Injuries are a common occurrence in the NFL, especially early in the season. With limited contact during training camp and preseason, players are more susceptible to soft-tissue injuries that can sideline key contributors. As teams face the challenge of filling the void left by injured players, the focus shifts to addressing their most pressing needs heading into Week 3.
### AFC North
**Bengals:** Running back
Following the trade of running back Joe Mixon, the Bengals signed Zack Moss from Indianapolis to step up as the go-to option in the backfield. With concerns about the team’s rushers averaging a low 2.34 yards post-contact, there’s pressure on Moss to deliver. The Bengals also need their current group of cornerbacks to elevate their performance after a solid showing against the Chiefs.
**Browns:** Linebacker
Cleveland’s starting offensive tackles have been inactive, leading to the highest pressure rate allowed in the league. The Browns boast a strong roster overall, but the linebacker unit needs improvement. While Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah shows promise, the rest of the group is up for grabs. The pass catchers also need to step up to reduce the number of drops and improve offensive efficiency.
**Ravens:** Wide receiver
The Ravens’ offensive line remains a concern, with new starters and injuries impacting the unit’s effectiveness. Despite showing creativity in their offensive schemes, the lack of a downfield threat could hinder their performance. Baltimore needs to generate more pressure on opponents to improve their defensive efficiency.
**Steelers:** Wide receiver
With Diontae Johnson sidelined, Pittsburgh looks to George Pickens and rookie Roman Wilson to step up in the receiving corps. The Steelers must address their high pressure rate allowed on passing plays to give their quarterbacks more time to make plays. Depth at cornerback and defensive tackle are also areas of concern for the team.
### AFC South
**Colts:** Cornerback
Injuries have depleted the Colts’ cornerback depth, with key players landing on injured reserve. The run defense has been a weakness, allowing significant yardage both before and after contact. Indianapolis must bolster its secondary to improve defensive performance.
**Jaguars:** Cornerback
Cornerback remains a problem for the Jaguars, with injuries and roster changes impacting the unit. Jacksonville’s offensive line also needs to improve its consistency in pass protection to reduce pressure on the quarterback. The Jaguars must address these issues to compete effectively in the AFC South.
**Texans:** Defensive tackle
Houston’s defensive tackle position faces uncertainty after several departures from last year’s roster. The Texans need to solidify their depth at the position to avoid vulnerabilities in the run defense. Adding experienced players like Folorunso Fatukasi and Mario Edwards could help address this need.
**Titans:** Edge rusher
Tennessee’s defense has struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, leading to a low team pressure rate. The Titans must find ways to improve their pass rush efficiency to disrupt opposing offenses. Despite investing in the offensive line, Tennessee continues to allow pressure on their quarterbacks.
### AFC East
**Bills:** Linebacker
Buffalo’s defense lost key leaders in the offseason, creating a need for young linebackers to step up and fill the void. The Bills have performed well early in the season, but improvements in the interior offensive and defensive lines could further bolster their performance.
**Dolphins:** Defensive tackle
Miami’s defensive line has undergone significant changes, with the team adding veteran linemen to rebuild the unit. The Dolphins need to improve their run defense efficiency by addressing the defensive tackle position. Depth at cornerback and wide receiver are also areas of concern for Miami.
**Jets:** Safety
While linebacker issues are a concern, safety remains a more pressing need for the Jets. New York’s defense has struggled against big plays in the passing game, highlighting the need for improved coverage in the secondary. The Jets must address their pass rush and cornerback depth to strengthen their defensive unit.
**Patriots:** Offensive tackle
New England faces challenges on the offensive line, with high pressure rates impacting their quarterback’s performance. The Patriots must solidify their offensive line to provide better protection and improve offensive efficiency. Wide receiver depth is also a concern for New England.
### AFC West
**Broncos:** Offensive line
Denver’s offensive line has undergone changes, with the team facing challenges in pass protection. The Broncos need to address their high pressure rate allowed to give their quarterbacks more time to make plays. Improvements in the cornerback and linebacker units could also strengthen Denver’s defense.
**Chargers:** Defensive tackle
Los Angeles aims to build a physical front seven to support their defensive efforts. The Chargers have performed well in running the ball but need to improve their pass rush efficiency. Strengthening the cornerback and defensive tackle positions could further enhance their defensive capabilities.
**Chiefs:** Running back
Kansas City faces challenges at running back after injuries to key players. The Chiefs need to address their low yards before contact allowed to improve their run defense. While cornerback remains a need, the team has potential options to strengthen the secondary.
**Raiders:** Cornerback
Las Vegas addresses cornerback concerns, with injuries and offseason changes impacting the unit. The Raiders need to improve their run defense efficiency to reduce yardage allowed on the ground. Linebacker and defensive tackle depth are also secondary needs for Las Vegas.
### NFC North
**Bears:** Interior offensive line
Chicago’s offensive line faces challenges, with pressure rates impacting their quarterback’s performance. The Bears must address their weaknesses at defensive tackle, edge rusher, and the interior offensive line to strengthen their overall roster. Improvements in these areas could enhance Chicago’s competitiveness in the NFC North.
**Lions:** Edge rusher
Detroit’s defensive unit aims to build depth at edge rusher to support their defensive efforts. The Lions have invested in new players to bolster their cornerback position, providing more flexibility in defensive schemes. Improvements in the front seven could enhance Detroit’s defensive capabilities.
**Packers:** Linebacker
Green Bay’s defense relies on young players to fill key positions, including linebacker. The Packers must address their high yards after contact allowed to improve their run defense efficiency. Injuries at running back add pressure on the offense to produce, highlighting the need for depth at the position.
**Vikings:** Interior offensive line
Minnesota faces challenges in pass protection, with high pressure rates impacting their quarterback’s performance. The Vikings must address their weaknesses at defensive tackle and linebacker to strengthen their defensive unit. Improvements in these areas could enhance Minnesota’s competitiveness in the NFC North.
### NFC South
**Buccaneers:** Linebacker
Tampa Bay addresses linebacker concerns, with run defense efficiency impacting their overall defensive performance. The Buccaneers have made strides in improving their offensive line, providing better protection for their quarterbacks. Depth at wide receiver is also a spot for Tampa Bay to strengthen their offensive capabilities.
**Falcons:** Wide receiver
Atlanta faces challenges at wide receiver, with injuries impacting the depth of the unit. The Falcons need to improve their offensive efficiency by adding depth at the position. Strengthening the pass rush and cornerback units could further enhance Atlanta’s defensive capabilities.
**Panthers:** Edge rusher
Carolina aims to bolster its pass rush efficiency to disrupt opposing offenses. The Panthers need to address their low pressure rate to improve their defensive performance. Depth at cornerback remains a concern, highlighting the need for reinforcements in the secondary.
**Saints:** Wide receiver
New Orleans focuses on maintaining depth at wide receiver to sustain offensive efficiency. The Saints have performed well on both sides of the ball, with minimal needs identified early in the season. Strengthening the wide receiver unit could further enhance New Orleans’ offensive capabilities.
### NFC East
**Commanders:** Offensive tackle
Washington looks to address the left tackle position after releasing a key player. The Commanders need to improve their pass protection efficiency to provide better support for their quarterbacks. Investing in edge rusher talent could also strengthen Washington’s defensive capabilities.
**Cowboys:** Cornerback
Dallas faces challenges at cornerback, with injuries impacting the depth of the unit. The Cowboys need to improve their coverage efficiency to reduce big plays in the passing game. Strengthening the offensive line and linebacker units could further enhance Dallas’ overall roster.
**Eagles:** Interior offensive line
Philadelphia’s offensive line struggles with pass protection, impacting their quarterback’s performance. The Eagles must address their high pressure rates to provide better support for their quarterbacks. Strengthening the secondary and linebacker units could further enhance Philadelphia’s defensive capabilities.
**Giants:** Offensive line
New York faces challenges on the offensive line, with high pressure rates impacting their quarterback’s performance. The Giants need to address their weaknesses at cornerback, linebacker, and the offensive line to strengthen their overall roster. Improvements in these areas could enhance New York’s competitiveness in the NFC East.
### NFC West
**49ers:** Running back
San Francisco looks to address injuries at running back to bolster their offensive efficiency. The 49ers need to invest in their offensive line to provide better support for their quarterbacks. Strengthening the wide receiver unit could also enhance San Francisco’s offensive capabilities.
**Cardinals:** Defensive line
Arizona aims to improve its pass rush efficiency to disrupt opposing offenses. The Cardinals need to address their low pressure rate to enhance their defensive performance. Depth at linebacker remains a concern, highlighting the need for reinforcements in the front seven.
**Rams:** Wide receiver
Los Angeles deals with injuries at wide receiver, impacting the depth of the unit. The Rams need to strengthen their receiving corps to maintain offensive efficiency. Addressing linebacker needs could also enhance Los Angeles’ defensive capabilities.
**Seahawks:** Linebacker
Seattle focuses on building a strong linebacker unit to support their defensive efforts. The Seahawks need to address their pass rush efficiency to disrupt opposing offenses. Depth at cornerback remains a concern, highlighting the need for reinforcements in the secondary.
As NFL teams navigate the challenges of injuries and roster changes, addressing key needs becomes essential to maintain competitiveness and strengthen overall performance. By focusing on bolstering critical positions and improving depth, teams can position themselves for success as the season progresses.