Every NFL Team's Biggest Problem Heading into Week 4

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

We're here to monitor those issues on a weekly basis throughout the 2025 season, while adding some potential solutions where 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 (1-2)

AP Photo/Scot Tucker

James Conner

Problem: Running back situation

James Conner suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 3, and then the Cards kicked off Week 4 Thursday night with Trey Benson, Emari Demercado and Michael Carter combining for just 44 yards on 11 carries.

The offense as a whole remains uneven, and the Kyler Murray–Marvin Harrison Jr. connection continues to underwhelm. However, there is potential for improvement in the passing game, unlike the limited upside in the current running back group.

Outlook: At least they have 10 days to figure out some of these offensive issues, and they get Tennessee at home after that. Let's take a breath.

Atlanta Falcons (1-2)

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferma

Michael Penix Jr.

Problem: Passing offense

Last week's big Atlanta problem was taken to another level on Sunday, when Michael Penix Jr. completed just 18 of 36 passes and threw two interceptions in a shutout loss to the lowly Panthers.

Despite plenty of weaponry and support, the league's fourth-lowest-rated qualified passer has thrown just one touchdown pass and has the NFL's highest bad-throw rate (25.3 percent) by a significant margin.

Outlook: The struggles are not primarily due to pass protection or drops. Now, fans are questioning how much longer the coaching staff will stick with Penix. The offense ranks second lowest in the league, and upcoming matchups with Washington and Buffalo appear challenging.

Baltimore Ravens (1-2)

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Lamar Jackson

Problem: Big-game letdowns

Once again, the Ravens' Super Bowl-level talent wasn't enough in a critical game, as seen against both the Bills in Week 1 and the Lions in Week 3.

Earlier this calendar year, Baltimore fell short in a winnable playoff game in Buffalo and blew a double-digit 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: That means Sunday's trip to Arrowhead look pretty daunting, but the Ravens have to embrace this. It's another opportunity to buck the trend. And it might be their best shot at doing so until December.

Buffalo Bills (3-0)

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

Matt Milano

Problem: 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.

With the secondary hurting, though, they surrendered 40 points at home in Week 1 and have now 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 (1-2)

AP Photo/Brian Westerholt

Nic Scourton

Problem: Pass rush

We've gone from support for Bryce Young to the interior offensive line to this, which speaks volumes about Carolina's deficiencies. That said, we're toning it down for a team coming off a shocking 30-0 victory.

The Panthers have just one sack and eight quarterback pressures in three games, which is ludicrous considering the overall defensive play has been OK.

Outlook: Day 2 picks Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen have flashed a little, and a lot will fall on the rookies to get this thing going in a fairly soft early-season schedule.

Chicago Bears (1-2)

AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski

Cole Kmet

Problem: Injuries

Just as the Bears looked like they'd figured some things out under this new regime, they are being hit hard by injuries.

Linebacker T.J. Edwards (hamstring) and defensive back Kyler Gordon (hamstring) have been out all year and continue to be sidelined, and they were joined recently by corner Jaylon Johnson, who is out long-term following core muscle surgery.

Meanwhile, on offense, tight ends Colston Loveland (hip) and Cole Kmet (groin) are ailing along with offensive tackle Darnell Wright (knee).

Outlook: It's a lot for a team in transition. They're lucky to have a Week 5 bye, but the current injury situation could make it difficult for them in Las Vegas this weekend.

Cincinnati Bengals (2-1)

AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar

Joe Burrow

Problem: Duh

The loss of a superstar starting quarterback was the Bengals' primary issue last week, and nothing has changed after Jake Browning threw two interceptions in a blowout Week 3 loss to the Vikings.

Browning has now thrown five interceptions over one-and-a-half games, contributing to eight team turnovers in the past two weeks.

Outlook: The absence of Burrow isn't the only issue: The running game has disappeared and the offensive line remains a liability. The Bengals are in serious trouble, and it may be too late for a dramatic change at quarterback.

Cleveland Browns (1-2)

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Joe Flacco

Problem: Joe Flacco

The offense continues to be a problem in general for a team that pulled off a miraculous upset victory in Week 3 primarily due to a killer defensive effort.

That said, the running game finally showed signs of life against Green Bay, and the only offensive turnover was a Flacco interception.

The 40-year-old is the league's lowest-rated qualified passer.

Outlook: I don't know if Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders is the answer, but we're quickly approaching "it couldn't hurt to find out" territory.

Dallas Cowboys (1-2)

AP Photo/Erin Hooley

Rome Odunze

Problem: The Micah Parsons void

Can we go the entire season with this? At this point, though, it's become larger than Parsons' absence.

The Cowboys have surrendered a ludicrous 12 25-plus-yard passing plays in the last two weeks alone. That's 6.0 per game, compared to 1.9 in 2024. They've generated just one takeaway, rank 31st with 6.5 yards per play allowed and rank dead-last in third-down defense.

Outlook: And now they get a Packers team that is angry, talented and due on offense. They're lucky they aren't 0-3 headed into that game, but this is still starting to feel like another lost season in Dallas.

Denver Broncos (1-2)

AP Photo/Gregory Bull

Sean Payton

Problem: Late-game collapses

In Week 2, the Colts closed out a 29-28 victory over the Broncos with nine unanswered second-half points. And in Week 3, the Chargers closed out a 23-20 victory over Denver with 10 unanswered second-half points.

The defense hasn't been as crisp as expected, but a lot of this also falls on an offense that hasn't lived up to expectations. The Broncos aren't sustaining drives, as Bo Nix faces a potential sophomore slump.

Outlook: The result of this is a third consecutive poor September for the Sean Payton-coached Broncos, who couldn't make up for that against the Chiefs in 2024 and now face a similar challenge considering the Bolts are 3-0 overall and within the division.

Detroit Lions (2-1)

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Marcus Davenport

Problem: Pass rush

The Lions may be relying too heavily on star edge defender Aidan Hutchinson, who lost support when veteran Marcus Davenport (chest) went on injured reserve this week.

Al-Quadin Muhammad had a 2.5-sack night as Detroit lit up the Ravens offensive line for seven sacks in Week 3, but that unit still ranks below the league median with a pressure rate of 17.8 percent.

Outlook: This isn't an existential problem right now, but it leaves a lot on Hutchinson yet again. For now, the Lions should be fine at home against Cleveland.

Green Bay Packers (2-1)

AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar

Josh Jacobs

Problem: Lack of offensive balance

Veteran Packers running back Josh Jacobs is averaging just 3.1 yards per carry, which is way down from 4.4 in 2024. He was devoured in Cleveland, which prevented Green Bay from pulling away in a game it blew.

A lot of that falls on a struggling offensive line, which is without right tackle Zach Tom (oblique) and lost guard Aaron Banks to a groin injury in Week 3. Plus, Jacobs is dealing with an ankle injury himself.

Outlook: Dallas presents a great opportunity to get it together before a Week 5 bye. This is a big spot for Jacobs and the entire offense.

Houston Texans (0-3)

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

C.J. Stroud

Problem: C.J. Stroud

The offense in general is the problem for a Texans team that has scored a league-low 38 points in three games, but we're homing in on the supposed franchise quarterback.

Stroud ranks ahead of only Tua Tagovailoa and Cam Ward with a QBR of 34.8, and it's not as though he's been under an obscene amount of pressure or suffered from a disproportionate amount of dropped passes. He simply isn't getting it done.

Outlook: It's beginning to look like the awesome rookie season was the anomaly, not the sophomore slump. He needs to take care of the Titans at home in Week 4 and then make a statement in Baltimore one week later.

Indianapolis Colts (3-0)

AP Photo/AJ Mast

Kenny Moore

Problem: The injury bug

Indy is riding some wave right now, but injuries could soon become tough to overcome.

Standout cornerback Kenny Moore (calf) is expected to miss time, while receiver Alec Pierce (concussion) and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (back) have been out of practice.

This follows a week in which statuses were up in the air for corner Charvarius Ward (concussion) and edge Laiatu Latu (hamstring), and corner Jaylon Jones (hamstring) remains sidelined on that side of the ball. Tight end Tyler Warren (toe) and receiver Josh Downs (ankle) may also be less than 100 percent.

Outlook: This is a bit of a nitpick 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 in a tough spot against the Rams this weekend.

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1)

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Trevor Lawrence

Problem: The passing game isn't clicking

Trevor Lawrence and Brian Thomas Jr. finally connected when it mattered most on critical 46-yard catch-and-run to set up the game-winning touchdown in Week 3, but that doesn't absolve this offense.

Lawrence has completed just 55.8 percent of his passes, and he has just seven completions on 15 throws that have traveled 15-plus yards.

A big factor? A league-high 14 of his throws have been dropped, including four by Thomas, who has caught just seven of the 25 balls thrown his way. He and Travis Hunter have not delivered on their immense talent early this season, despite opportune matchups against the Panthers, Bengals and Texans.

Outlook: Lawrence has thrown four picks, and the Jags have made a lot of mistakes in critical moments. It won't be an easy problem to shake, considering their track record. Maybe they can take advantage of the 49ers' injuries this weekend in San Francisco.

Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Patrick Mahomes

Problem: The post-Week 3 schedule

The good news is the Chiefs found a way to take care of a bad Giants team on Sunday night, and they're getting a little healthier as Xavier Worthy (shoulder) looks primed to return after missing practically the entire season to this point.

The problem is they still look sluggish, with a bottom-12-scoring offense averaging just 5.2 yards per play. And the schedule is relentless.

Outlook: Specifically, the Chiefs play the Ravens, travel to Jacksonville, and then host the Lions without Rashee Rice. They also have Washington and Buffalo before their Week 9 bye. They could be starting 3-6.

Las Vegas Raiders (1-2)

AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough

Ashton Jeanty

Problem: The offensive line

Las Vegas was again manhandled in the trenches all day in a Week 3 loss to the Commanders. It's averaging just 3.1 yards per carry, and only the Titans have taken more sacks than the 12 the Raiders have surrendered through three weeks.

Geno Smith has had his share of issues beyond the line, but they're just not getting enough from anybody not named Kolton Miller.

Outlook: There's a decent amount of talent on this offense, including along the line. That said, the Raiders need a lot of guys to turn it around quickly to stick around in the AFC West.

Los Angeles Chargers (3-0)

AP Photo/Gregory Bull

Justin Herbert

Problem: State of the offensive line

Despite the victory, this unit took a beating from the Broncos defensive front in Week 3.

Now, guard Mekhi Becton is dealing with a concussion and center Bradley Bozeman has a back injury for a line that lost pillar left tackle Rashawn Slater prior to the start of the regular season.

Only five teams have allowed more sacks than the 10 the Chargers have surrendered thus far, and quarterback Justin Herbert has been pressured on 23 percent of his dropbacks.

Outlook: Hard to knock a 3-0 team too hard, but it's a worthy concern as the season progresses.

Los Angeles Rams (2-1)

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Puka Nucua and Davante Adams

Problem: Too many eggs in two receiver baskets

Last week, we noted Matthew Stafford had probably relied too heavily on his top two receivers—Puka Nacua and Davante Adams—as they'd been targeted on 41 passes in two games, while nobody else on offense had been targeted more than four times.

In Sunday's loss to Philadelphia, those two caught 14 of the 19 passes that Stafford completed while accounting for 168 of his 196 passing yards.

Outlook: That reliance might have cost them, as Adams caught only three of the passes on which he was targeted. Good defenses will sniff this out.

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.

Based on their current trajectory and mounting injuries, the Dolphins may need to consider a rebuild. Dramatic moves, such as trading assets before the deadline or making coaching changes, could come under discussion if results don't improve

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 the Dolphins 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 (2-1)

AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski

J.J. McCarthy

Problem: Potential quarterback controversy?

The question mark is included because Carson Wentz's strong Week 3 performance is a good thing overall, but that could leave the Vikings in an awkward spot when 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy gets healthy.

The quarterback struggled a fair bit with three picks before suffering an ankle injury in Week 2, and Wentz is an accomplished veteran. This is a team that fancies itself a contender.

Outlook: The Vikings have some time, and Wentz could fall off anyway. For now, this has to be in the back of their minds as McCarthy gets closer to 100 percent.

New England Patriots (1-2)

AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty

Rhamondre Stevenson

Problem: The running game

The Patriots have a lot of problems, including issues with penalties, missed tackles, placekicking and defensive lapses. But this week, let's turn to the fact that quarterback Drake Maye is tied for the team lead in rushing.

That's because well-paid back Rhamondre Stevenson has yet to score or rush for 60 yards in a game this season, and he fumbled twice in a Week 3 loss to the Steelers.

Outlook: At least the Pats have alternative options in TreVeyon Henderson and Antonio Gibson, but a lot of this falls on the interior offensive line as well. This offense could be in trouble.

New Orleans Saints (0-3)

AP Photo/Stephen Brashear

Alvin Kamara

Problem: The fall of Alvin Kamara

This is another "where to start?" scenario. The important thing is the problem for the Saints is not quarterback Spencer Rattler, who has held his own thus far. The problem is the team has been a mess everywhere else.

But let's focus on the fact that their most celebrated offensive player has seemingly hit a wall at age 30. Kamara is averaging just 3.7 yards per carry, has caught just nine passes for 47 yards and hasn't scored since the first half of the first game of the season.

Outlook: Running backs often fall off cliffs at this point. But if the Saints were going to have any hope of hanging around in a soft division this season, they needed another strong campaign from the five-time Pro Bowler. That isn't happening

New York Giants (0-3)

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Russell Wilson

Problem: Inability to sustain or finish drives

We suppose this could change with a quarterback swap, but the Giants have converted an NFC-low 27.5 percent of their third downs and have scored just twice on 10 trips to the red zone (20 percent also ranks last in the NFC).

The offense ranks above the league median with 5.4 yards per play, and the Giants have turned it over just three times.

However, untimely penalties and letdowns in big spots probably explain why Russell Wilson is no longer the starting quarterback.

Outlook: In their next five games they play the Chargers, Broncos and Eagles (twice). Good luck, Jaxson.

New York Jets (0-3)

Photo by Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini

Sauce Gardner

Problem: A talented defense isn't saving the offense

The Jets are down their starting quarterback, and they've struggled to protect both Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor. That's obviously a problem, but the bigger issue is a skilled defense hasn't given them a hand.

Gang Green's D has yet to register a single takeaway this season, and it has just six sacks in three outings.

Outlook: Injuries to Sauce Gardner, Quincy Williams, Jermaine Johnson and Tony Adams are a big factor. But a somewhat valid excuse doesn't make this any less of a problem.

Philadelphia Eagles (3-0)

AP Photo/Ed Zurga

Jalen Hurts

Problem: Something's missing on offense

Only five offenses have generated fewer yards per drive than Philadelphia's (25.4), and only three teams have fewer 20-plus-yard plays (seven).

The Eagles don't turn the ball over, which is why they've still managed to win 19 of their last 20 games. But it's also fair to wonder where they'd be right now without the tush push or significant injuries.

Outlook: This might be a Super Bowl hangover, but it doesn't feel sustainable even with the tush push. They're 8-for-8 in the red zone and Jalen Hurts hasn't thrown an interception, while they've remained relatively healthy on offense. Those things will eventually change, and the offensive talent on this team had better step it up by then.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1)

AP Photo/Matt Freed

Aaron Rodgers

Problem: A lack of deep strikes on offense

The Steelers are off to a fine start overall, but it's alarming that Aaron Rodgers has completed just four passes that have traveled 15-plus yards in three games.

None of those throws resulted in gains of more than 25 yards, and the 41-year-old has a horrendous 50.7 passer rating on deep attempts.

Rodgers is averaging a league-worst 2.0 air yards per pass attempt, which contributes to the Steelers averaging just 4.6 yards per play.

Outlook: They managed to beat the Jets and Patriots in Weeks 1 and 3, respectively, but this won't do against stronger opponents. We saw it in a Week 2 loss to Seattle, and Minnesota could pose a problem Sunday in Dublin.

San Francisco 49ers (3-0)

AP Photo/Ben VanHouten

Brock Purdy

Problem: Injuries, of course

Brock Purdy, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, Ben Bartch, Kyle Juszczyk, Jauan Jennings and Jordan Watkins were all out in Week 3, and many of them will remain out for the foreseeable future.

Purdy looks set to return but is less than 100 percent, and backup Mac Jones is dealing with a knee injury.

And Nick Bosa is out for the year with a torn ACL. Oh, and Ricky Pearsall has a knee injury as well. This is just ridiculous for a team that was ravaged by injuries in 2024.

Outlook: Thank goodness for a laughable schedule. Three one-score wins down and they host the Jaguars on Sunday. Still, it's hard to imagine the Niners holding off Seattle and the Rams in the NFC West.

Seattle Seahawks (3-1)

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Sam Darnold

Problem: Pass protection

This is a bit of a nitpick for a team that is rolling on a three-game winning streak, but Sam Darnold was sacked six times in Thursday's victory over Arizona. And he's been one of the most pressured quarterbacks in the NFL this season.

The interior offensive line has some issues to work through.

Outlook: This isn't existential, especially with that defense, and the Seahawks have the talent to survive while working out the kinks. That said, it doesn't help that Darnold brings a lot of it on himself.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-0)

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

Baker Mayfield

Problem: Their next four games

The Bucs have outscored three teams with a combined 1-8 record by six total points, surviving as quarterback Baker Mayfield has committed seven turnover-worthy plays yet turned it over zero times.

Are they a legit contender? We'll find out when they play some real teams. Their next four opponents are Philadelphia, Seattle, San Francisco and Detroit.

Outlook: The offensive line is already in shambles, and the defense has failed to make some key stops late in games. This isn't a great team, and that will soon be reflected in the loss column.

Tennessee Titans (0-3)

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Cam Ward

Problem: Support for Cam Ward

The rookie No. 1 overall pick continues to be the most pressured and most sacked quarterback in the NFL, while only Trevor Lawrence's receivers have dropped more passes.

The Titans also lead the league with 23 penalties, and the defense has surrendered 31.3 points per game.

Ward has been far from perfect, but he's been dealt a brutal hand to start his NFL career.

Outlook: The Titans appear to be panicking already as they embark on a three-game road trip. I don't think a change of play-calling duties will fix this.

Washington Commanders (2-1)

AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough

Tre Tucker

Problem: Defensive vulnerabilities

The Washington offense managed to generate 34 points without Jayden Daniels in a Week 3 victory, but there were more defensive red flags against the Raiders.

That unit gave up two fourth-quarter touchdowns in that spot, two weeks after surrendering 10 fourth-quarter points to the Packers.

They have generated zero takeaways after registering just 17 all of last season, and only two defensive units have allowed more 15-plus-yard pass plays this year (20).

Outlook: They need more big plays from the D and less against it, or it'll cost them big when the competition picks up.