• Five NFL teams are grappling with major issues after Week 3, from quarterback woes to defensive breakdowns.
• Cincinnati’s offense is struggling without Joe Burrow, sparking trade rumors for a veteran QB.
• Kansas City’s lackluster offense needs a fix before a pivotal Week 4 clash with Baltimore.
• Dallas’ porous defense, Atlanta’s QB uncertainty, and Baltimore’s run defense woes raise red flags.
• Week 4 is a make-or-break moment for these teams to turn their seasons around.

As an NFL fan who’s seen teams stumble and recover, Week 3 of the 2025 season has me concerned for several squads. Whether it’s injuries, shaky playcalling, or execution missteps, these five NFL teams in trouble need to act fast as Week 4 looms. Here’s a breakdown of their issues and what’s at stake, grounded in stats from Pro Football Focus (PFF) as of September 25, 2025.

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Cincinnati Bengals: Offense Hits Rock Bottom

The Issue: With Joe Burrow sidelined, backup Jake Browning was overwhelmed by Minnesota’s defense in a 48-10 Week 3 loss.
Why It’s Worrying: The Bengals’ offense ranks last in yards per game (220.7) and rushing (49.0). Without Burrow, their playoff hopes are fading.
What’s Next: Trade talks are heating up, with Russell Wilson a potential target now that Jaxson Dart is starting for the Giants. It’s like a ship taking on water—without a quick patch, Cincinnati’s season could sink.
Key Matchup: Denver’s stout defense in Week 4 will test the Bengals’ ability to find a spark.

Kansas City Chiefs: Offense Lacks Punch

The Issue: The Chiefs’ 22-9 win over the Giants in Week 3 was sloppy, with errors better teams would’ve exploited.
Why It’s Worrying: Kansas City’s offense averages just 20 points and 315.7 yards per game—their worst since 2018. The defense is solid, but the offense needs work.
What’s Next: Facing Baltimore in Week 4, the Chiefs must sharpen up. It’s like a band playing out of tune—they need to find harmony fast.
Key Matchup: Can Patrick Mahomes solve the Ravens’ aggressive defense?

Dallas Cowboys: Defense in Disarray

The Issue: Dallas’ defense was shredded, allowing Russell Wilson 450 yards in Week 2 and Caleb Williams a career-best game in Week 3.
Why It’s Worrying: A weak pass rush is exposing the secondary, letting opponents rack up points. It’s like a house with no locks—every game invites trouble.
What’s Next: Coach Matt Eberflus must tweak schemes before Green Bay’s Jordan Love, who’s 3-0 on Sunday Night Football, arrives in Week 4.
Key Matchup: Stopping Love is critical to avoid another defensive meltdown.

Atlanta Falcons: QB Questions Loom

The Issue: A 30-0 shutout loss to Carolina in Week 3 has put Michael Penix Jr.’s starting role in doubt.
Why It’s Worrying: Talks of reverting to Kirk Cousins signal a lack of confidence in Penix. It’s like a chef unsure of the menu—Atlanta’s offense lacks direction.
What’s Next: Week 4 against Washington is a chance to stabilize, but a clear QB plan is crucial.
Key Matchup: Can the Falcons’ offense click against a Commanders defense allowing 28 points per game?

Baltimore Ravens: Run Defense Exposed

The Issue: Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery ran wild in a 38-24 Week 3 loss, echoing a Week 1 collapse against Buffalo.
Why It’s Worrying: The Ravens’ run defense is a glaring weak spot, and late-game turnovers aren’t helping. It’s like a boxer with no defense—opponents keep landing punches.
What’s Next: John Harbaugh must tighten the run defense before facing Kansas City in Week 4.
Key Matchup: Containing the Chiefs’ ground game is key to avoiding a 1-3 start.

Final Thoughts

As a fan who loves the NFL’s twists and turns, watching these NFL teams in trouble is like seeing a favorite show hit a rough patch—you hope they rebound. The Bengals need a QB fix, the Chiefs must ignite their offense, and the Cowboys, Falcons, and Ravens have to plug holes fast. Week 4 is a chance to right the ship, and I’ll be glued to the screen, hoping for turnarounds. Grab your snacks and let’s see who rises to the challenge!

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Aliha

Hi, I’m Aliha! I’ve been a huge NFL fan for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing my thoughts, updates, and insights about the game. Whether it’s big plays, team news, or behind-the-scenes stories, writing about the NFL gives me a chance to connect with fellow fans who share the same passion for football.