The first month of the 2026 NFL season is in the books, and we have already seen plenty of surprises, disappointments, and impressive performances. Some teams have exceeded expectations, while others have struggled to live up to the hype surrounding them entering the season.
Regardless of their records, almost every team has something it can improve. For some, the answer is as simple as staying healthy or establishing greater consistency. For others, significant roster changes or even a complete organizational overhaul may be necessary.
With that in mind, let’s examine all 32 NFL teams, identify their biggest weaknesses, and use their early-season performances to understand what needs to change.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills — Defensive Improvement
Buffalo has the offensive firepower to compete with anyone, but its defense has become a major concern. The Bills rank 27th in total defense, allowing an average of 372.2 yards per game, raising serious questions about the decision to move on from former head coach Sean McDermott. McDermott was a defensive-minded coach, and in my opinion, firing him has cost Buffalo dearly, with the team’s defensive struggles becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. If the Bills want to make a serious Super Bowl run, they must find a way to restore the defensive stability they once had.
Miami Dolphins — A Complete Overhaul
Miami needs more than a few adjustments; this franchise requires a complete overhaul. The Dolphins have started the season 0–4 while averaging just 11.5 points per game, illustrating how far the team has fallen offensively. From roster construction to the organization’s overall direction, significant changes may be necessary to make Miami competitive again.
New England Patriots — Offensive Consistency
New England has shown promising signs, but the offense needs to deliver consistently rather than producing occasional flashes of brilliance. The Patriots have averaged just 16.25 points per game through their opening four contests, leaving considerable room for improvement. Establishing a reliable offensive identity and finding ways to finish drives would make New England a much more dangerous opponent.
New York Jets — Rebuild Everything
There is no point sugarcoating it: the New York Jets need to overhaul practically everything. A 1–3 start and an average of just 19 points per game highlight the offensive problems facing the franchise. Years of disappointing results have left the Jets needing a fresh direction, and rebuilding their foundation should take precedence over searching for another temporary solution.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens — Defense and Staying Healthy
Baltimore needs to improve defensively while getting its most important players healthy, particularly Lamar Jackson. The Ravens have allowed an average of 24 points per game, placing additional pressure on an offense already dealing with injury concerns. Getting Jackson back on the field and establishing a more dependable defense should be Baltimore’s biggest priorities if it hopes to compete for a championship.
Cincinnati Bengals — Protect Joe Burrow
The Bengals need to make protecting Joe Burrow their absolute priority. Cincinnati has already surrendered nine sacks through four games, while its rushing attack ranks 31st in both total rushing yards and yards per carry, averaging just 3.6 yards per attempt. Those numbers highlight the need for better overall offensive-line play, as Cincinnati cannot afford to leave Burrow exposed while also struggling to establish a dependable ground game. The Bengals have invested heavily in their offensive weapons, but that talent cannot be fully utilized without stronger performances in the trenches.
Cleveland Browns — Keep Doing What They’re Doing
Surprisingly, Cleveland might not need to change much at all. The Browns have opened the season 3–1 despite having a negative point differential, showing their ability to find ways to win even when performances have not been perfect. Rather than making unnecessary adjustments, Cleveland should focus on maintaining its momentum and building on what is already working.
Pittsburgh Steelers — A New Quarterback and a Fresh Start
Pittsburgh needs a fresh start, beginning with finding a long-term solution at quarterback. The Steelers have recorded a team completion percentage of just 56.8% and a passer rating of 80.6 through the opening month, reflecting the limitations of their passing attack. Establishing stability under center and embracing a new offensive direction could be exactly what this franchise needs to move forward.
AFC South
Houston Texans — Defensive Improvement
Houston needs to address its defensive struggles if it wants to return to being a serious contender in the AFC. The Texans rank 20th in total defense, allowing approximately 343.8 yards per game, while surrendering 27.3 points per contest. Head coach DeMeco Ryans has now decided to take over defensive play-calling duties from Matt Burke, a move that could help restore communication, accountability, and the defensive identity Houston established in previous seasons. Given Ryans’s defensive background, this change could be exactly what the Texans need to turn things around.
Indianapolis Colts — Offensive Consistency
Indianapolis has demonstrated that its offense can be productive, averaging 25.5 points per game through the opening four games. However, the passing attack has recorded just three touchdowns against four interceptions, suggesting that efficiency and ball security remain areas for improvement. Establishing a more consistent offensive rhythm would make the Colts a considerably more formidable opponent.
Jacksonville Jaguars — Generate Interior Defensive Pressure
Jacksonville needs to improve its ability to generate pressure from the interior of its defensive line. While edge rushers can disrupt opposing quarterbacks, consistent pressure up the middle is equally important because it prevents quarterbacks from comfortably stepping up in the pocket. Strengthening the interior pass rush would make Jacksonville’s defense more dangerous, create additional opportunities for sacks and turnovers, and help the Jaguars compete against the AFC’s stronger offenses.
Tennessee Titans — A Complete Overhaul
Tennessee needs improvements across practically every aspect of its organization. The Titans have averaged just 13.75 points per game through the first month, placing them among the NFL’s least productive offenses. Rather than relying on minor adjustments, Tennessee should focus on rebuilding its roster and establishing a clear long-term identity capable of producing sustained success.
AFC West
Denver Broncos — Consistent Quarterback Play
Denver needs more consistent production from the quarterback position if it wants to compete with the AFC’s elite teams. The Broncos rank 27th in scoring and 26th in passer rating, demonstrating how difficult it has been for the offense to establish a dependable rhythm. Finding greater stability under center would go a long way toward unlocking this team’s potential.
Kansas City Chiefs — Another Wide Receiver
Kansas City’s offense has benefited tremendously from the arrival of Kenneth Walker III, with the Chiefs averaging an impressive 162.25 rushing yards per game through the opening month. However, Kansas City could still use another dependable wide receiver to give Patrick Mahomes additional options and prevent opposing defenses from concentrating on his existing weapons. With an improved rushing attack already in place, adding another legitimate receiving threat could make the Chiefs’ offense even more dangerous.
Las Vegas Raiders — Defensive Improvement
Las Vegas has shown encouraging signs offensively, but its defense needs to improve if the Raiders want to take the next step. The Raiders rank 27th in rushing defense, allowing an average of 134.5 yards per game, making it difficult to consistently control the tempo against stronger opponents. Establishing a more disciplined and reliable defense would make Las Vegas a much more complete team.
Los Angeles Chargers — A Complete Overhaul
The Chargers need a complete overhaul after continuing to fall short of expectations. Los Angeles has started the season 0–4 while averaging just 16.75 points per game, an unacceptable level of production for a team with considerable offensive talent. Significant changes to the roster and overall team approach may be necessary to finally move this franchise forward.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys — Defensive Improvement
Dallas has the offensive firepower to compete with most teams in the NFL, but its defense remains a major concern. The Cowboys rank 30th in total defense, allowing an average of 389.5 yards per game, forcing their offense into too many high-scoring contests. Improving defensive execution and limiting explosive plays should be Dallas’s biggest priorities moving forward.
New York Giants — Staying Healthy
The Giants have shown encouraging signs this season, but injuries threaten to derail their progress. Quarterback Jaxson Dart is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 regular season after suffering a knee injury, a devastating setback for a team attempting to establish itself as a legitimate contender. Star receiver Malik Nabers has also been dealing with soreness in his surgically repaired right knee, although he has continued to contribute, recording 18 receptions for 208 yards and a touchdown through four games. Getting their key players healthy and keeping them on the field must be New York’s biggest priority.
Philadelphia Eagles — Offensive Improvement and Rebuilding the Offensive Line
Philadelphia needs to address its offensive struggles while dealing with significant changes along its offensive line. The Eagles have averaged just 18.75 points per game through the opening month, and their situation has become even more concerning following the retirement of six-time Pro Bowl tackle Lane Johnson and the decision to trade two-time Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens to the Baltimore Ravens. Losing two accomplished offensive linemen creates serious questions about Philadelphia’s ability to protect its quarterback and establish a consistent rushing attack. If the Eagles want to return to championship contention, rebuilding their offensive line and finding greater offensive consistency must be priorities.
Washington Commanders — Defensive Improvement and Health
Washington needs to improve defensively while getting its most important players healthy. The Commanders rank 30th in scoring defense, allowing an average of 30.5 points per game, while quarterback Jayden Daniels has been sidelined after suffering a dislocated elbow against Dallas in Week 2. Daniels has made progress in his recovery and could return wearing a protective brace, but his absence has made an already difficult start even more challenging. A healthier roster and a more dependable defensive unit would help Washington become a much more balanced team.
NFC North
Chicago Bears — Get Caleb Williams Healthy
Chicago has shown encouraging signs this season, ranking third in total defense while averaging 28 points per game offensively. However, the biggest priority is getting quarterback Caleb Williams healthy after a hamstring injury suffered against Minnesota forced him to miss consecutive games. The Bears have managed to remain competitive without their starting quarterback, but Williams is central to the team’s long-term success. Getting him back to full strength would give Chicago the best opportunity to maintain its momentum and compete in a difficult NFC North.
Detroit Lions — Cornerback and Defensive Improvement
Detroit needs to strengthen its secondary, particularly at cornerback, while improving its overall defensive performances. The Lions rank last in total defense, allowing an average of 423.8 yards per game, including approximately 304 passing yards. With an offense capable of competing against almost anyone, adding a dependable cornerback and tightening up defensive execution could transform Detroit into a more complete team.
Green Bay Packers — New Coaching and Getting Micah Parsons Healthy
Green Bay needs a change in leadership, and head coach Matt LaFleur appears to have lost the locker room. Despite possessing a talented roster, the Packers have averaged just 18.25 points per game while allowing opponents to score touchdowns on 85.7% of their red-zone trips, raising serious questions about the team’s direction. A fresh voice on the sidelines could help restore accountability and consistency, while getting Micah Parsons healthy would provide a significant boost to a defense that desperately needs his presence.
Minnesota Vikings — Offensive Consistency
Minnesota has demonstrated that it can compete with strong opponents, particularly thanks to a defense that ranks first in scoring defense. However, the Vikings have averaged just 21.5 points per game offensively, leaving room for improvement on that side of the football. Establishing a more dependable offensive identity would reduce the pressure on their defense and make Minnesota a significantly more dangerous contender.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons — Get Kyle Pitts More Involved
Atlanta needs to make a greater effort to involve Kyle Pitts in its offensive game plan. The Falcons have averaged 24 points per game, but there is an opportunity to make their passing attack even more dangerous by consistently featuring a tight end with Pitts’s size, athleticism, and receiving ability. Making Pitts a more prominent part of the offense would create additional matchup problems for opposing defenses and give Atlanta another dependable weapon.
Carolina Panthers — Improve Run Defense
Carolina needs to improve its ability to stop the run if it wants to continue building on its promising start to the season. The Panthers rank last in rushing defense, allowing an average of 156.5 yards per game, which makes it difficult to control possession and force opponents into predictable passing situations. Strengthening the defensive front would help Carolina become a more complete and competitive team.
New Orleans Saints — Offensive Line and Pass Rush
New Orleans needs significant improvements along its offensive line while also finding ways to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Saints have surrendered 12 sacks through four games, an average of three per contest, while their rushing attack has managed just 3.6 yards per carry. Defensively, New Orleans has allowed an average of 32 points per game, highlighting the need for a more disruptive pass rush and better overall execution. Strengthening both sides of the line of scrimmage should be a priority if the Saints want to turn their season around.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers — A New Coach and Better Health
Tampa Bay needs a change in coaching leadership while also getting its key players healthy. Despite ranking fourth in total defense, the Buccaneers have averaged just 19 points per game offensively, suggesting that their offensive production has not matched the quality of their defense. At this point, I would not be surprised if Tampa Bay makes a coaching change at the end of the season, as this roster appears to need a fresh voice and a different approach. Combining new leadership with a healthier roster could help the Buccaneers return to being a formidable contender.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals — A Little Bit of Everything and Trade Marvin Harrison Jr.
Arizona needs improvements across almost every aspect of its roster because, quite frankly, the Cardinals are simply not a very good football team. Their defensive struggles are concerning, but the problems extend well beyond that side of the ball. One move Arizona should seriously consider is trading Marvin Harrison Jr., who has been a massive disappointment through the opening month of the season. The former fourth overall pick has recorded just 5 receptions for 85 yards and 1 touchdown on 13 targets through four games, an unacceptable level of production for a player drafted with such high expectations. Rather than continuing to wait for Harrison to reach his potential, Arizona should explore trading him for draft capital or additional pieces that could help address the franchise’s numerous weaknesses.
Los Angeles Rams — Greater Consistency
The Rams have the talent to compete with the best teams in the NFL, but they need to start stringing together victories rather than alternating between impressive performances and disappointing results. Los Angeles possesses the league’s second-ranked total defense, yet its offense has averaged just 21.25 points per game, illustrating the need for more consistent production. The pieces are already in place for the Rams to become serious contenders in the NFC; now they need to translate that talent into sustained success and build some momentum.
San Francisco 49ers — Staying Healthy
San Francisco’s biggest priority should be keeping its talented roster healthy. The 49ers have averaged an impressive 30.5 points per game while possessing the league’s third-ranked scoring defense, demonstrating the strength of their team when their key contributors are available. Maintaining that level of performance will depend heavily on keeping their most important players on the field throughout the season.
Seattle Seahawks — Better Quarterback Play
Seattle has established itself as one of the NFC’s strongest teams, leading the NFL in total defense while averaging 26.25 points per game offensively. However, more consistent quarterback play from Sam Darnold would make the Seahawks even more dangerous. Through his three appearances this season, Darnold has thrown for 560 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions, with two costly interceptions coming during Seattle’s narrow loss to Washington. Although he has demonstrated the ability to produce impressive numbers, limiting turnovers and delivering more dependable performances in crucial moments would make Seattle an even more formidable Super Bowl contender.
Final Thoughts
The opening month of the NFL season has shown that even the league’s strongest teams have weaknesses to address. Some franchises, such as the Browns, have exceeded expectations and simply need to maintain their momentum. Others, including the Dolphins, Jets, Titans, and Chargers, face much bigger questions about their future.
Defensive improvement is a recurring theme across the league, with teams such as the Cowboys, Lions, Bills, and Commanders struggling to consistently contain opposing offenses. Meanwhile, several talented teams are being held back by offensive inconsistency, injuries, and uncertainty surrounding their coaching staffs.
For legitimate Super Bowl contenders, the difference between a championship run and an early playoff exit often comes down to correcting weaknesses before they become costly. Whether that means improving defensively, finding consistency on offense, protecting a franchise quarterback, or making significant organizational changes, every team has work to do.
There is still plenty of football left to play, and how these organizations respond to their challenges over the coming months will help determine which teams are still standing when the postseason arrives.
Which NFL team do you believe has the biggest weakness to address? Let us know in the comments, and subscribe to Ethical Sports Takes for more NFL analysis, rankings, and coverage throughout the 2026 season.
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