Every NFL Team's Biggest Problem Heading into Week 3

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 (2-0)

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Max Melton

Problem: Injuries at cornerback

Starters Max Melton, Garrett Williams and Will Johnson also suffered injuries in Arizona's Week 2 victory over the Panthers.

Bryce Young passed for 328 yards and threw three touchdown strikes in the process, so Arizona could be in big trouble if these things linger when the schedule gets tougher.

Outlook: Still no definitive news on any of them, but this is a team already down Sean Murphy-Bunting and Starling Thomas V at that position. Fortunately, the schedule is forgiving for now, but they'll have problems in midseason matchups with Green Bay and Dallas if they don't get healthier in the secondary soon.

Atlanta Falcons (1-1)

AP Photo/Stacy Bengs

Michael Penix

Problem: The passing offense

Michael Penix completed just 13 passes for 135 yards and was sacked three times Sunday night in Minnesota. After going 0-for-5 on passes that traveled 15-plus yards in Week 1, the sophomore first-round pick didn't even attempt a single throw of that distance against the Vikings.

Eventually, they're going to need more from him.

Outlook: It was admittedly a tough spot for Penix in his first career road game, in prime time, against a strong defense. And it's a good sign that his running game and defense bailed him out. Let's give this some time. Atlanta's next two home games come against Washington and Buffalo, which could provide a tremendous test.

Baltimore Ravens (1-1)

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

Derrick Henry

Problem: Big-game letdowns

Beating the Browns handily doesn't change this. That Week 1 collapse in Buffalo added to a trend for the Ravens, who have Super Bowl-level talent but consistently fall short in critical moments.

As we noted last week, 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: This will really come down to how they deal with Detroit and Kansas City the next two weeks.

Buffalo Bills (3-0)

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

Matt Milano

Problem: The depleted defense

The absence of key defenders Ed Oliver (ankle), Matt Milano (pec) and Taron Johnson (quad) has yet to cost the Bills in the win column. But with the secondary hurting, they surrendered 40 points at home in Week 1, and now they've been hit hard in the front seven.

Beating the lowly Jets and Dolphins in Weeks 2 and 3 didn't necessarily solve the problem.

Outlook: They're fortunate enough to have the Saints and Patriots at home the next two weeks, but this could eventually be far from ideal for the current Super Bowl favorite.

Carolina Panthers (0-2)

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Austin Corbett

Problem: The interior offensive line

Pick your spot on offense, or even defense. In Week 1, we highlighted "support for Bryce Young" in this exercise, and that's still a problem. In Week 2, we focused on Young's major issues regardless of support in the team's season-opening loss.

Now, we're back to that support after the third-year quarterback put up an impressive second-half performance in a Week 2 loss to the Cardinals. Losing starting interior offensive linemen Austin Corbett (knee) and Robert Hunt (biceps) is a huge blow.

Outlook: It says a lot about the state of this team that there's no chance to mention a pass rush that has just one sack and five total pressures in two games. The Panthers remain a mess.

Chicago Bears (0-2)

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Caleb Williams

Problem: Continued growing pains

Working in Ben Johnson's new system behind an entirely new offensive line, second-year Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is still struggling.

His bad throw rate of 23.4 is the second-worst mark among qualified passers so far, and Chicago had two more turnovers while surrendering four sacks in a blowout Week 2 loss to the Lions. That new-look o-line was always penalized five times in the process.

Outlook: 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 early-season schedule. They could be staring at 0-3 with Dallas in town Sunday. The defense has underperformed, so it's not pretty.

Cincinnati Bengals (2-0)

AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar, File

Joe Burrow

Problem: Duh

Just the Bengals' luck, eh? Just when they seem to shake off their typical September struggles, they lose their superstar quarterback to a long-term injury.

This team was already flawed defensively and potentially in terms of non-weapon support for Joe Burrow, but that toe injury is now the story of the season in Cincinnati.

Outlook: I still think they have enough talent to scratch and claw their way into the playoff picture, and Burrow could return in December. But even then, it's an uphill battle and there's no way they're anything more than a wild-card team. It's brutal.

Cleveland Browns (0-2)

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Joe Flacco

Problem: The entire offense

I prefer to hone in on something in particular when possible, but it's just a disaster across the board for the Browns offense.

Quarterback Joe Flacco has already committed four turnovers, they're averaging just 3.6 yards per carry on the ground, only three offenses have more dropped passes, and only two quarterbacks have been pressured more frequently than Flacco.

Outlook: They have just 33 points under their belt and now they have Green Bay, Detroit, Minnesota and Pittsburgh. This will get uglier, and eventually we'll see a rookie under center.

Dallas Cowboys (0-2)

AP Photo/Matt Patterson

Malik Nabers

Problem: The Micah Parsons void

This also could have simply been "AT&T Stadium," where the Cowboys nearly lost for the eighth time in their last 10 home games Sunday against the Giants, but they did get the win so let's again take aim at a defense that has surrendered 61 points while registering one total takeaway in two weeks.

Only two defenses have given up more yards per play (6.4), and none have been worse on third down (51.9 percent) through two outings.

Outlook: Far beyond his prime, new addition Jadeveon Clowney isn't likely to save this unit. They're in trouble against the Packers in nine days' time—if not sooner.

Denver Broncos (1-1)

AP Photo/Michael Conroy

Bo Nix

Problem: Turnovers

Trying to avoid a sophomore slump, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has thrown three interceptions and committed a tied-for-league-high six turnover-worthy plays, according to Pro Football Focus.

And while they got away with offensive mistakes in their opener, it cost them dearly in a Week 2 loss to the Colts. Denver is already minus-three in the turnover margin category, and the schedule is about to become a lot tougher.

Outlook: They're in LA for the Chargers and in Philadelphia two weeks from now. They'll have to be a lot more disciplined in those affairs, or it'll be tough to establish momentum in the potentially wide-open AFC West.

Detroit Lions (1-1)

AP Photo/Matt Ludtke

Jared Goff

Problem: Green Bay

Yeah, now that the post-Ben Johnson offense has broken through with a strong performance, Detroit's biggest problem is actually another team.

That's because the Packers dominated the Lions in Week 1 and then followed that up with an easy victory over the a Commanders team that was in last year's NFC title game. The Lions' top division rival has really gained some extra steam with Micah Parsons in the front seven, and they have a much more favorable schedule in the coming weeks.

Outlook: Seven of Detroit's next eight games come against Baltimore, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Washington and Philadelphia. In that same time frame, the Packers get Cleveland, Carolina and the Giants. The Lions need to be careful not to fall too far behind by mid-November.

Green Bay Packers (2-0)

AP Photo/Morry Gash

Matthew Golden

Problem: Still no clear-cut No. 1 receiver

Scroll up to see why this is a nitpick. Regardless, it's worth noting considering that the Packers have been searching for a No. 1 target for centuries.

Jayden Reed's broken collarbone isn't helping matters, while rookie first-rounder Matthew Golden was held without a catch in Week 2 and has just two receptions thus far. No wideout gained 50 yards against the Commanders, 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 in nine days.

Houston Texans (0-2)

AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith

C.J. Stroud

Problem: An utter lack of offensive execution

Turns out last year wasn't an anomaly for a Texans team that came plummeting back to earth after shocking the league in 2023. The Houston offense has produced a league-low 28 points thus far in 2025, and a lot of that has to do with the fact they can't extend and/or complete drives.

Incredibly, C.J. Stroud and Co. have converted just four of 18 third-down opportunities, and they've gone 0-for-3 in a measly three red-zone trips. And that's against good-not-great defenses.

Outlook: If this continues against division rivals Jacksonville and Tennessee the next two weeks, new offensive coordinator Nick Caley could be in immediate trouble.

Indianapolis Colts (2-0)

AP Photo/Zach Bolinger

Tyler Warren

Problem: The injury bug

Veteran cornerback Charvarius Ward (concussion) and edge Laiatu Latu (hamstring) may be on the road back on defense, but corner Jaylon Jones (hamstring) remains sidelined on that side of the ball.

Meanwhile, standout rookie tight end Tyler Warren (toe) has found the injury report after back-to-back 75-plus-yard performances to start his career, and receiver Josh Downs (ankle) was also out of practice this week.

Outlook: This is a bit of a nitpick too for a team that is off to a fantastic start and has received surprisingly strong play from quarterback Daniel Jones. Let's see if the injuries impact them on the road the next two weeks against the Titans and Rams.

Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1)

AP Photo/Jeff Dean

Trevor Lawrence

Problem: The passing game isn't clicking

Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has completed just 58.9 percent of his passes, and he has just six completions on 15 throws that have traveled 15-plus yards.

A big factor? A league-high nine of Lawrence's throws have been dropped, including three by Brian Thomas Jr., who has just 60 yards in two games. He and Travis Hunter have not delivered on their immense talent early this season, despite opportune matchups against the Panthers and Bengals.

Outlook: Lawrence has thrown three picks, and they've made a lot of their mistakes in critical moments. It won't be an easy problem to shake, considering their track record.

Kansas City Chiefs (0-2)

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Patrick Mahomes

Problem: The post-Week 3 schedule

The Chiefs are 0-2 for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era, and the depleted receiving corps is a huge reason why. The team's reversal of fortune in one-score games (as predictable as it was) has also played a huge role.

The good news is they appear to be getting healthier in the receiving corps, as Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown and Jalen Royals have all returned to practice ahead of what should be an easy win over the Giants on Sunday. The bad news is they're still waiting on Rashee Rice, and the schedule is hell for a while before he returns from suspension.

Outlook: Specifically, the Chiefs play the Ravens, travel to Jacksonville, and then host the Lions without Rice, and with those other guys potentially still less than 100 percent. They also have Washington and Buffalo before their Week 9 bye. I can seriously see them starting 3-6.

Las Vegas Raiders (1-1)

AP Photo/David Becker

Geno Smith

Problem: Geno Smith

Just as the defense suddenly becomes an asset, the Raiders get a slap in the face from their under-performing bridge quarterback. Through two weeks, Geno Smith is the league's lowest-rated qualified passer thanks to a league-worst on-target rate (34.2 percent) and a 52.2 rating (with three interceptions) on deep attempts.

The line and running game haven't offered him much support, but Smith is getting paid big bucks to lead this offense and he simply hasn't delivered thus far.

Outlook: Considering how much pressure he's faced in that one-dimensional offense, it's hard to envision the 34-year-old climbing out of this quickly.

Los Angeles Chargers (2-0)

AP Photo/David Becker

Najee Harris

Problem: The running game remains fast asleep

Khalil Mack's injury is an issue, and Rashawn Slater's continues to play a role as well for a Chargers team that is undefeated early on despite the absence of those veterans.

But the Bolts defense is strong enough to survive without Mack, who has hit injured reserve but isn't expected to be out too long. And Joe Alt's strong play has helped with the Slater blow. Yet, rookie first-round back Omarion Hampton has just 72 yards on 23 carries, while veteran Najee Harris has just 33 on nine for a LA team that has failed to get anything going on the ground through two weeks.

Outlook: The Chargers are in great shape overall, but that lack of offensive balance is worth monitoring ahead of a huge Week 3 matchup with Denver.

Los Angeles Rams (2-0)

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Puka Nucua and Davante Adams

Problem: Too many eggs in two receiver baskets

Matthew Stafford has clicked heavily thus far with his top two receivers and benefited greatly from tremendous defensive support, which explains why the Rams are undefeated thus far—albeit against weak competition.

The problem is Stafford has probably relied too heavily on those receivers—Puka Nacua and Davante Adams—as they've been targeted on 41 passes in two games, while nobody else on offense has been targeted more than four times.

Outlook: Better defenses will be capable of taking one, or both, away. And what if either gets hurt? The Rams need to spread it around more,

Miami Dolphins (0-3)

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 the injuries that have already plagued the roster, 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 start the fire sale soon. 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 (1-1)

AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski

J.J. McCarthy

Problem: Offensive injuries

All of the attention is naturally on quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who is expected to miss multiple weeks with a high-ankle sprain. But don't forget that this offense is still without star left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) and wide receiver Jordan Addison (suspension), and has also lost back Aaron Jones (hamstring).

That's a lot to overcome, even with some winnable games coming up. It'll be tough sledding for veteran interim starter Carson Wentz.

Outlook: They're lucky that on Sunday they host a Bengals team that is also down its starting quarterback, but then they aren't at home again until Week 7. And keep in mind they weren't exactly ripping it up on offense to begin with. This could soon become a lost season for the Vikes.

New England Patriots (1-1)

AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

De'Von Achane

Problem: Defensive lapses

The Patriots have a lot of problems, including issues with penalties, missed tackles, and placekicking. But what stands out is the fact they've surrendered a league-high 13 20-plus-yard plays in two games. The defense has allowed an AFC-high 6.6 yards per play, thanks in part all of those home runs.

Keep in mind those two games came against the Raiders and Dolphins, both of whom barely moved the ball in their other games thus far this season.

Outlook: Getting cornerback Christian Gonzalez back from a hamstring injury could make a big difference, but it could take some time before he's 100 percent. The Pats will have to tread water and hope they've ironed this out before they go to Buffalo in Week 5.

New Orleans Saints (0-2)

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Kellen Moore

Problem: Mistakes

The Saints were penalized a ridiculous 13 times, missed a 37-yard field goal and botched the clock at the end of the first half in a winnable Week 1 loss to the Cardinals.

They followed that up in Week 2 with seven more penalties (several of which were back-breakers), another missed field goal from 40 yards, and two fumbles in a close loss to the 49ers.

Outlook: Quarterback Spencer Rattler is actually off to a surprisingly decent start to the season, but the Saints don't look prepared at all to support him with disciplined and focused performances. Now, it could get ugly in Seattle and Buffalo to close out September.

New York Giants (0-2)

AP Photo/Jerome Miron

Russell Wilson

Problem: An inability to finish drives

This is a general hit on the offense, and a line that has been the focus here the last two weeks. That doesn't change, but it has manifested itself by way of the Giants' red-zone struggles.

The offense has scored just one touchdown on seven red-zone possessions this season, with that score coming from the one-yard line after a 24-yard gain in the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss to Dallas. Prior to that, they were 0-for-6 in the red zone, despite getting inside the 3-yard line twice against Washington in Week 1.

Outlook: This of course ties back to a lack of balance and poor line play, in addition to inconsistency from quarterback Russell Wilson. I don't expect that to change dramatically anytime soon, as it isn't a straight-cut diagnosis.

New York Jets (0-2)

Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images

Justin Fields

Problem: Quarterback

Not only does Justin Fields now have a concussion that will keep him out of Sunday's road matchup with the Buccaneers, but Fields was struggling anyway. As per usual, his accuracy was a major problem in a Week 2 loss to the Bills.

Now, Gang Green has been forced to turn to 36-year-old Tyrod Taylor, who has thrown 33 passes since the start of 2024 and has a pretty clear-cut ceiling.

Outlook: Combine that reality with the fact they've given up 64 points and are now a shorthanded underdog in Tampa and the Fields/Aaron Glenn era is off to a nightmare start.

Philadelphia Eagles (2-0)

AP Photo/Ed Zurga

Jalen Hurts

Problem: A lack of explosive plays

No offense has produced fewer 20-yard plays this season than Philadelphia's, as the Eagles have accomplished that feat just three times in two games.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts has completed just two passes 20-plus yards downfield, and as a result, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith have a total of 104 receiving yards in two games. It makes it difficult to pull away from teams, as we've seen with Philly.

Outlook: It may be an aberration as they work through a bit of a Super Bowl hangover. I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt, especially since they've defeated two playoff-caliber teams to start 2-0 anyway.

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1)

AP Photo/Matt Durisko

Kenneth Walker III

Problem: The run defense...again

So many places we could go here, when you consider that Aaron Rodgers is averaging a league-low 2.3 completed air yards per attempt, or that the running game is averaging just 3.0 yards per carry.

But we can't turn away from a run defense that was supposed to be better this year yet gave up 182 yards and three touchdowns on the ground against the Jets in Week 1 before allowing Kenneth Walker III to put up 8.1 yards per attempt in a triple-digit performance in a Week 2 loss to the Seahawks.

Outlook: At least they shut down Zach Charbonnet in the same game? The good news is they could have some time to work on this because they don't play a strong rushing offense for quite a while.

San Francisco 49ers (2-0)

AP Photo/Ben VanHouten

Brock Purdy

Problem: Injuries...again

Brock Purdy, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, Ben Bartch, Kyle Juszczyk. All out.

Christian McCaffrey, Trenton Williams and Jauan Jennings are all hurt, too, but playing through their injuries and surely less than 100 percent. It's the same old for the 49ers.

Outlook: Thank goodness for a laughable schedule. They're 2-0 without having played a home game! But they can't afford to lose to both Arizona and Jacksonville in the Bay Area the next two weeks.

Seattle Seahawks (1-1)

AP Photo/John Froschauer

Devon Witherspoon

Problem: Injuries in the secondary

A knee injury could keep cornerback Devon Witherspoon out for the second week in a row when Seattle hosts the Saints on Sunday, while safeties Julian Love (hamstring) and Nick Emmanwori (ankle) have also been out of practice.

Seattle's defense has absolutely been an asset thus far, giving up just 17 points in each of the team's first two games. But takeaways have been a big factor there as well, as they have surrendered 7.9 yards per pass attempt.

Outlook: There are signs of potential cracks, but they at least shouldn't be too challenged by the Saints in Week 3. They'll hope to be a lot healthier back there by the time they travel to Arizona in Week 4.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

Baker Mayfield

Problem: Baker Mayfield's lows

Mayfield has yet to throw an interception this season, but he tossed a tied-for-NFL-high 16 picks last year and committed a tied-for-NFL-high six turnover-worthy plays in Tampa Bay's first two victories of the season, per PFF.

Mayfield also missed some easy intermediate passes in the opener against Atlanta and completed just 53.1 percent of his passes Monday night in Houston, and he has the lowest on-target rate in the NFC.

Outlook: He's led two fourth-quarter comebacks and game-winning drives, and the Bucs have won two turnover-free games. But I do wonder when Mayfield is going to have some classic moments that cost the Bucs games. It's a problem until we hit October and he hasn't allowed it to hurt him or the team.

Tennessee Titans (0-2)

AP Photo/Eric Lutzen

Cam Ward

Problem: Support for Cam Ward

In his debut against the Broncos, the No. 1 overall pick took six sacks, was pressured on 19 of 34 dropbacks and his receivers dropped five of his 18 on-target passes. Sunday in his home debut against the Rams, Ward took five more sacks, was victimized by a couple more drops and was under constant pressure.

He's been the most pressured quarterback in football thus far, and by a significant margin.

Outlook: Ward has had his own issues in the pocket and in general, but his supporting cast isn't making it easy on him. Injuries to the offensive line have been an issue, and the upcoming schedule is rather challenging. It's going to be a long year for Ward and the Titans.

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 in Week 2.

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.