davious White might have a chance at returning from a groin injury in Week 2, but that isn't likely to fix everything. The Bills have a lot to figure out in order to avoid a letdown on the road against the Jets. Either that or Josh Allen will have to play Superman again.

Carolina Panthers (0-1)

AP Photo/Gary McCullough

Bryce Young

Problem: Bryce Young

It's really that simple. Last week, we highlighted "support for Bryce Young" in this spot, and that's still a problem. But ultimately, this is a guy who seemed to take a significant step backward while committing three turnovers (and getting away with a pick-six negated by penalty) in a horrendous season debut.

Young was pressured on just 12.5 percent of his dropbacks but completed just one pass on six attempts that traveled 15-plus yards.

Outlook: It's fair to start wondering if Young's turnaround down the stretch last season was an aberration. He desperately needs to bounce back ASAP while the schedule is still soft with Arizona and Atlanta on deck.

Chicago Bears (0-1)

AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski

Caleb Williams

Problem: Continued growing pains

This is an extension of "potential growing pains" last week, as they were evident in Chicago's Monday night loss to the Vikings.

Working in Ben Johnson's new system behind an entirely new offensive line, second-year Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was on target with a league-low 62.9 percent of his passes despite a promising scripted start to that affair. At one point, the one-dimensional offense scored just three points over nine drives.

Outlook: They did show flashes, and it's still too early to draw conclusions. But that doesn't change the fact this transition is their biggest issue while navigating a challenging September with Detroit and Dallas on deck.

Cincinnati Bengals (1-0)

AP Photo/Kirk Irwin

Joe Burrow

Problem: Their September reputation

Yes, the Bengals survived by a single point against the lowly Browns in Week 1. No, that isn't enough for the ghosts of past September struggles to disappear.

Cincy started 0-3 last year, 0-2 the year before and 0-2 in 2022. And in fact, the Bengals have lost six consecutive Week 2 games dating back to 2019. That is surely haunting them at 1-0.

Outlook: It should be noted that Cincy's last five Week 2 losses have come by five points or fewer, and the last two came by a combined four points against Baltimore and Kansas City. Not a lot to be ashamed of there, and they're arguably due to end this trend in their home opener Sunday against Jacksonville.

Cleveland Browns (0-1)

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Andre Szmyt

Problem: Mistakes

Joe Flacco threw two second-half interceptions and Andre Szmyt missed a 36-yard field goal late (as well an extra point in the third quarter) in a one-point loss to the Bengals.

That just can't happen when you've got as many soft spots as the Browns, especially in a divisional home game. Throw in issues with penalties and dropped passes and the Browns are a mess despite hanging with Cincinnati on Sunday.

Outlook: Good luck in Baltimore for the angry Ravens' home opener, followed by matchups with Green Bay, Detroit and Minnesota. Nobody forgiving in that stretch.

Dallas Cowboys (0-1)

AP Photo/Chris Szagola

Jalen Hurts

Problem: The Micah Parsons void

This remains the obvious top concern in Dallas, especially considering that the offense (and the line in particular) showed a fair bit of promise in a Week 1 loss to the Eagles.

The Parsons-less Dallas defense registered zero takeaways and just one sack and had trouble keeping the Philadelphia offense off the field in the first half. That unit did settle in later in the game, but it's still fair to wonder if they have the defensive playmaking ability to hang in the NFC East this season.

Outlook: A new injury to cornerback DaRon Bland makes matter worse for this defense, but they should still beat the Giants in their home opener Sunday afternoon. It'll take some time for this to resolve itself one way or another.

Denver Broncos (1-0)

AP Photo/Bart Young

Bo Nix

Problem: The prospect of a sophomore slump for Bo Nix

The Broncos can't possibly put this to bed yet, as Nix threw a pair of interceptions and committed three turnovers in a poor offensive performance for the offense in Denver's Week 1 victory over the Titans.

It's still worth wondering if the league might have a better feel for Nix following a full offseason, and if the 2024 rookie sensation could stumble just as C.J. Stroud did in Houston as a sophomore.

Outlook: The support is still there for Nix on both sides of the ball, but the margin for error is slim in the AFC West. He and the offense will need to be better during a looming stretch that includes road matchups with the Colts, Chargers and Eagles and a home game against Cincinnati.

Detroit Lions (0-1)

AP Photo/Matt Ludtke

Jared Goff

Problem: Life without Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn

In John Morton's debut as Johnson's replacement in the offensive coordinator role, the Lions were held out of the end zone until the fourth quarter in a brutal loss to the division-rival Packers.

Meanwhile, in Kelvin Sheppard's debut as Glenn's replacement in the defensive coordinator role, the Lions gave up 27 points and registered zero takeaways and zero sacks.

Outlook: As I wrote last week, it's a long season and the Lions are too stacked not to contend. Still, they now have to host Johnson's Bears and injuries are hitting. It's daunting considering how strong that division is.

Green Bay Packers (2-0)

AP Photo/Morry Gash

Matthew Golden

Problem: Still no clear-cut No. 1 receiver

We have no choice but to nitpick here, as the Packers are off to the best start in football. I almost put "problem" in quotation marks.

Still, Jayden Reed suffered what looked like a non-trivial shoulder injury Thursday night, while rookie first-rounder Matthew Golden was held without a catch and has just two receptions thus far. No wideout gained 50 yards in the Week 2 victory over Washington, and none have hit the 100-yard mark overall.

Outlook: There's still plenty of time for someone to emerge here, but fans had probably hoped for more from Golden early on and the Reed injury is unfortunate. It shouldn't make a difference in Cleveland in Week 3, but some clarity would be helpful before they go to Dallas the following Sunday night.

Houston Texans (0-1)

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

C.J. Stroud

Problem: Support for C.J. Stroud 

This lingers from last week after Stroud was sacked three times and pressured on 41 percent of his dropbacks in a season-opening dud loss to the Rams. The Texans offense was again penalized frequently in that nine-point showing, which altogether is a major cause for concern.

This was already a team trying out a fresh offensive line without veteran left tackle Laremy Tunsil, and now center Jake Andrews has a foot injury. Throw in Christian Kirk's hamstring injury and it feels as though the chips are stacked against Stroud and this offense right now.

Outlook: On the bright side, the September schedule remains fairly soft. But right now, the Texans don't look remotely like a contender with this offense.

Indianapolis Colts (1-0)

AP Photo/Zach Bolinger

Laiatu Latu

Problem: Injuries on defense

Amazing we're already downgrading the quarterback concern, but Daniel Jones was that solid in a Week 1 blowout over the Dolphins. Instead, the focus shifts to a defense that was great in that spot but will have its work cut out for it against Denver on Sunday.

That's because, with cornerback Jaylon Jones (hamstring) already sidelined, fellow cover man Charvarius Ward (concussion) has been out of practice this week. And now, edge Laiatu Latu is dealing with a hamstring injury after putting up arguably the best defensive performance on the team in Week 1.

Outlook: The Broncos looked exploitable in Week 1, and Indy is at home. If the Colts can find a way to get past those injuries and Jones can keep rolling, a 2-0 start

Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0)

AP Photo/John Raoux

Trevor Lawrence

Problem: Big changes everywhere

This doesn't change despite a Week 1 win, mainly because it didn't come against an NFL-caliber team. The Panthers were that bad Sunday in Jacksonville.

Trevor Lawrence is taking the reins of his third offense in five years under incoming head coach Liam Coen. And while the defense was tremendous and the Jaguars produced on offense in the opener, Lawrence was only OK.

Outlook: We'll need to see more of it, and more from Lawrence, against bigger tests. One is coming Sunday in Cincinnati.

Kansas City Chiefs (0-1)

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Xavier Worthy

Problem: Increasing offensive uncertainty 

When will it become too much? 

That's the question we asked last week, before Xavier Worthy suffered a shoulder injury in the first quarter of the Chiefs' Week 1 loss to the Chargers in Brazil. Worthy has a shot at playing Sunday against the Eagles, but with Jalen Royals (knee) likely out and Rashee Rice still suspended, Patrick Mahomes could need even more magic in this spot.

Outlook: Turns out the Chiefs can lose one-score games, and the pressure is on considering the state of the offense for this matchup. K.C. could be facing an 0-2 start, and it still has to face Baltimore this month.

Las Vegas Raiders (1-0)

AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty

Geno Smith

Problem: Offensive inconsistency

The Raiders are off to a strong start overall, but the offense was extremely inconsistent in that Week 1 victory over the Patriots.

After scoring on its opening drive, Las Vegas failed to score on its next five offensive possessions. Geno Smith and Co. converted just four of 14 third-down attempts and lost yardage on a ridiculous 12 plays from scrimmage.

Outlook: This team is adapting to a lot of offseason change, so it's possible they'll get it together offensively. The Chargers present a bigger test in a critical early-season divisional matchup Monday night in the Raiders' home opener.

Los Angeles Chargers (1-0)

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong, file

Rashawn Slater

Problem: Rashawn Slater's absence

This didn't hurt the Chargers badly in Week 1, as they survived to take down the Chiefs. That said, it remains an ongoing concern considering that replacement Trey Pipkins III gave up quite a bit of pressure in that outing. On top of that, guard Mekhi Becton looked gassed and had to take plenty of plays off in the victory.

The defense gave up a couple big plays in the second half, but that's not as large of a concern based on the sample size.

Outlook: Justin Herbert is playing well and there's a lot of be excited about for the Jim Harbaugh-led Chargers, who have very few things to stress about on either side of the ball. But the line remains a potential obstacle as the season wears on.

Los Angeles Rams (1-0)

AP Photo/Ben VanHouten

Rob Havenstein

Problem: Ankles

Specifically, those belonging to offensive linemen Kevin Dotson, Rob Havenstein, and Steve Avila, all of whom did not practice to kick off the week as a result of ankle injuries.

Left tackle Alaric Jackson delt with blood clot issues all summer, so it's safe to say Matthew Stafford's offensive line is in some disarray as the team embarks on a road trip to Tennessee and Philadelphia.

Outlook: The Rams survived the sluggish Texans at home in Week 1 despite offensive issues, and they might also be capable of beating the Titans with this problem. If it lingers beyond that, though, they could be in a lot of trouble.

Miami Dolphins (0-1)

AP Photo/AJ Mast

Tua Tagovailoa

Problem: A long-term financial obligation to Tua Tagovailoa

It's just not working, and it doesn't look as though it'll work anytime soon. If anything, based on where they're trending and what happened to them Sunday in Indianapolis, and the injuries that have already plagued the roster entering Week 2, the Dolphins would be best-served selling before the trade deadline, firing head coach Mike McDaniel and starting fresh.

But that isn't easy to do when you have a quarterback who can't click with a superstar receiver, often can't stay healthy and almost never rises to big occasions but is owed $149 million over the course of the next three years.

Outlook: Don't be surprised if they lose to New England and Buffalo the next two weeks and start the fire sale soon after that. But Tyreek Hill might not be movable and it's hard to imagine them starting over with anyone other than Tua Tagovailoa under center.

Minnesota Vikings (1-0)

AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski

J.J. McCarthy

Problem: That slow start in Chicago

Was it just jitters for a prime-time opener and J.J. McCarthy's first career start under center for the Vikings? Or was it a sign of a potentially problematic trend? We don't have an answer to that yet, but Minnesota's awfully slow start Monday night against the Bears is worth acknowledging as a potential issue.

The offense failed to convert its first eight third-down attempts and scored just six points on its first nine drives before coming alive with three fourth-quarter touchdowns for the comeback victory.

Outlook: The Bears were somewhat forgiving. The Vikings can't afford starts like that when they play teams like Philadelphia, Detroit and Green Bay in October and November.

New England Patriots (0-1)

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

Drake Maye

Problem: Instability and change for Drake Maye

This was likely a factor in New England's Week 1 loss to the Raiders, as Maye was frequently pressured (including on a game-altering interception early in the second half). But beyond that, Maye was off target far too often for a potential franchise quarterback facing a mediocre opponent.

Now, he may not have veteran right tackle Morgan Moses (foot) as the Patriots try to avoid an 0-2 start in Miami.

Outlook: The line and the defense are banged up and Maye is adjusting to a new offense. It's important to be patient here, as the Pats aren't realistically in contention this season anyway. This is all about eventual progress, which is rarely linear.

New Orleans Saints (0-1)

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Kellen Moore

Problem: Mistakes

The Saints were penalized a ridiculous 13 times in a winnable Week 1 loss to the Cardinals, spoiling a solid defensive effort and a turnover-free performance from the Spencer Rattler-led offense.

Additionally, rookie head coach Kellen Moore botched a drive at the end of the first half with poor clock management, and Blake Grupe missed a 37-yard field goal that would have made it a one-score game late in the third quarter.

Outlook: That's almost impossible to overcome when you've lost as much roster talent as New Orleans has in recent years. They have to get it together at home against San Francisco this week, or things could spiral when they wrap up September in Seattle and Buffalo.

New York Giants (0-1)

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." Then Thomas went out and missed the opener due to a foot injury, and incoming quarterback Russell Wilson was a mess under pressure.

Even if Thomas returns soon, this problem is likely to plague the G-Men frequently in 2025, especially because Wilson seems to be out of gas and they don't have the resources to overcome major issues in pass protection.

Outlook: Good luck with Dallas and Kansas City the next two weekends! It's going to be a long season, and one that eventually involves Jaxson Dart (ideally when they're sure they can protect him).

New York Jets (0-1)

AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis

Sauce Gardner

Problem: The fourth quarter

The Jets blew a pair of fourth-quarter leads in a heartbreaking home loss to the Steelers in Week 1, which doesn't pair well with the fact they lost six games after leading in the fourth quarter in 2024.

New coach, new quarterback. Same problem. This team is failing to deliver when it matters most.

Outlook: They gave up 34 Sunday and now star defender Sauce Gardner's status is in doubt with a groin injury. They'll just be lucky if the fourth quarter matters the next two weeks against Buffalo and Tampa Bay.

Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Nick Sirianni

Problem: Curses, hangovers etc.

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

Outlook: They'll need to be more crisp against the Chiefs at Arrowhead, particularly in the secondary. Kansas City is lacking in the receiving corps but Patrick Mahomes needs this, and you get the feeling Washington is going to be all over the Eagles in the NFC East this year.

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Breece Hall

Problem: The run defense...again

We'll lay off of Aaron Rodgers for now, as he put up a strong performance in Pittsburgh's Week 1 victory over the Jets. Instead, the focus has to turn to a defense that surrendered 182 yards and three touchdowns on the ground in New York.

This despite an offseason emphasis on tightening up the run defense after the Ravens trampled all over them in last year's playoffs.

Outlook: It sucks that the Steelers still haven't benefited from first-round rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon (knee), but this goes deeper than that. The pressure is on defensive coordinator Teryl Austin already.

San Francisco 49ers (1-0)

AP Photo/Ben VanHouten

Brock Purdy

Problem: Injuries...again

Here we go again. The 49ers were easily the most injury-impacted team in the NFL last season, and they're picking up in 2025 where they left off.

It of course starts with quarterback Brock Purdy, who is expected to miss multiple weeks with a foot injury suffered in a Week 1 victory over Seattle. On top of that, tight end George Kittle (hamstring) and receiver Jauan Jennings (shoulder) were hurt in Week 1.

Outlook: Throw in that top wideout Brandon Aiyuk appears to be far from recovered from a major knee injury and the 49ers could be in trouble. The good news is the schedule is pretty soft, now and throughout the year.

Seattle Seahawks (0-1)

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Sam Darnold

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

This doesn't change from last week after Darnold and the Seahawks offense struggled mightily in a season-opening loss to the 49ers.

Seattle converted three third-down attempts all day and had only 14 first downs in the game. Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba both fumbled in the second half of a close game, and they got almost nothing going on the ground.

Outlook: Now they're behind the eight ball heading into Pittsburgh, as the odds increase that Darnold was a one-hit wonder in Minnesota. Klint Kubiak has his hands full.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0)

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

Baker Mayfield

Problem: Baker Mayfield's lows

The man has his share of highs, but the lows continue to be glaring for a quarterback who threw a tied-for-NFL-high 16 interceptions last season and committed a tied-for-NFL-high four turnover-worthy plays in Tampa Bay's Week 1 victory over Atlanta, per PFF.

Mayfield also missed some easy intermediate passes, but he did manage to steal a victory with three touchdown passes.

Outlook: The Falcons didn't make Mayfield pay, but others almost certainly will. He and the Bucs face the Jets, Eagles, Seahawks, 49ers and Lions between Weeks 3 and 7.

Tennessee Titans (0-1)

AP Photo/Eric Lutzen

Cam Ward

Problem: Support for Cam Ward

The No. 1 overall pick's career debut didn't go well, but it was hard to get a read on Ward because his teammates let him down time and again in a Week 1 road loss to the Broncos.

He took six sacks, was pressured on 19 of 34 dropbacks and his receivers dropped five of his 18 on-target passes. A coaching mistake also cost him, which is some damn tough luck out of the gate.

Outlook: Ward could have avoided some of those sacks and can definitely improve as well, but he needs more help. Unfortunately, he may not have right tackle JC Latham (hip) Sunday against the Rams. It's not great.

Washington Commanders (1-1)

AP Photo/Matt Ludtke

Tucker Kraft

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. It was also stellar in Week 1, albeit against the hapless Giants.

Still, Dan Quinn's D was roasted in an NFC Championship Game loss to the Eagles to cap 2024, and it allowed over 400 yards while failing to register a takeaway for the second week in a row as the Commanders fell to the Packers Thursday night.

Outlook: They also created just 17 turnovers all of last season. They need more big plays on D, period, and it's important we see progress the next couple weeks against the Raiders and Falcons.