Every NFL Team's Biggest Problem Heading into Week 5

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 (2-2)

AP Photo/Scot Tucker

James Conner

Problem: Running back situation

One week after losing veteran back James Conner to a season-ending ankle injury, the Cardinals saw backup Trey Benson suffer a knee injury that has landed him on injured reserve.

That leaves Emari Demercado and Michael Carter, who have a combined nine yards on five carries this season.

Outlook: Only seven teams are averaging fewer rushing yards per game than Arizona (96.0), and quarterback Kyler Murray has provided 35 percent of that yardage. It doesn't bode well for them against Indy and Green Bay in Weeks 6 and 7.

Atlanta Falcons (2-2)

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferma

Darnell Mooney

Problem: Inconsistency and unreliability in the passing game

But after a strong Week 4 performance from quarterback Michael Penix Jr., let's shift the focus to his receiving corps. That unit wasn't delivering for him much in the first three weeks of the season, and now Darnell Mooney is dealing with a hamstring injury.

Bijan Robinson leads the team in receiving yardage and only Drake London has more than 80 yards through the air this season. Mooney has caught just seven of the 16 passes thrown his way.

Outlook: Penix posted a 126.0 rating in a win Sunday, with London providing 110 yards and a touchdown. Now they have two weeks to prepare for Buffalo to prove that wasn't an aberration.

Baltimore Ravens (1-3)

AP Photo/Ed Zurga

Lamar Jackson

Problem: Lamar Jackson's hamstring

It's a "week-to-week" injury for the two-time MVP quarterback, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. And that really hurts considering the fact Baltimore is 1-3 while dealing with a slew of injuries elsewhere.

With left tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle), corners Marlon Humphrey (calf), Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring) Nate Wiggins (elbow), and linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring) all hurting, and with defensive linemen Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) out for the year, this is beginning to look like a lost season for the birds.

Outlook: It's officially a red alert for the struggling Ravens, who lived up to their poor big-game reputation with an 0-3 record against 2024 division winners in September and now could easily fall to Houston and/or the Rams with Jackson's status in doubt.

Buffalo Bills (4-0)

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

Matt Milano

Problem: Injuries on defense

Key defenders Ed Oliver (ankle) and Matt Milano (pec) have both finally returned to practice in limited fashion for the Bills, and their injuries have yet to cost the team in the win column, but you have to nitpick a tad when dealing with a squad that has won three straight games by double-digit-point margins.

Keep in mind first-round rookie corner Maxwell Hairston (knee) has also yet to play a snap for the Bills.

Outlook: The scary part is that the Bills are getting healthier. I don't see anybody getting in their way until at least their Week 9 home meeting with the Chiefs.

Carolina Panthers (1-3)

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Nic Scourton

Problem: Pass rush

The Panthers have just two sacks and eight quarterback pressures in four games, as a mix of replacement-level veterans and rookie Day 2 draft picks have failed to get it done.

And it's not as though they are facing awesome offensive line. This was a major problem last year and it isn't going away.

Outlook: Day 2 picks Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen have flashed a little, but not close to enough. Let's see if October is better, as the schedule isn't overwhelming.

Chicago Bears (2-2)

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Kyler Gordon

Problem: Injuries

Cornerback Kyler Gordon, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, linebacker T.J. Edwards, right tackle Darnell Wright and tight end Colston Loveland were all sidelined as Chicago survived with a 25-24 win over the Raiders in Week 4.

It's a lot for a team in transition, especially with corner Jaylon Johnson out long-term following core muscle surgery.

Outlook: The bye week comes at a perfect time. The need to get healthier before traveling to Washington in Week 6.

Cincinnati Bengals (2-2)

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Jake Browning

Problem: Jake Browning

Joe Burrow's replacement has thrown five interceptions on 84 passes and is the league's third-lowest-rated qualified passer.

He completed just 14 of 25 passes for 125 yards in a dud Week 4 loss to the Broncos, and he's jut 4 for 15 with three picks on passes that have traveled 15-plus yards down field.

Outlook: It's hard to imagine things getting any better against Detroit, Green Bay and Pittsburgh the next three weeks. This may be another lost season for Cincinnati. We'll see if head coach Zac Taylor survives.

Cleveland Browns (1-3)

AP Photo/Rick Osentoski

Dillon Gabriel

Problem: The quarterback question

Elsewhere in Ohio, the 40-year-old Joe Flacco remains the league's lowest-rated qualified passer following a horrendous performance in a blowout loss to the Lions.

What he does not remain, is the Browns' starting quarterback, as rookie third-round pick Dillon Gabriel will get his first career start Sunday in London against the Vikings.

Outlook: There's a good chance we see more of Flacco this year, and eventually we should get a look at Shedeur Sanders in what appears to be another throwaway season for the Browns.

Dallas Cowboys (1-2-1)

AP Photo/Julio Cortez

Kaiir Elam

Problem: The Micah Parsons void

Can we go the entire season with this? That pre-season trade is just killing the Cowboys, although these defensive issues go beyond Parsons' absence.

The Cowboys have surrendered a league-high 20 20-plus-yard plays this season. Only the Ravens have surrendered more points (133 to 132), and only the Bears have given up more yards per play (6.7 to 6.4). They've generated just two takeaways, have registered just five sacks and have the NFL's worst third-down defense by a huge margin.

Outlook: They're so lucky they aren't 0-4. And now they get the Jets and Panthers, with extreme pressure on the offense to compensate for this D.

Denver Broncos (2-2)

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.

Yes, they hammered the Burrow-less Bengals in Week 4. But we'll have to see how they handle a late lead in a close game against a more legitimate opponent before determining if the Broncos have fixed this problem.

Outlook: We may get exactly that this week in Philadelphia, and they also host the Cowboys later this month. I think this team has the fortitude to work it out.

Detroit Lions (3-1)

AP Photo/Rey Del Rio

D.J. Reed

Problem: Defensive injuries

Already without defensive tackle Alim McNeill (knee), the defense lost cornerbacks Terrion Arnold (shoulder) and D.J. Reed (hamstring) in a Week 4 victory over the Browns. And safety Kerby Joseph has been out of practice with a knee injury.

It's far from ideal for a team that has surrendered 57 points in its first two road games and plays its next two games away from home.

Outlook: The good news is the first of those comes against the Burrow-less Bengals, although they do have to deal with Patrick Mahomes at Arrowhead in Week 6.

Green Bay Packers (2-1-1)

AP Photo/Rick Osentoski

Devonte Wyatt

Problem: Injuries in the trenches

Green Bay has been without right tackle Zach Tom (oblique) and guard Aaron Banks (groin), and now defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt is expected to miss time with a knee injury.

Wyatt's absence made a big impact as the Cowboys tore apart a usually stellar Packers defense on Sunday night.

Outlook: Thank goodness of the Week 5 bye followed by the Bengals at home. The Packers should survive this, but that D needs to generate more takeaways (they have just two so far).

Houston Texans (1-3)

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

C.J. Stroud

Problem: The upcoming schedule

The Texans got a much-needed blowout victory at home Sunday night against Tennessee, but the Titans might be the worst team in the NFL right now. It could be a very different story as Houston embarks on a two-game road trip to Baltimore and Seattle.

Considering that they're still averaging just 16.0 points per game while quarterback C.J. Stroud has the third-worst QBR in the league, they'll need to pick it up significantly in those spots.

Outlook: At least the Ravens have their own issues, and could be without their star quarterback. And they do at least have their bye week between those two games. A split might still be considered success in this situation.

Indianapolis Colts (3-1)

AP Photo/Eric Thayer

Puka Nacua

Problem: The red zone

The Colts have now surrendered eight touchdowns and a field goal on nine defensive efforts in the red zone, while the offense has scored on just nine of a tied-for-league-high 19 trips inside their opponents' 20-yard line.

Penalties have been a huge factor in stalling their offensive drives inside the red zone, while defensive injuries could be taking their toll on the other side of the ball.

Outlook: Both are legit concerns at this point, especially as the offense has some unfamiliar parts and the defense is without Kenny Moore, Jaylon Jones and Jaylon Carlies. Hopefully a pair of winnable home games against Las Vegas and Arizona help them get back on track.

Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1)

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Trevor Lawrence

Problem: Mistakes

Yes, the Jaguars got past the beaten-up 49ers to move to 3-1, and they committed no turnovers in the process. But quarterback Trevor Lawrence has thrown four interceptions, his receivers have dropped a ridiculous 16 passes (twice as many as any other offense in the NFL), and the team has been penalized a league-high 38 times.

We could have focused on the fact Lawrence has a horrendous 15.3 passer rating on deep throws, or the passing game's issues overall. There's a lot to work with for a 3-1 squad.

Outlook: This team looks way worse than its record and has been bailed out by defensive takeaways. I don't think it's sustainable.

Kansas City Chiefs (2-2)

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Isiah Pacheco

Problem: A lack of support from the running game

While the passing game woke up in an impressive Week 4 victory over Baltimore, the Chiefs still have yet to rush for 125 yards in a game this season.

It's not a great sign that quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the team's leading rusher, despite the fact Isiah Pacheco was active throughout September. His longest rush this season is 12 yards, while Kareem Hunt's is 11.

Outlook: Mahomes simply isn't the quarterback he used to be, and he certainly doesn't have the support he once had. The Chiefs will eventually need more from their backs to help Mahomes out.

Las Vegas Raiders (1-3)

AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough

Ashton Jeanty

Problem: The offensive line

We could certainly go after quarterback Geno Smith, who now leads the NFL with seven interceptions. That's a problem, but few quarterbacks would excel behind this Las Vegas offensive line.

They were getting tossed around in the trenches even before stalwart left tackle Kolton Miller suffered a significant ankle injury in Week 4.

Outlook: The return of Jackson Powers-Johnson inside helps a bit, as we witnessed in a decent overall showing from this unit in a loss to the Bears that had more to do with Smith's mistakes. But Miller's loss could be a death knell.

Los Angeles Chargers (3-1)

AP Photo/Gregory Bull

Justin Herbert

Problem: The offensive line

The Raiders weren't the only AFC West team to lose their left tackle to an ankle injury this week, as Joe Alt has a high-ankle sprain and is expected to miss significant time.

Keep in mind that Alt was replacing pillar left tackle Rashawn Slater, who is on injured reserve, while guard Mekhi Becton is dealing with a concussion.

Outlook: Only Cam Ward (49) has faced more pressures than Justin Herbert (46), and the Bolts are no longer undefeated. This is now a legit concern as they prepare for the Commanders in Week 5.

Los Angeles Rams (3-2)

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Puka Nucua and Davante Adams

Problem: Too many eggs in two receiver baskets

Puka Nacua has now been targeted 62 times. Davante Adams has now been targeted 46 times. No other receiver in football has been targeted 45 times.

A combined 108 targets through five games is wild, especially as no other wideout on the Rams roster has been targeted even 10 times.

Outlook: I mentioned last week that good defenses would sniff this out, and the fact is Adams has hauled in just 48 percent of the passes thrown his way. This could become more of a problem as the season wears on.

Miami Dolphins (1-3)

AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell

Tyreek Hill

Problem: The loss of Tyreek Hill

If the Dolphins had any hope of climbing back from an 0-3 start to contend for a wild-card spot in 2025, that was almost certainly dashed when Hill suffered a season-ending knee injury Monday night against the Jets.

Jaylen Waddle is a solid No. 2 option but has not performed well when tasked with being a top target in the past. Beyond that, the offense just doesn't have the depth to deal with this well.

Outlook: Don't be surprised if the Dolphins start the fire sale soon, although there's no way they're moving Hill now.

Minnesota Vikings (2-2)

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Carson Wentz

Problem: Third down

The Vikings converted just four of 14 third-downs in a Week 4 loss to the Steelers, and their September conversion rate of 30.6 percent is dead last in the NFC. They're just 2 for 23 on third-and-seven or longer.

Of course, it doesn't help that they've had a shuffle at quarterback and are down 60 percent of their starting offensive line, or that running back Aaron Jones is on injured reserve.

Outlook: Considering those circumstances, it's hard to see light at the end of the tunnel for a team that has a tough matchup with a strong Cleveland defense in London this weekend.

New England Patriots (2-2)

AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper

Treveyon Henderson

Problem: The running game

After the backs fumbled three times in Week 3, there were no big gaffes from Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson and Antonio Gibson as they shared the load in a decent overall performance Sunday against Carolina.

Those three picked up 97 yards on 22 carries, although 54 of those yards came on three breakaway runs against a soft defense at home. The rest of the day, they averaged just 2.3 yards per rush.

Outlook: The good news is they have three different options and can ride hot hands. However, ideally, somebody will emerge (or re-emerge) as the top dog.

New Orleans Saints (0-4)

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

Spencer Rattler

Problem: A lack of explosive plays

The Saints rattled off three 17- or 18-yard plays in the first quarter Sunday against the Bills, but they failed to gain more than 15 yards on a single play for the rest of that game.

Incredibly, they've gained 20-plus yards just four times in four weeks, while nobody else in football has fewer than seven such plays.

Outlook: It's a dink-and-dunk offense, but Spencer Rattler has taken some shots. It just hasn't been there, which probably speaks to an overall lack of talent on offense. The rebuild continues.

New York Giants (1-3)

AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura

Malik Nabers

Problem: The loss of Malik Nabers

Just like the Dolphins, the Giants are 1-3 and facing an uphill battle following a season-ending injury to their No. 1 offensive target.

Last week, we got into the fact the G-Men had converted an NFC-low 27.5 percent of their third downs and had scored just twice on 10 trips to the red zone (20 percent also ranks last in the NFC). Those numbers ticked up a bit in a Week 4 victory over the Chargers, but that is likely to continue to be an issue without Nabers.

Outlook: Maybe they can get past the Saints without Nabers, but then it's Philly-Denver-Philly. This team is likely toast for 2025, with all eyes on Jaxson Dart's future.

New York Jets (0-4)

Photo by Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini

Sauce Gardner

Problem: A talented defense still isn't saving the offense

The Jets' talented defense has still yet to register a single takeaway this season, and it still has just six sacks in four outings after posting zero in a Week 4 loss to Miami.

Considering all of the turbulence the team has encountered on the other side of the ball, they needed more in September from that defensive group.

Outlook: Injuries have factored in, but not enough to excuse the entire lack of bite on D. Don't be surprised if they lose to Dallas and Denver to drop to 0-6, causing this new coaching staff to come under early fire.

Philadelphia Eagles (4-0)

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

Jalen Hurts

Problem: Something's still missing on offense

The Eagles might be 4-0, but they're averaging an NFC-worst 4.2 yards per offensive play. Only four teams have fewer 20-plus-yard plays (10), and the ups and downs on that side of the ball may not be sustainable.

The offense finally got into a nice groove in the first half of their Week 4 victory over the Buccaneers, but then Jalen Hurts went 0-for-8 in the second half as they nearly blew the game.

Outlook: They're officially playing with fire with four one-score wins. They very well could hit a wall against the defensively-stout Broncos on Sunday.

Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)

AP Photo/Matt Freed

Aaron Rodgers

Problem: Inconsistency on offense

Aaron Rodgers did connect with DK Metcalf on a pair of big strikes in a Week 4 Irish victory over Minnesota, but he's still averaging a league-low 2.1 air yards per attempt and has a sub-60 passer rating on throws that travel 15-plus yards.

Meanwhile, while Kenneth Gainwell had a big performance out of nowhere in Dublin, that may not be sustainable and an injured Jaylen Warren has struggled.

Outlook: The Steelers are fortunate that their killer defense has seven takeaways the last two weeks, and that the rest of the division has committed seppuku. Let's see what they can figure out offensively during their Week 5 bye.

San Francisco 49ers (4-1)

AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh

Mac Jones

Problem: Quarterback controversy?

The latest rash of injuries is old news at this point, and the 49ers keep winning anyway. So instead let's look at the fact the team's $53-million-a-year quarterback has been significantly outplayed this season by his injury replacement, Mac Jones.

Jones now has six touchdown passes to one interception and a 99.1 passer rating in three wins, while Brock Purdy had four picks to four touchdown throws and an 85.8 rating before going down with his toe injury.

Outlook: Call it the Shanahan Effect. Regardless, the 49ers probably shouldn't have thrown all that money at Purdy, because it seems any quarterback can succeed in this offense.

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 a Week 4 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 (3-1)

AP Photo/Chris O'Meara

Baker Mayfield

Problem: Their next three games

Last week, it was "their next four games." At that point, the Bucs had outscored three teams with a combined 1-8 record by six total points, surviving as quarterback Baker Mayfield had committed seven turnover-worthy plays yet turned it over zero times.

We figured they'd be exposed as a pretender during a rough stretch against Philadelphia, Seattle, San Francisco and Detroit. One home loss to the Eagles down, three difficult tests to come.

Outlook: They did make a spirited comeback effort against the defending Super Bowl champs, but injuries, miscues (they finally turned it over twice in Week 4) and penalties are a major factor. At least the division is super weak, again.

Tennessee Titans (0-4)

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 behind PFF's 30th-ranked offensive line, while only Trevor Lawrence's receivers have dropped more passes.

Only two teams have been flagged for more penalties, and the defense has surrendered 30.0 points per game.

Outlook: Ward has struggled regardless, but the Titans are so bad that he really has no chance.

Washington Commanders (2-2)

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

Tyler Allgeier

Problem: Defensive vulnerabilities

The Washington defense gave up two fourth-quarter touchdowns in Week 4, two weeks after surrendering 10 fourth-quarter points to the Packers. On Sunday, they allowed a season-high 34 points while generating just one sack in a loss to the Falcons.

They did intercept Michael Penix Jr., but that was their first takeaway all season. And this might not be an anomaly, as only the Jets, Raiders, Patriots and Browns have fewer defensive turnovers since the start of last season.

Outlook: With the injuries they have on offense, they simply need a lot more from the D. Unfortunately, the schedule stiffens up with the Chargers, Bears, Cowboys, Chiefs, Seahawks and Lions in the next six weeks.