Every NFL Team’s Biggest Problem RIGHT NOW
Football is a game of grit, strategy, and relentless competition. But behind every highlight reel and playoff push, each NFL team faces its own unique set of challenges—some obvious, others lurking beneath the surface. Whether it’s injuries, personnel issues, or systemic weaknesses, these problems can derail even the most promising seasons. As the 2025 campaign barrels toward its dramatic conclusion, we break down the biggest issue plaguing every franchise, from perennial contenders to rebuilding squads.
NFC
Arizona Cardinals: The Kyler Murray Conundrum
Just a few seasons ago, Kyler Murray looked like the future of the Cardinals—a dynamic, dual-threat quarterback with the potential to redefine the franchise. Fast forward to 2025, and that promise has stalled. Murray’s performance has been inconsistent, and rumors about his long-term fit in Arizona are swirling. His massive contract makes a trade difficult, leaving the Cardinals stuck in limbo. The team’s inability to build around Murray, coupled with injuries and a lack of direction, has kept Arizona near the bottom of the standings.
Atlanta Falcons: Quarterback Uncertainty
The Falcons’ search for a franchise quarterback remains unresolved. Michael Penix Jr. has shown flashes of brilliance but struggles with consistency and health. Veteran Kirk Cousins, brought in for stability, has failed to seize the moment, fumbling away crucial opportunities. Atlanta’s offense sputters as neither signal-caller has managed to solidify their place, leaving the team in a perpetual state of uncertainty.
Carolina Panthers: Jackal and Hyde Identity
Carolina is one of the feel-good stories of the season, defying expectations with a run toward the NFC South crown. Yet, their youth and inexperience make them unpredictable. Some weeks, they’re scrappy and ambitious, pulling off upsets; other times, they look lost, squandering leads and making costly errors. The Panthers’ dual personalities make them a dangerous but unreliable playoff threat.
Chicago Bears: Penalty Problems
The Bears have clinched their first playoff berth in five years, but discipline remains a major concern. Chicago consistently sabotages itself with untimely penalties, often turning winnable games into nail-biters. As they head into January, cleaning up these mental mistakes will be crucial if they hope to make a deep postseason run.
Dallas Cowboys: Defensive Disaster
Dallas boasts one of the league’s most explosive offenses, but their defense is historically bad. The Cowboys can score with anyone, but their inability to stop opponents has wasted much of their firepower. Unless their defensive unit can turn things around, Dallas risks another early playoff exit.
Detroit Lions: Defensive Woes and Injuries
Entering the season as Super Bowl favorites, the Lions now find themselves fighting for playoff survival. Their defense struggles to pressure quarterbacks and gives up too many big plays. Meanwhile, injuries on the offensive line have disrupted their rhythm. The window for Detroit’s championship aspirations is closing fast.
Green Bay Packers: Injury Epidemic
The Packers’ season has been defined by injuries. Quarterback Jordan Love is in concussion protocol, Malik Willis is also sidelined, and star linebacker Micah Parsons—acquired from Dallas—tore his ACL. In just one week, Green Bay tumbled from the NFC’s second seed to seventh, illustrating how quickly fortunes can change.
Los Angeles Rams: Special Teams and Pressure Dependency
Special teams have been a persistent problem for the Rams, and now their defense is showing cracks. When they generate pressure, they’re elite; when they don’t, they collapse. This dependency makes them vulnerable against teams with strong offensive lines and quick-release quarterbacks.
Minnesota Vikings: JJ McCarthy’s Growing Pains
Rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy has endured a historically rough season, posting some of the worst efficiency numbers in decades. While there have been a few bright spots, his overall decision-making and execution have been poor. The Vikings are banking on his development, but patience is wearing thin.
New Orleans Saints: Salary Cap Hell
The Saints’ playoff hopes were dashed early, continuing a trend of mediocrity. The franchise’s perennial salary cap woes limit their ability to build a competitive roster. New head coach Kellen Moore faces an uphill battle, as financial constraints stifle any meaningful progress.
New York Giants: Protecting the Franchise
Rookie quarterback Jackson Dart is the lone bright spot for the Giants, but his unwillingness to adapt and protect himself has led to frequent injuries. If Dart doesn’t change his play style, he risks joining the long list of promising Giants quarterbacks whose careers were cut short by injury.
Philadelphia Eagles: Passing Attack Collapse
Despite clinching the NFC East, the Eagles’ offense has regressed. Their once-elite run game has stagnated, and the passing attack looks lifeless. With many of the same pieces in place, the coaching staff is scrambling to recapture last year’s magic before the playoffs begin.
San Francisco 49ers: Injury Avalanche
The 49ers’ roster reads like a who’s who of NFL stars—Brock Purdy, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Brandon Aiyuk—but injuries have decimated their lineup. Bosa underwent ACL surgery, Warner is on injured reserve, and Aiyuk is likely on his way out. San Francisco’s depth is being tested like never before.
Seattle Seahawks: Offensive Line Weakness
Seattle’s offensive line struggles to generate a push in the run game, threatening their status as one of the NFC’s top teams. Without improvement up front, the Seahawks’ playoff hopes may be dashed by more physical opponents.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield’s Collapse
Baker Mayfield began the season as an MVP candidate, but things have unraveled. His decision-making has faltered, and the Buccaneers have lost their early momentum. With playoff hopes fading, Tampa Bay must figure out if Mayfield is still their answer under center.
Washington Commanders: Jaden Daniels Shut Down
Jaden Daniels, last year’s rookie sensation, played just seven games in 2025 due to a litany of injuries. He’s been shut down for the final stretch, and even when healthy, he didn’t look like the same dynamic player. The Commanders face a crucial offseason, needing to restore Daniels’ confidence and rebuild around him.
AFC
Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson’s Health
Lamar Jackson’s back injury is the latest in a string of health concerns for Baltimore’s star quarterback. The Ravens’ season has unraveled as Jackson’s availability remains in doubt. Without their MVP, Baltimore’s offense sputters, and their playoff hopes have all but vanished.
Buffalo Bills: Lack of a True WR1
Josh Allen is putting together an MVP-caliber season, but he’s doing it without a true number one receiver. Opposing defenses crowd short routes, daring the Bills to beat them deep. While Buffalo continues to win, their lack of a deep threat could be exposed in the postseason.
Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow’s Uncertain Future
Joe Burrow missed significant time with a turf toe injury, and upon his return, he made comments about possibly playing elsewhere. Cincinnati is on edge, fearing their franchise quarterback may seek a fresh start, adding uncertainty to an already turbulent season.
Cleveland Browns: The Eternal Rebuild
The Browns are back in full rebuild mode, cycling through quarterbacks and dealing with injuries to key players. Their offensive line has been a disaster, and this marks their 16th losing season in the last 18 years. Cleveland fans are left wondering if the cycle will ever end.
Denver Broncos: Inconsistent Offense
Denver is playoff-bound, but their offense remains a question mark. While Ox has impressed at times, week-to-week inconsistency—especially in footwork and accuracy—raises concerns about their ability to compete with elite teams.
Houston Texans: Offensive Production Concerns
Houston started the season sluggishly but turned things around with a winning streak. However, offensive line protection is still a major concern, and the Texans aren’t winning convincingly. If the offense doesn’t improve, their playoff run could be short-lived.
Indianapolis Colts: Quarterback Injury Nightmare
The Colts began the season 7-1 but have been ravaged by quarterback injuries. Daniel Jones tried to play through a broken leg, then tore his Achilles. Backup Anthony Richardson suffered a freak orbital fracture. In desperation, 44-year-old Philip Rivers came out of retirement to start. The situation feels like a disaster waiting to happen.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Declining Run Game
Jacksonville has surged back into the playoff picture, but their ground game is fading at the worst possible time. If the Jaguars can’t reestablish their rushing attack, their postseason hopes may be dashed.
Kansas City Chiefs: Dynasty Collapse
The Chiefs’ decade-long playoff streak is over. Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL, and the team is suffering its first losing season since before Andy Reid arrived. Retirement rumors surround Travis Kelce, signaling the possible end of an era in Kansas City.
Las Vegas Raiders: Organizational Chaos
The Raiders are dead last in scoring, with a defense nearly as bad. Add in ownership chaos involving Tom Brady and Mark Davis, and it’s no surprise that Las Vegas finds itself at the bottom yet again. The organization needs a complete overhaul.
Los Angeles Chargers: Offensive Line Injuries
The Chargers clinched a playoff spot and knocked out the Chiefs, but their offensive line is in shambles. Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater are both out for the year, leaving Justin Herbert under constant pressure. Protection issues could derail their postseason ambitions.
Miami Dolphins: Quarterback Controversy and Cap Trap
Tua Tagovailoa has been benched and demoted to third string behind rookie Quin Ewers and Zach Wilson. The Dolphins plan to release Tua, but doing so before June 2026 triggers a $9.2 million dead cap hit, the largest in NFL history. Miami’s financial and quarterback woes threaten long-term stability.
New England Patriots: Drake Maye’s Durability
The Patriots are winning, but rookie quarterback Drake Maye is taking a beating. If New England can’t protect their franchise signal-caller, his promising career could be derailed before it truly begins.
New York Jets: Historic Awfulness
The Jets started the season poorly and never recovered. They traded away All-Pro talents Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, and the Justin Fields experiment failed spectacularly. With Garrett Wilson out for the year, the only positive is the draft capital they’ve accumulated. Jets fans can only hope the front office finally gets it right.
Pittsburgh Steelers: TJ Watt’s Health
TJ Watt has anchored Pittsburgh’s defense for nearly a decade, but a partially collapsed lung now sidelines him. Without Watt, the Steelers lose their defensive identity and face an uphill battle.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Your Team?
Every NFL team faces adversity, but how they respond often defines their season. Injuries, discipline, personnel decisions, and financial constraints can transform contenders into pretenders overnight. As the 2025 season draws to a close, fans are left to wonder: Can their team overcome its biggest problem and make a run, or will these issues prove insurmountable?
Which problem do you think is most pressing for your favorite team? Did we get it right, or is there something we missed? Let us know in the comments below. And if you enjoyed this detailed breakdown, hit the like button and subscribe for more daily NFL analysis.
