Every NFL Team's Biggest Problem Heading into Week 6

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 (2-3)

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Kyler Murray

Problem: Kyler Murray's injured foot

Obviously there were a lot of problems for the Cardinals in their disastrous Week 5 loss to the Titans, but a lot of it was seemingly fluky. Instead of the generic "mental gaffes" that have plagued this team the last couple weeks, let's focus on a new injury to the franchise quarterback.

Murray hurt his foot against Tennessee. He missed only a couple plays and then played through the injury, but he wasn't practicing to start the week.

Outlook: Sometimes, these things can worsen when the adrenaline has faded. This is the last thing the Cards need as they prepare for the Colts (on the road) and Packers (at home) the next two weeks. This season might be circling the drain.

Atlanta Falcons (2-2)

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferma

Darnell Mooney

Problem: Inconsistency and unreliability in the passing game

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 pre-bye victory over Washington, with London providing 110 yards and a touchdown. Now they've had two weeks to prepare for Buffalo to prove that wasn't an aberration.

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

AP Photo/Ed Zurga

Lamar Jackson

Problem: Lamar Jackson's hamstring

And really, injuries across the board are killing the Ravens. Cooper Rush threw three interceptions in place of the injured Jackson in a Week 5 loss to the Texans, and they were also without key defenders Kyle Hamilton, Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzie.

There's a good chance all or most of those guys remain out for a Week 6 matchup with the Rams.

Outlook: At least this one comes at home. The Ravens desperately need to find a way to hammer out a victory before having a chance to get healthy during their Week 7 bye.

Buffalo Bills (4-1)

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

Ed Oliver

Problem: Injuries on defense

Both Ed Oliver (ankle) and Matt Milano (pec) continue to miss time in the Bills' front seven, and their absence was certainly felt as the Patriots scored 17 second-half points to hand the Bills their first loss in Week 5.

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

Outlook: Milano returned Sunday night before aggravating his pectoral injury, which is a big concern as the Bills travel to Atlanta to deal with Bijan Robinson and Co. Thank goodness for that Week 7 bye.

Carolina Panthers (2-3)

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Princely Umanmielen

Problem: Pass rush

They did record a season-high three sacks in a Week 5 victory over the Dolphins, but Carolina still has just five quarterback takedowns and ranks dead last by a huge margin with just 14 pressures.

For perspective, only one other defense has fewer than 24 total pressure thus far in 2025.

Outlook: Day 2 picks Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen have not produced much yet, and there isn't a lot else mixed in. Those two are at least making some progress, and they face a Dallas offensive line in shambles this week. Big chance to get this rolling.

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 came at a perfect time. The need to get healthier before traveling to Washington on Monday night.

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Jake Browning

Problem: Quarterback

Joe Burrow's replacement is up to eight interceptions on 124 attempts after tossing three more picks in a Week 5 loss to the Lions. The good news is, he's unlikely to add to that total in Week 6 as the team has signed 40-year-old Joe Flacco to take his QB1 spot.

So, to be clear, they're going from the league's third-lowest-rated qualified passer to the league's lowest-rated qualified passer—a dude who couldn't hold down a job with the Browns.

Outlook: Unfortunately, Flacco's first assignments come against the Packers in Green Bay and then the Steelers at home. This is heading downhill quick.

Cleveland Browns (1-4)

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Dillon Gabriel

Problem: The quarterback question

Flacco's departure paves the way for Dillon Gabriel to build on a promising starting debut, but there will almost certainly be growing pains. And it's not a great sign that the team still won't officially make fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders the No. 2 quarterback.

The Browns have an intriguing young core in place offensively, but you get the feeling this'll continue to be a roller-coaster.

Outlook: I still think we eventually see Sanders, and that quarterback questions linger in Cleveland well into 2026.

Dallas Cowboys (2-2-1)

AP Photo/Julio Cortez

Kaiir Elam

Problem: The Micah Parsons void

Prior to a decent Week 5 performance, the Cowboys defense had surrendered a league-high 20 20-plus-yard plays. Only the Ravens had given more points (133 to 132), and only the Bears had allowed more yards per play (6.7 to 6.4). And they still have the NFL's worst third-down defense.

Did they look a lot better against the Jets? Absolutely. Does that resolve their defensive issues? We'll need more time to draw conclusions, as that wasn't exactly a strong test.

Outlook: The Panthers don't present a much tougher test this week, but stringing together quality performances is key. Another one in Carolina could cause us to look elsewhere for problem, as offensive line injuries are an potential issue as well.

Denver Broncos (3-2)

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Bo Nix

Problem: Bo Nix's struggles on deep throws

Nix and the Broncos pulled off a tremendous comeback victory in Philadelphia in Week 5, but the second-year franchise quarterback was just 1-for-10 on throws 10 or more yards downfield.

On the season, his 66.2 passer rating on throws that travel 15-plus yards ranks ahead of only a handful of regular starters.

Outlook: Nix has still been efficient enough taking what defenses give him, and he was better on deep balls as a rookie so we know he has it in him. I wouldn't be surprised if he were to hit some home runs against the Jets and Giants the next two weeks.

Detroit Lions (4-1)

AP Photo/Rey Del Rio

D.J. Reed

Problem: Defensive injuries

The Lions are still without key defenders Alim McNeill (knee), Terrion Arnold (shoulder) and D.J. Reed (hamstring). And safety Kerby Joseph has been playing through a knee injury, while Brian Branch is dealing with an ankle injury.

Unsurprisingly, that unit has had some spotty performances thus far. They're giving up 22.4 points per game, up from 20.1 in 2024.

Outlook: The good news is they're making up for it with takeaways and sacks, and McNeill may return just in time for a big Week 6 matchup with the Chiefs.

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 prior to the Week 5 bye.

Outlook: Thank goodness that us 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 (2-3)

AP Photo/Nick Wass

C.J. Stroud

Problem: The post-bye schedule

Hey, the Texans have won games in consecutive weeks for the first time since last October! And they certainly got a break considering Baltimore's injury situation in Week 5.

That said, a hellish schedule continues for a team that plays Seattle, San Francisco, Denver and Jacksonville following its Week 6 bye.

Outlook: The silver lining is they have two weeks to prepare for the Seahawks, who aren't always great at home, and the following two games are in Houston. It'll still be a mission, and that is soon followed by Bills, Colts and Chiefs in consecutive weeks. Brutal.

Indianapolis Colts (4-1)

AP Photo/Michael Conroy

Spencer Shrader

Problem: Spencer Shrader's season-ending injury

You know things are going well when the loss of a kicker qualifies as your biggest problem, but the fact is Shrader had made a league-high 13 field goals on 14 attempts through five games, with his only miss coming from beyond 50 yards.

A knee injury now forces the Colts to scramble to replace him before hosting the desperate and talented Cardinals on Sunday.

Outlook: As of Thursday, there was still no word on where the Colts would go here. There are options, but anything now will be a clear downgrade. It's far from ideal when you're trying to ride an early-season wave and you're likely to play a lot of close games in the coming months.

Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1)

AP Photo/John Raoux

Trevor Lawrence

Problem: Mistakes

The Jaguars won their third consecutive game by beating the Chiefs Monday night, but they committed two more turnovers in the process. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has thrown five interceptions, his receivers have dropped a a league-high 17 passes, and only six teams have taken more penalties.

Lawrence also made an ill-advised pass to the end zone that was intercepted in crunch time against Kansas City, but he was saved there by a defensive pass interference penalty. Soon after that, he stumbled multiple times before somehow recovering to score the game-winning touchdown.

Outlook: It isn't crisp, and it may not be sustainable. They could have trouble with the Seahawks and Rams the next two weeks.

Kansas City Chiefs (2-3)

AP Photo/Gary McCullough

Patrick Mahomes

Problem: The one-score game magic is gone

The Chiefs had famously won 17 consecutive one-score games entering this season, but that last-minute prime-time home loss to Jacksonville was their third such defeat of 2025.

Now, they're 0-3 in one-score games.

Outlook: Patrick Mahomes has struggled on paper for several years now, but he has often made up for that in key moments. This year, he's got a mere 84.1 passer rating and a sub-60 completion rate in the fourth quarter of one-score games. It's not a good sign.

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

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Geno Smith

Problem: Everything offensively except Ashton Jeanty

The rookie running back has delivered, but nothing else is going right offensively for the Raiders.

Quarterback Geno Smith has thrown a league-high nine interceptions, the offensive line is in complete shambles as a result of injuries and poor execution, and they've been without both Brock Bowers (knee) and Michael Mayer (concussion) at tight end.

Outlook: Those guys will return, but their absence combined with left tackle Kolton Miller's serious ankle injury is enough to become convinced that this team will keep plummeting. Even if they beat the lowly Titans to end a four-game losing streak this week, we may soon see Kenny Pickett under center.

Los Angeles Chargers (3-2)

AP Photo/Eric Thayer

Justin Herbert

Problem: The offensive line

Oh boy. A promising start for the Chargers has nearly been erased as quarterback Justin Herbert doesn't stand a chance behind this offensive line sans Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt.

Throw in the fact that both Mekhi Becton and Trey Pipkins III left the team's Week 5 game against the Commanders, and it's no wonder Herbert was sacked four times and often running for his life in a blowout home loss.

Outlook: Becton and Pipkins might be OK, and Alt could return soon-ish, but that still might not be enough considering the tackle situation. It's a good thing the schedule is fairly manageable until December, while nobody is running away with the AFC West.

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 had been targeted 45 times at the time the Rams' completed their Week 5 matchup with San Francisco.

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 two weeks ago 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 (1-4)

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Rico Dowdle

Problem: The run defense

Obviously, as we mentioned last week, the loss of Tyreek Hill is a potential death knell for Miami. That said, the team did a decent enough job replacing him by committee in a 24-point offensive effort in Week 5.

Instead, let's focus here on a run defense that has now allowed a league-worst 174.2 points per game via an ugly 5.6 yards per rush after being trampled on by Rico Dowdle and the Panthers on Sunday.

Outlook: Next up? Omarion Hampton, Quinshon Judkins, Bijan Robinson, Derrick Henry and James Cook over the course of five weeks. Good freakin' luck...

Minnesota Vikings (3-2)

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Carson Wentz

Problem: Third down

The Vikings converted just seven of their 23 third-down attempts on a two-game trip to Europe, and their season-long conversion rate of 31 percent is dead last in the NFC. They're just 6 for 34 on third-and-seven or longer.

Instability and a lack of continuity at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and along the offensive line hasn't helped.

Outlook: They've survived but will need to get healthier along the offensive line and get quarterback J.J. McCarthy back and on track. The bye comes at a perfect time.

New England Patriots (3-2)

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

Rhamondre Stevenson

Problem: The running game

The Patriots' biggest problem was worsened in a Week 5 victory over the Bills, as Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled for the third time in a three-week span while veteran Antonio Gibson suffered a torn ACL.

Stevenson has now fumbled 10 times since the start of 2024, which could leave rookie second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson with all of the pressure in the New England backfield.

Outlook: Stevenson and Henderson are averaging just 3.7 and 3.8 yards per carry, respectively. They just aren't giving Drake Maye and the passing game enough help, and that'll likely catch up to them.

New Orleans Saints (1-4)

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

Spencer Rattler

Problem: A continued lack of explosive plays

The Saints might have gotten their first win over the Giants in Week 5, but the offense still isn't doing much to move the needle.

New Orleans has gained 20-plus yards just five times in five weeks, while nobody else in football has fewer than 10 such plays. Quarterback Spencer Rattler has completed just 29.8 percent of his deep passing attempts, while Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller have both failed to break off a run longer than 18 yards.

Outlook: This must be trying Kellen Moore's patience, but it's a young offense in transition. Maybe the defense stepping up (as it did against New York) will help by giving this unit more opportunities.

New York Giants (2-4)

AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura

Malik Nabers

Problem: The loss of Malik Nabers

The Giants have defeated two damn good teams in the last three weeks, and they'd be 3-3 if they got just one more break in Dallas last month. There's a lot to be jazzed about, starting with standout rookies at quarterback and running back.

But they'll spend the rest of this season wondering what could have been with Nabers, who is gone for the year with a knee injury. Wan'Dale Robinson has had some nice moments, but Darius Slayton is hurt and there isn't much else there.

Outlook: Because there was probably a ceiling regardless this season, the real shame is Jaxson Dart and Nabers have lost several months of time that could have been used to establish a deeper connection.

New York Jets (0-5)

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Javonte Williams

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 has just seven sacks in five outings after another toothless effort in a Week 5 loss to Dallas.

Considering all of the turbulence the team has encountered on the other side of the ball, a D that has five players making at least $10 million a year needs to step up and give that offense more opportunities to work through things.

Outlook: A statement against the Broncos this week would be nice, but Aaron Glenn will at least need defensive results when they play Carolina and Cincinnati later this month. The pressure is mounting.

Philadelphia Eagles (4-2)

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Jalen Hurts

Problem: The Super Bowl hangover is real

Something's totally off with the Eagles, who entered Week 6 averaging an NFC-worst 4.4 yards per offensive play and have now lost back-to-back games that should have been walks in the park.

They were flirting with trouble during their 4-0 start. And now, they've been outscored 52-17 in their last five quarters. Despite their 4-2 record, they have a negative scoring margin on the season.

Outlook: They look dispirited and disjointed and probably a bunch of other "dis" words. They've converted just 3 of 20 third downs the last two weeks! It's a mess, and the schedule never really eases up.

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've figured 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 (3-2)

AP Photo/Maddy Grassy

Mike Macdonald

Problem: Struggles at home

The Seahawks have been lights-out on the road for quite some time, but their Week 5 loss to the Buccaneers was their second painful home loss to an NFC rival this season.

And while the team looked different, they were also coached by Mike Macdonald when they fell to both Green Bay and Minnesota at Lumen Field last December. Overall, they've dropped eight of their last 10 home games.

Outlook: Whatever happened to the 12th Man advantage? They still have five more tough home games with the Texans, Cardinals, Vikings, Colts and Rams. It's a legit concern.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-1)

AP Photo/Chris O'Meara

Baker Mayfield

Problem: Where is Haason Reddick?

The Buccaneers beat the Seahawks in Week 5 despite the fact the defense failed to get much pressure on Sam Darnold while allowing 35 points. That unit has just 10 sacks on the season, and a big part of that is the lack of production from its $14 million offseason addition.

Reddick has just one sack and one quarterback hit all year, according to PFF.

Outlook: It's fair to wonder if Reddick is rusty following what was essentially a lost season with the Jets in 2024. But he's also 31 so who knows if he can find what he once had. Regardless, the pass rush is in trouble without him at his best.

Tennessee Titans (1-4)

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Cam Ward

Problem: Cam Ward

We've been ragging on Ward's support all season, but after a stellar performance from his offensive line in a Week 5 victory, let's shift the focus to the guy with a league-worst 19.8 QBR and 67.5 on-target rate.

The No. 1 overall pick continues to be plagued by issues with accuracy and pocket awareness, and he's yet to put together a remotely clean game.

Outlook: Let's see if he starts making strides as the line gets more comfortable and this offense establishes some tempo and familiarity across the board. The schedule will continue to give them opportunities to grow.

Washington Commanders (3-2)

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Terry McLaurin

Problem: Injuries at wide receiver

Just as quarterback Jayden Daniels returns, several of his key receivers are dealing with injuries.

Terry McLaurin (quad) and Noah Brown (groin/knee) weren't there for the team's Week 5 victory over the limping Chargers, and Deebo Samuel (heel) has been missing practice time as well.

Outlook: Only McLaurin's status is in significant doubt for Monday's matchup with the Bears, but having these guys limited or out of practice and less than 100 percent is far from ideal as the Commanders look to establish some momentum.