NFL Team Needs: Prioritizing Every Roster’s Biggest Weaknesses Before Week 12

The Arizona Cardinals enter their bye week on a four-game winning streak. Confidence should be extremely high heading into the final seven-game stretch.

Arizona sits atop the NFC West, has taken big defensive strides under second-year head coach Jonathan Gannon and is seeing Kyler Murray play some of the best football of his career. There’s a very real chance that the Cardinals will end up hosting a playoff game in January.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Defensive Tackle
2. Cornerback
3. Edge-Rusher
4. Right Tackle
5. Guard

Move to Make Now: Get Barron Browning More Involved

At this point in the season, the Cardinals don’t need to make any drastic changes. They’re coming off a 31-6 win against the New York Jets and are clicking in almost every aspect.

One priority for the bye week, though, should involve getting pass-rusher Barron Browning up to speed in the defense. Arizona acquired the 25-year-old in a trade at the deadline and could use a boost in the pass-rushing department.

The Cardinals have recorded 24 sacks in 10 games, but no Arizona edge-rusher has logged more than three quarterback takedowns. Browning, who recorded 4.5 sacks in 2023, played just 18 defensive snaps in his Week 10 Cardinals debut.

2025 Free Agency: EDGE Haason Reddick, New York Jets

Presumably, Gannon wants to forge the sort of disruptive defense he coached as the Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator in 2022.

Coincidentally, New York Jets pass-rusher and impending 2025 free agent Haason Reddick played under Gannon that season. Reddick should be one of the top sack artists available on the open market in March, and he’ll likely command a hefty contract.

Reddick’s desire for a raise was the impetus behind this year’s holdout in New York. With $98.1 million in projected cap space, though, Arizona can afford to make a splash.

Whether Reddick will have any interest in returning to the franchise that drafted him in 2017 is another question.

2025 NFL Draft: DT Tyleik Williams, Ohio State

One hallmark of Gannon’s Eagles defenses was strong interior play. With defensive tackle becoming both popular and expensive on the veteran market—Christian Wilkins landed a $27.5 million annual salary this past offseason—targeting one in the draft would be logical.

Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams (ankle) is set to return this week against Northwestern, and the Cardinals should be following his progress closely. The 6’2″, 290-pound disruptor has intriguing physical tools but may be a bit of a project.

“Potential is the best way to describe Tyleik Williams as an NFL draft prospect,” Matt Holder of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote. “His combination of size, strength and athleticism gives him a high ceiling, but inconsistency is his biggest issue.”

While the Cardinals are ready to win now, they’re also laying a foundation for the future and can afford to bet on upside in the draft.

The Atlanta Falcons have lost two in a row, and Sunday’s 38-6 disaster against the Denver Broncos is truly concerning. Kirk Cousins (173 yards, 1 INT) had an inefficient outing, Darnell Mooney suffered a hamstring injury, and Atlanta’s defense showed just how much of a liability it can be.

The Falcons recorded only their 10th sack of the season while allowing rookie quarterback Bo Nix and the Broncos to amass 400 yards of offense and 6.7 yards per play.

At 6-5, Atlanta still leads the NFC South, but it’s becoming clear that this team is at least a year away from making a serious postseason run.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Edge-Rusher
2. Nickelback
3. Center
4. Defensive Tackle
5. Linebacker

Move to Make Now: Work Out Randy Gregory

An extremely underwhelming pass rush remains the biggest potential obstacle between the Falcons and a deep playoff run. Atlanta should examine all options for improving it. Last week, we suggested taking a look at free agent Shaq Lawson. The Falcons might as well kick the tires on Randy Gregory too.

Of course, the Falcons should see what, if anything, Gregory can bring to the proverbial table first. He never reported to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after signing in the offseason, and while he visited the Seattle Seahawks in October, he didn’t sign.

Gregory remains a massive unknown, but he did record 2.5 sacks and 11 QB pressures with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023. The Falcons owe it to themselves to see if he can help in 2024.

2025 Free Agency: EDGE Josh Uche, Kansas City Chiefs

The Falcons are projected to be $8.5 million over the salary cap next year. Therefore, Atlanta may be limited to budget options in free agency.

Pass-rusher Josh Uche, who was recently traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, could be just such an option. He signed a one-year, $3 million deal to return to the New England Patriots this past offseason and may be available at a similar price point in 2025.

Uche has primarily been a low-end complementary edge-rusher for the Patriots and Chiefs, but he did flash a high ceiling in 2022. Playing opposite a healthy Matthew Judon that season, Uche recorded 11.5 sacks and 25 quarterback pressures.

2025 NFL Draft: EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State

Atlanta must keep throwing darts at the pass-rusher position until it finally hits. The franchise has been searching for a high-end sack artist for what feels like a lifetime—Vic Beasley was the last Falcon to reach 10 sacks, which occurred in 2016—and it has to consider options in the 2025 draft.

The Bleacher Report Scouting Department recently paired Atlanta with Penn State pass-rusher Abdul Carter in its 2025 mock draft, and it’s hard to argue with that idea. While Carter may not be a truly polished prospect, he’s been one of college football’s most impactful defenders this season.

“He’s a disruptive football player,” Penn State coach James Franklin said, per Greg Pickel of On3. “He was that way when he played linebacker. He’s disruptive when he plays defensive end.”

Atlanta has a strong roster, but it won’t have a complete team until/unless it finds a franchise-caliber pass-rusher.

The Ravens were dealt a major blow to their AFC North chances by a familiar foe on Sunday. The Steelers held tight to deny a two-point conversion late in the game, which handed the Ravens an 18-16 loss and created some distance between the two in the division race.

Pittsburgh put forth a good performance, but the Ravens did enough to shoot themselves in the foot a few times. Justin Tucker missed two field goals in the first half and Derrick Henry lost a fumble as well. The Ravens have to be more disciplined and clean up things to finish strong.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Cornerback
2. Interior Offensive Line
3. Wide Receiver
4. Offensive Tackle
5. Edge-Rusher

Move to Make Now: Nothing

The Ravens have been rolling all season. One of the worst mistakes a team can make is to have a knee-jerk reaction to a game that really doesn’t fall in line with who they’ve been all season. The Ravens and Steelers have a long-standing history of defensive slugfests, and that’s exactly what this game turned into.

The Baltimore offense isn’t suddenly “figured out,” and the defense didn’t even come close to its worst performance of the season. This is the kind of result that’s not worth reacting to other than continuing the grind of being prepared every week.

2025 Free Agency: OT Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens

Going out and signing external free agents is obviously the more splashy move, but the best teams make great decisions with their own impending free agents. The Ravens have had a ton of success this season despite replacing three offensive line starters. That might lull the Ravens into a false sense of security about moving on from Ronnie Stanley.

That could be a mistake if the Ravens don’t have a solid plan in place, though. Stanley is older and has a few injuries to his name, but he’s still playing really well when healthy. The Ravens should make re-signing him, even on a three-year contract, a priority.

2025 NFL Draft: EDGE Kyle Kennard, South Carolina

The Ravens are a Super Bowl hopeful that is starting 33-year-old Kyle Van Noy at outside linebacker. That’s a credit to Van Noy that he can remain a productive starter on a contender, but it’s also a stark reminder that the Ravens need to continue stocking the roster with young talent on the edge.

David Ojabo might never reach the potential he flashed as a former second-round pick. That could lead to the Ravens targeting the position again early in the draft. Kyle Kennard is coming along as a high-ceiling edge-rusher with a lightning-quick first step and 9.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss already this season.

The Bills and the Chiefs have given fans some of the best NFL games of the past six years. Sunday’s meeting might not have been an all-timer, but it was a memorable Josh Allen performance that showed the Bills might just be the team to beat in the AFC.

Allen was sensational. Even without Keon Coleman and Dalton Kincaid, he made plenty of plays in pivotal moments. That included the 26-yard run for a touchdown to seal the game with just over two minutes remaining.

The win was exciting and bringing an end to the Chiefs’ unbeaten season is great, but there’s a good chance we haven’t seen the last of these two teams dueling it out.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Edge-Rusher
2. Cornerback
3. Linebacker
4. Interior Defensive Line
5. Safety

Move to Make Now: Expand Amari Cooper’s role

The Bills traded for Amari Cooper to bolster the receiving corps ahead of their playoff run. They welcomed him to the gameplan with five targets in his first game. He responded with four catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.

He’s only combined for five targets over the last two weeks, though. He made his presence felt against the Chiefs with two receptions for 55 yards, but he was only targeted three times. Cooper is one of the team’s best downfield separators now. It would be good to see the Bills use him more as the season goes on.

2025 Free Agency: CB Kristian Fulton, Los Angeles Chargers

The Bills’ re-worked secondary has held up pretty well this season, but there’s still going to be some work to do in the offseason. One of the first questions they’ll have to answer is whether they want to re-sign Rasul Douglas. The veteran has played well enough in Buffalo, but he’ll be 29 years old and has taken a step back.

Targeting a younger free agent like Kristian Fulton could give them a younger starter at the position. Fulton is 26 years old and has rebounded in Los Angeles after a rough final season with Tennessee in 2023.

2025 NFL Draft: DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon

The Bills have learned this season just how important it is to draft and develop depth. They’ve withstood losses in free agency and through injury in multiple spots on the defense. They’ve also had some players step up and play well. If they are going to continue to put a defense on the field that can support Josh Allen, it’s going to take continued investment in the draft.

Investing in another talented defensive tackle could pay major dividends. Ed Oliver needs a dynamic talent beside him on the defensive line, and the Bills are relying on a lot of older pieces to fill in on the interior. Derrick Harmon is a 6’5″, 310-pound interior defender who has a habit of collapsing pockets with his play strength and explosiveness out of his stance.

The Carolina Panthers appear to be in a much better spot than they were just a few weeks ago. While Carolina won’t be playoff-relevant this season, it gained some momentum with two consecutive victories heading into the Week 10 bye.

Rookie head coach Dave Canales has already surpassed last year’s win total, and the Panthers are positioned to play spoiler down the stretch.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Edge-Rusher
2. Quarterback
3. Wide Receiver
4. Defensive Tackle
5. Tight End

Move to Make Now: Get Ja’Tavion Sanders More Targets

The Panthers seem content to continue auditioning second-year quarterback Bryce Young. While the 2023 No. 1 overall pick hasn’t solidified his status as the QB of the future, he’s shown enough promise in recent weeks that Carolina isn’t guaranteed to target a quarterback in the offseason.

Between now and the end of 2024, the Panthers need to decide if they’ll need a tight end. Carolina has lacked a high-end starter for years, but rookie Ja’Tavion Sanders has shown flashes.

By making Sanders a focal point in the passing game, the Panthers can better determine if he can be a high-volume pass-catcher or simply a strong complementary option moving forward.

2025 Free Agency: WR Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After trading Diontae Johnson, the Panthers are left without a clear-cut No. 1 receiver. Rookie Xavier Legette has the potential to eventually fill that role, but he isn’t there yet. Carolina will need receiver help in 2025, whether it sticks with Young at quarterback or not.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Chris Godwin would be a logical free-agent target for the Panthers, assuming Canales remains the head coach. Canales coached Godwin in Tampa last season, and he knows exactly how to utilize the 28-year-old (29 in February).

Godwin was having a strong 2024 campaign before suffering a season-ending ankle injury. In seven appearances, he caught 50 passes for 576 yards and five touchdowns.

2025 NFL Draft: S Malaki Starks, Georgia

While the Panthers may ultimately opt to draft a quarterback in 2025—and they’ll probably, at the very least, bring in some veteran competition—they should be very interested in bolstering their lackluster defense.

Georgia safety Malaki Starks could help do that on the back end. Starks is a multi-faceted defender who could impact games in a variety of ways—not wholly unlike former Panthers safety Jeremy Chinn.

“Starks projects as a first-round pick with the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL,” Cory Giddings of the Scouting Department wrote. “His combination of athleticism, ball skills, and physicality make him a versatile safety capable of excelling in both coverage and run support.”

With safeties Xavier Woods, Nick Scott, Sam Franklin and Jordan Fuller all set to be free agents in the spring, Carolina will be looking to reload the position. Starks would be a terrific fit.

The Chicago Bears saw a little offensive progress from new play-caller Thomas Brown on Sunday, though it wasn’t enough to get a win. Chicago racked up 391 yards against the rival Green Bay Packers and was in position for a walk-off game-winning field goal.

Unfortunately, the attempt was blocked, keeping the Bears below .500 and possibly playing for the future for the rest of this season.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Right Guard
2. Center
3. Offensive Tackle depth
4. 2nd Corner
5. Linebacker

Move to Make Now: Build a Connection Between Caleb Williams and D.J. Moore

Offensively, it’s been a slog for Chicago for most of the 2024 season. Head coach Matt Eberflus made the decision to fire offensive coordinator Shane Waldron after Week 10, replacing him with Brown.

One of Brown’s biggest priorities moving forward should involve establishing chemistry between rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and No. 1 receiver D.J. Moore (7 catches, 62 yards on Sunday). Too often this season, Moore has been an offensive afterthought, a surprising development after last year’s 1,364-yard campaign.

2025 Free Agency: Trey Smith, G, Kansas City Chiefs

The Bears obviously hope that Williams can be their long-term answer at quarterback. For the USC product to have long-term success, though, Chicago must protect him with a better overall blocking unit.

Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith—the second-ranked player on early 2025 free-agent board—should be high atop Chicago’s wish list. He’s an above-average pass protector and a legitimate catalyst in the running game.

Smith will undoubtedly command a heft contract on the open market—if the Chiefs even allow him to get there—but at 25 years old, he has the potential to be a franchise building block.

2025 NFL Draft: IOL Tyler Booker, Alabama

Teven Jenkins has been mostly reliable when healthy since transitioning from tackle to guard. However, he’ll be a free agent in the spring, and Chicago could look to completely revamp its offensive line.

Even if the Bears snag a high-end veteran guard like Smith, they could double down on the position in the draft. The Scouting Department recently mocked Alabama’s Tyler Booker to the Bears in the first round.

“Booker has been extremely consistent this year at Alabama and is the same player on every tape,” Brandon Thorn of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department said. “That bodes well for his chances of being solid out of the gate and bolstering one of Chicago’s guard spots.”

Chicago needs to set up Williams for success, and it needs to keep throwing darts at the offensive line until the team gets it right.

Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense were mostly great on Sunday Night Footbtall against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Bengals defense was mostly bad. Sound familiar?

Burrow had 356 yards through the air and three touchdowns with no picks. The offense was clicking in the second half when the Bengals scored three consecutive touchdowns to wipe out a 27-6 lead the Chargers built.

Unfortunately, the defense allowed the Chargers to drive 84 yards on four plays to take the lead with 18 seconds left. It’s fitting that a defensive collapse likely ended the Bengals’ playoff hopes for good this year.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Cornerback
2. Interior Defensive Line
3. Edge-Rusher
4. Linebacker
5. Interior Offensive Line

Move to Make Now: Play Jordan Battle over Geno Stone

Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is infamously against rotating his defensive backs, but his job security could be called into question if Cincinnati continues to be this bad at defending the pass. That means giving the younger Jordan Battle a chance to play over free-agent acquisition Geno Stone.

Battle is going to make mistakes and give up touchdowns. That’s not a big deal considering how often that is already happening with Stone starting at safety. At least Battle has a better shot making real strides with more games coming up.

2025 Free Agency: CB Byron Murphy Jr., Minnesota Vikings

One of the biggest reasons the Bengals have underperformed this season is a secondary that is just not holding up its end of the bargain. The Bengals are one of the worst third-down defenses in the league and will need to make changes next season.

One of those changes could be finding a veteran who can come in and play cornerback. Turning over the reigns of their cornerback position to the young wave of Cam Taylor-Britt and DJ Johnson. Someone like Byron Murphy, who has thrived in Minnesota this season, could come in and change the tone of the secondary.

2025 NFL Draft: EDGE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee

The Bengals defense has been a severe letdown this season. The group took a step back last season, but there was hope that was just a fluke. As it turns out, the Bengals need new answers. One thing that would help is a pass-rushing specialist on the outside. The Bengals were just 21st in pressure percentage going into the week.

Bringing in James Pearce Jr. with an early draft pick could be a solution. He’s not the typical edge-rusher that the Bengals have targeted. He’s only 242 pounds and might struggle to set an edge in the run game early in his career. However, he is an athletically gifted pass-rusher who could immediately contribute as a specialist.

Where is the Cleveland Browns defense? It’s one of the biggest questions in the NFL after this week. The unit that was dominant last season is a distant memory. Instead, the Browns defense is the kind that lets Taysom Hill dunk on them to the tune of 200 total yards and three touchdowns.

There were actually some bright spots for the offense on Sunday. The Browns broke 400 total yards, and Jerry Jeudy was particularly good (142 yards, one touchdown). However, it was all overshadowed by the defense’s woes in a 35-14 loss.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Quarterback
2. Wide Receiver
3. Left Tackle
4. Linebacker
5. Interior Defender

Move to Make Now: Reduce Mohamoud Diabate’s role

Mohamoud Diabate has grown into a sizable role with the Browns defense this season. He’s wearing the green dot that marks him as the communicator between the coaching staff and the rest of the defense. However, the Browns’ communication was clearly an issue this week, as they lost track of where Taysom Hill was several times and missed several tackles.

Diabate has been part of the problem in that area. He has an 18.8 percent missed tackle rate, which is the highest among the linebackers on the team. The 23-year-old undeniably has potential, but taking some responsibilities off his plate and lowering his snap count could be beneficial.

2025 Free Agency: RB J.K. Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers

The Browns have a lot of things to figure out on offense, so the running back position hasn’t been the most highlighted need. However, it’s an unfortunate truth that Nick Chubb hasn’t looked like the explosive runner that he once was and the Browns need to have a good ground game given the quarterback situation.

If Chubb isn’t able to recapture some of his former glory, then turning to the free-agent market and targeting J.K. Dobbins could be an option. The former Ohio State standout has always had the talent, but he’s been held back by injuries. He has looked like a feature back with the Chargers so far this season and is still just 26 years old.

2025 NFL Draft: QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama

There’s going to be a rain cloud over everything this team does until they find a quarterback. Deshaun Watson should return next season after suffering a ruptured Achilles that ended his 2024 season campaign. But there’s already enough evidence that he’s not the quarterback of the future. Moving on from his contract is going to require a rookie starter.

In his scouting report, Dame Parson’s pro comparison for Milroe was “shades of Jalen Hurts with a jet pack and stronger arm.” Milroe is an elite athlete who is still putting it together as a passer. After watching Lamar Jackson progress over the years within their division, the Browns should look at getting their own version in the draft.

Check back for the Cowboys after Monday Night Football against the Houston Texans.

The last time the Broncos beat the Falcons this soundly they were downing the Dirty Birds in Super Bowl XXXIII with Terrell Davis, Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey leading the way.

These Broncos are not quite a Super Bowl contender, but Bo Nix provided a lot of hope about the future. He was incredibly sharp with 307 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. The defense looked like a playoff-worthy unit again, holding the Falcons to just six points and 2.4 yards per carry on the ground.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Center
2. Running Back
3. Wide Receiver
4. Tight End
5. Edge-Rusher

Move to Make Now: Nothing

No notes.

The Broncos put forth their best effort of the season. The Falcons are likely to be a playoff team in the NFC, and the Broncos just dominated them. Denver is hitting its stride on offense, and the defense continues to play like one of the league’s best.

2025 Free Agency: TE Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints

The Broncos could use another security-blanket tight end for Bo Nix. It’s an element of the offense that is missing for the rookie quarterback. Adam Trautman hasn’t been that guy for Nix despite his experience with Sean Payton from their days in New Orleans.

There aren’t a lot of great names among the tight ends who are headed to free agency, but Juwan Johnson would be one to watch in Denver. The 28-year-old has familiarity with Payton from their time together in New Orleans. At 6’4″, 231 pounds, Johnson operates as a jumbo receiver who would give Nix another red-zone weapon.

2025 NFL Draft: OT Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota

Garrett Bolles is playing at a high level for the Broncos. Keeping Bo Nix clean has to be a priority for Denver moving forward, and Bolles is certainly contributing to that objective. The problem is that he’s a 32-year-old with an expiring contract. His future in Denver could be in question.

Whether they only sign Bolles to a short-term contract or he opts to walk, the franchise should have a long-term plan in place. Drafting Aireontae Ersery would help meet that objective. He’s a strong zone blocker in the run game and has the length and athleticism to become a starting left tackle in the league.

Are the Detroit Lions the best team in the NFL right now? They just might be. There’s still room for improvement on defense, but when the offense is playing as it did during Sunday’s 52-6 romp over the Jacksonville Jaguars, it doesn’t matter.

What should concern other teams in the NFC is the fact that Detroit’s centerpiece players—including Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell—are all under contract long-term. Detroit’s Super Bowl window is just opening.

And with $62.1 million in projected 2025 cap space, the Lions have the financial flexibility to continue building a powerhouse in the offseason.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Cornerback
2. Edge-Rusher
3. Offensive Line depth
4. Wide Receiver depth
5. Left Guard

Move to Make Now: None

Could we see the Lions scour the free-agent market and other practice squads for veteran depth ahead of the postseason? Sure, but there’s little reason for Detroit to make any significant moves right now.

The Lions keep finding ways to win, even when they aren’t playing flawlessly, and they addressed their biggest need at the trade deadline. While recent addition Za’Darius Smith won’t outright replace Aidan Hutchinson (broken leg), he’s better than any player the Lions may find available in mid-November.

2025 Free Agency: CB Charvarius Ward, San Francisco 49ers

The Lions took several stabs at the cornerback position this past offseason, trading for Carlton Davis and using early draft picks on Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. However, secondary play has still been one of Detroit’s few weaknesses in 2024.

Add in the fact that Davis will be a free agent in the spring, and the Lions absolutely should consider its cornerback options on the open market.

Signing San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward would be a win for any team with Super Bowl aspirations. He’s a high-level starter on the perimeter and has a wealth of postseason experience, having appeared in Super Bowls for both the 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs.

2025 NFL Draft: EDGE JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State

The acquisition of Smith was significant because he’s under contract through 2025. This means that the 32-year-old can help navigate Hutchinson’s absence in the short term while complementing Detroit’s defensive star next year.

However, the trade for Smith shouldn’t preclude the Lions from targeting another edge-rusher highly in the draft. The Lions are looking to build a contender for more than just the next two seasons.

Ohio State’s JT Tuimoloau would be a terrific draft target for Detroit. He has the skills to bolster the pass rush while fitting right in with the Lions’ aggressive run defense.

“Setting the edge is fairly easy for him, and he can get off blocks to make plays against the rushing attack,” Holder wrote.

It wasn’t exactly pretty for the Packers in Week 11, but they survived a late rally by the rival Bears to move to 7-3 on the season. The win, which was delivered by a blocked field goal, fell in line with most of Green Bay’s performances in 2024.

This is a young and imperfect team but one that believes in itself and is learning how to win tough games. The Packers probably won’t catch the Lions in the NFC North, but they have a playoff-caliber roster and a very bright future.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Center
2. Edge-Rusher
3. 2nd Cornerback
4. Defensive Tackle
5. Linebacker

Move to Make Now: Sign RB Boston Scott

Rookie running back and third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd has missed most of the season with a variety of injuries. Now, he’s expected to miss time with appendicitis, according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.

With AJ Dillon (neck) already out for the year, Green Bay should consider adding a veteran like Boston Scott to the backfield rotation. The 29-year-old spent time with the Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers during the offseason and has recently drawn interest from the New Orleans Saints, according to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz.

In six years with the Philadelphia Eagles, Scott appeared in 75 games, averaged 4.3 yards per carry and caught 71 passes.

Josh Jacobs has been a terrific high-volume back this season, but Green Bay should be careful not to overwork him ahead of the playoffs. Along with Emanuel Wilson, Scott might help lighten Jacobs’ workload in the coming weeks.

2025 Free Agency: EDGE Azeez Ojulari

The Packers could have used edge-rushing help even before they traded away Preston Smith. Don’t be surprised if general manager Brian Gutekunst looks to add a young, up-and-coming sack artist in free agency.

Gutekunst made a similar move when he signed safety Xavier McKinney, who was only 25 at the time, this past offseason.

The Packers should look to add another underrated New York Giants defender by targeting Azeez Ojulari. The 24-year-old has been simply fantastic while filling in for Kayvon Thibodeaux (wrist) and has reminded everyone of the upside he flashed as a rookie in 2021—he had eight sacks that season.

Tough he’s started only five of 10 games in 2024, Ojulari has already tallied six sacks and 28 quarterback pressures.

2025 NFL Draft: CB Will Lee III, Texas A&M

It feels increasingly likely that Green Bay will part with 2021 first-round pick Eric Stokes in the spring. Therefore, targeting a new corner to complement Jaire Alexander would be sensible. Big, physical Texas A&M product Will Lee III could be a terrific player to put opposite the smaller Alexander on the perimeter.

“Will Lee III is a long, athletic cornerback prospect with ideal size and length at 6’3″ and 190 pounds,” Giddings wrote. “His combination of length, quickness, and ability to change direction makes him an intriguing option for NFL teams looking for a physical and versatile corner.”

Like Stokes (6’1″) and former Packers cornerback Rasul Douglas (6’2″), Lee is a longer defensive back who would give the Packers an option for covering bigger receivers on the edge.

Lee is also a willing tackler who could further boost a run defense that has taken positive strides this season.

Check back for the Texans after Monday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys.

Don’t count the Colts out of the AFC playoff race just yet. Anthony Richardson’s return as the team’s starting quarterback sparked a 28-27 win over the New York Jets to get to 5-6 on the year. Richardson put forth one of his best games to this point in his career, completing 20-of-30 attempts for 272 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Safety
2. Tight End
3. Quarterback
4. Edge-Rusher
5. Cornerback

Move to Make Now: Let Richardson Cook

It’s been said multiple times here: Anthony Richardson is going to have some rough weeks. There are times when he’s going to complete less than half of his pass attempts. The Colts have to take those lumps and let Richardson learn from his mistakes. His rushing ability obviously helps, but Richardson showed his ability to get the ball down the field in this one.

According to NFL Pro, Richardson completed nine of his 12 attempts of 10 or more air yards for 185 yards. The Colts made the right call in bringing Richardson back into the starting lineup. Now they have to make sure they are giving him opportunities to take shots.

2025 Free Agency: S Talanoa Hufanga, San Francisco 49ers

The Colts have seen some of their young cornerbacks step up and knock the need for corners down the list. The same can’t be said for safety, where Nick Cross hasn’t been great in coverage and Julian Blackmon is set to become a free agent.

There are a lot of questions about Talanoa Hufanga’s durability. He got knocked out of the 2023 season with a torn ACL. Now, he’s on injured reserve with a wrist injury. That being said, he’s a playmaking safety who brings exactly what the Colts are missing in the back half right now.

2025 NFL Draft: EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia

The Colts are still pretty reliant on getting interior pass-rush help from their defensive tackle duo of Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner. They were tied with Kwity Paye going into Week 11 as the team’s sack leaders with 3.5 on the season. However, both Stewart and Buckner are on the older side.

Laiatu Latu could develop into a star pass-rusher, but drafting an athletic running mate in Mykel Williams wouldn’t be a bad idea. Matt Holder believes he’s far from a finished product but has the athletic tools to be dangerous.

“Overall, the Bulldog’s traits are worth betting on for a team that uses a lot of even fronts and is looking for a hand-in-the-ground defensive end,” Holder noted in his scouting report. “But he’ll likely take a year or two to flesh out his game and become an impact, every-down player.”

Week 11 can officially be marked as the moment the Jacksonville Jaguars packed their bags on the 2024 season. The Jaguars drew a tough matchup traveling to the Detroit Lions, but it didn’t look like they really bothered to show up. The Lions outgained them by 475 yards, which is the largest differential in an NFL game since 1979, per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk.

There are some critical decisions ahead for the Jaguars to get back on track.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Interior Defensive Line
2. Cornerback
3. Safety
4. Tight End
5. Wide Receiver

Move to Make Now: Move on from Doug Pederson

The NFL rumor mill set the stage for the Jaguars to make this decision ahead of the game with the Lions. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday that it “would not be a surprise” inside the organization if the Jaguars decided to move on from Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke, adding that a “dramatic move could come as soon as this week.”

It was evident that the Jaguars had no fight in a blowout loss to the Lions. Forcing players to finish out the season under a coach they have clearly given up on could have lasting ramifications for the franchise.

2025 Free Agency: CB D.J. Reed, New York Jets

The Jaguars turned to free agency to find a starter opposite Tyson Campbell last offseason. Ronald Darby was brought on after a strong season with the Baltimore Ravens. The signing hasn’t really worked out as planned, with Darby giving up a 121.5 passer rating when targeted.

Going back to the drawing board might mean making a run at D.J. Reed. The 28-year-old has been a consistently good starter for the Seahawks and Jets since the 2020 season. He’s a bit undersized for an outside corner, but his competitiveness and physicality still find a way.

2025 NFL Draft: DL Walter Nolen, Ole Miss

A lot of attention in this space has focused on who the Jaguars will take with their first pick. It makes sense. It should be an opportunity to add a potentially elite talent to a roster that needs some hope. However, they will also have a pick toward the second round where they could add another impact player.

Walter Nolen could be a consideration in that spot. The 6’4″, 290-pounder could be an eventual replacement for Arik Armstead. Matt Holder compared him to Ed Oliver in his scouting report while praising him for his heavy hands and physicality at the point of attack.

The 1972 Dolphins can start cracking open the champagne. The Kansas City Chiefs’ bid for perfection came to a halt in Orchard Park with a 30-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The defense wasn’t able to contain Josh Allen in some key situations, Patrick Mahomes didn’t quite have a comeback in him and the Chiefs just fell short.

We know this team doesn’t need home-field advantage to make it to the Super Bowl. They lost some ground on that pursuit here, but no one is counting out the Chiefs after a road loss to the Bills.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Wide Receiver
2. Cornerback
3. Interior Defensive Line
4. Left Tackle
5. Safety

Move to Make Now: Scale Back Travis Kelce’s Workload

The Bills did a really nice job of keeping Travis Kelce in check. He ended the game with just two receptions for eight yards on four targets. Last year, Kelce only played 77 percent of the team’s snaps and missed two games with injury. It ended up working out, as he played his best football in the playoffs.

This year, he’s back to playing 82 percent of the team’s snaps—his highest share since 2021. Now that the undefeated season is out of reach, the Chiefs should look to rest their 35-year-old tight end a bit more to ensure he’s at his best when it matters.

2025 Free Agency: LB Bobby Wagner, Washington Commanders

It’s going to be harder and harder for the Chiefs to put an elite team around their current core. The nature of the salary cap and rookie contracts makes it harder to retain top homegrown topics. It’s why keeping a player like Nick Bolton next season could be a real challenge.

The shortcut to dealing with that kind of potential loss is that the Chiefs are going to continue to be a destination for aging veterans who want to chase a ring. Bobby Wagner, if he wants to play his age-35 season, could be a great example. He’s shown he can still be an impact player in Washington this season, but he might be willing to take a slightly smaller deal to join the Chiefs pursuit of a Lombardi in 2025.

2025 NFL Draft: WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State

Ever since the Chiefs made the bold decision to trade away Tyreek Hill it has felt like their receiver room is under constant construction. Fortunately, the Chiefs have the infrastructure in place so that they can afford to do that. However, building a receiver room that will be mostly the same for multiple seasons could make the offense more consistent.

The best way to do that would be for the Chiefs to hit on a few draft picks. Emeka Egbuka might not ever become the team’s No. 1 receiver, but his hands, route-running and timing drew comparisons to Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Amon-Ra St. Brown in Dame Parson’s scouting report.

Well, at least there’s Brock Bowers.

That’s about the biggest silver lining you can find for the Silver and Black at this point. The Raiders extended their losing streak to six games in a 34-19 loss to the Dolphins. However, the offense did look better with Scott Turner as the new offensive coordinator, and Brock Bowers benefitted with 16 targets, 13 receptions and a touchdown.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Quarterback
2. Wide Receiver
3. Cornerback
4. Edge-Rusher
5. Interior Defender

Move to Make Now: Involve RB Dylan Laube

Alexander Mattison and Zamir White gained 28 yards on 10 carries on Sunday. Mattison did turn three targets into 50 yards, but they also threw another three targets at Ameer Abdullah. If the goal is figuring out what this offense can look like in 2025, there’s really no reason that rookie Dylan Laube shouldn’t be getting an opportunity to do something.

There might be a complete reset in the backfield next season, and Laube should get the opportunity to audition for a part.

2025 Free Agency: EDGE Malcolm Koonce, Las Vegas Raiders

A lot of things have gone wrong for the Raiders this season, but losing Malcolm Koonce for the season remains one of the most disappointing. The 26-year-old seemed to have broken out with eight sacks in 2023 and was primed to take another jump in 2024 to give the Raiders a scary duo on the outside.

Then Koonce suffered a knee injury that knocked him out for the season a few days before the season opener. Koonce’s free-agent market could be interesting. He’s a young player with upside at a premium position. The Raiders should probably do what they can to make sure it doesn’t come to that. The contract offer should have some protections based on his health, but the Silver and Black would be wise to extend the pass-rusher before he hits the market.

2025 NFL Draft: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

The ideal scenario for the Raiders is that they’ll either earn the No. 1 pick or be in a position to draft whatever quarterback they like. The future starter is likely not on the roster, and there aren’t many paths for the Raiders to find one worth building around outside of the draft.

This week, let’s highlight a pick they could make if they find an alternative path to bringing in their 2025 starting quarterback. After trading away Davante Adams, the Raiders don’t really have a No. 1 receiver. Tetairoa McMillan is the top-ranked receiver in this class and would make any quarterback’s life easier with his 6’5″, 212-pound frame and run-after-the-catch ability.

The Los Angeles Chargers took a step toward a playoff berth and probably eliminated a scary wild-card sleeper in the process with their 34-27 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football. Ladd McConkey was a standout performer catching six passes for 123 yards.

The Chargers defense put forth a great first-half performance and L.A. built a 27-6 lead early in the second half. Unfortunately, the defense showed some vulnerabilities after halftime while giving up a big night against Joe Burrow.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Wide Receiver
2. Interior Defensive Line
3. Interior Offensive Line
4. Edge-Rusher
5. Cornerback

Move to Make Now: Run the Football!

The fact that this has to be said in regards to a team coached by Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman is shocking, frankly. The Chargers had a 21-point lead in this game and the Bengals were able to effectively wipe it away with three consecutive touchdowns.

In a game script that leaned heavily into running the football, the Chargers were intent on letting Justin Herbert throw the ball 36 times. Meanwhile, J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards only combined for 17 carries agianst a porous Bengals run defense.

2025 Free Agency: IOL Zach Martin, Dallas Cowboys

It’s hard to imagine that the Chargers aren’t going to eventually have a top-five offensive line in the league. They’re already flirting with that distinction, but the tandem of Bradley Bozeman at center and Trey Pipkins III at right guard call it into question. Maybe Jamaree Salyer becomes an answer at guard, but the Chargers might just opt to replace them altogether.

Zach Martin may no longer fit the struggling Cowboys’ timeline at 33 years old, but he would instantly help an emerging Chargers offensive line become one of the league’s best.

2025 NFL Draft: CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame

The Los Angeles Chargers are building a strong defense in Jim Harbaugh’s first year. However, it will be interesting to see if they can keep their secondary together. Kristian Fulton, Asante Samuel Jr. and Elijah Molden are all set to become free agents. Fulton’s play has increased his value this season, Samuel Jr. is on injured reserve and Molden isn’t really an outside cornerback.

If the Chargers can bring back Fulton and Samuel, then corner probably isn’t an immediate draft need. If they allow either to walk, then someone like Benjamin Morrison comes into play. Scout Cory Giddings likes Morrison’s potential versatility at the next level.

“Benjamin Morrison is a versatile cornerback prospect out of Notre Dame, known for his quickness, fluidity, and ability to play both outside and in the slot. Standing at 6′ and weighing 190 pounds, Morrison brings a well-rounded skill set to the position,” he noted in his scouting report.

The Los Angeles Rams did some shuffling on the offensive line this past week, replacing Jonah Jackson with Beaux Limmer at center and starting Warren McClendon Jr. at right tackle.

The changes helped Matthew Stafford play a clean game against a scrappy New England Patriots team and helped Los Angeles return to .500.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Safety
2. Linebacker
3. Cornerback
4. Guard
5. Center

Move to Make Now: Lean on the Running Game More Often

Los Angeles’ offensive line has been an issue at times this season, and that remained the case after Jackson and Steve Avila were activated off injured reserve in Week 10. The unit was much better in Week 11, but the Rams should continue searching for ways to alleviate pressure on Stafford.

Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua and the passing game are at the heart of the Rams offense. However, L.A. has a terrific back in Kyren Williams and an often underutilized second option in rookie third-round pick Blake Corum.

Williams and Corum combined for 20 carries on Sunday, while Stafford had 27 pass attempts and four scrambles.

Getting Corum more involved and leading with a physical ground game might help Stafford and Co. navigate a difficult remaining schedule successfully.

2025 Free Agency: S Justin Simmons, Atlanta Falcons

Les Snead has done a tremendous job of reloading L.A.’s defensive front through the draft. However, the Rams could use help on the back end, especially at safety. Rookie Kamren Kinchens has shown some flashes but has been wildly inconsistent in coverage.

While Snead’s days of chasing big-name veterans may be over, he’d be wise to take a long look at Falcons safety Justin Simmons. The former Bronco and two-time Pro Bowler is having one of the best seasons of his career as a coverage safety in Atlanta.

While Simmons may not be a bargain free agent for the second consecutive offseason, the Rams are projected to have $48 million in 2025 cap space.

2025 NFL Draft: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan

While it would behoove the Rams to look for defensive help in the draft, Michigan tight end Colston Loveland could be a very tempting target. While Los Angeles hasn’t used its tight ends in the passing game extensively this season, it hasn’t had former starter Tyler Higbee, who is recovering from a torn ACL.

Adding a tight end like Loveland to a lineup that already features Kupp, Nacua and Demarcus Robinson would give Los Angeles a practically indefensible passing attack.

“Tight ends are the biggest mismatch creators in the NFL today. Colston Loveland fits the mold incredibly well,” Dame Parson of the Scouting Department wrote.

A few looks at Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers should give the Rams an idea of the kind of impact Loveland could have. Loveland doesn’t possess Bowers’ elite skill set—the rookie may already be the NFL’s best receiving tight end—but he could make it extremely difficult for defenses to cover any Rams pass-catcher one-on-one.

Maybe it’s a case of too little, too late, but the Miami Dolphins picked up back-to-back wins for the first time in the 2024 season. The offense has looked vastly improved since Tua Tagovailoa returned, but the defense also held up its end of the bargain in a 34-19 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

With the New England Patriots on deck, the Dolphins have a good chance of putting together a bona fide winning streak and making some AFC wild-card teams sweat down the stretch.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Interior Offensive Line
2. Interior Defensive Line
3. Wide Receiver Depth
4. Tight End
5. Quarterback

Move to Make Now: Play Cam Smith in the Slot

The Dolphins gave Storm Duck the start in the slot this week. The undrafted free agent has been a surprising impact player throughout the season, and the Dolphins needed young players to step up without Kendall Fuller in the lineup this week.

However, the team opted for Cam Smith in the second half. That’s likely the decision they should have made to begin with. Duck has an awesome name and has worked hard to make the roster, but the higher ceiling for Smith as a former second-round pick should tip the scales in his favor.

2025 Free Agency: S Justin Simmons, Atlanta Falcons

Re-signing Jevon Holland should be a top priority for the Dolphins. He’s developed into a good safety who racks up a lot of tackles and has plenty of prime years left. However, the Dolphins also have a 33-year-old Jordan Poyer manning the other safety spot, so they’ll likely be shopping for at least one starter whether they re-sign Holland or not.

They don’t need to break the bank for one of the top free agents on the board. However, Justin Simmons has been a solid starter for the Falcons in his age-30 season and could have a little more to give than Poyer.

2025 NFL Draft: OT Kelvin Banks, Texas

The 2024 season has been a gut check for the Miami Dolphins franchise. The offense was supposed to be able to help the defense cope with some losses, but the unit has mostly been a letdown this year. There are several problems, but the biggest one was how they looked with Tua Tagovailoa out of the lineup.

Moving forward, the Dolphins have to find ways to protect their franchise quarterback. Targeting an offensive lineman in the first round is worth considering. A tackle like Kelvin Banks could be groomed to take over Terron Armstead’s job during his rookie contract. Banks is Brandon Thorn’s OT2 in this draft class and gets a comparison to Zach Tom in his scouting report.

For the second successive week, the Minnesota Vikings beat a bad team in less-than-impressive fashion. Quarterback Sam Darnold didn’t throw an interception, but he made a handful of questionable decisions—and the Vikings were repeatedly on the winning side of some questionable Tennessee Titans penalties.

Minnesota’s defense, meanwhile, played just well enough to get the win, sealing it with a Harrison Smith interception. However, it again had the sort of breakdowns that could cost the Vikings against a playoff-caliber opponent.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Guard
2. Interior Pass Rush
3. Left Tackle
4. Cornerback

Move to Make Now: Rein in Sam Darnold

The Vikings are good enough to be legitimate threats in the NFC if they can learn to avoid self-inflicted wounds. Darnold was responsible for many of Minnesota’s mistakes over the last few weeks, including six turnovers between Weeks 9 and 10.

Kevin O’Connell doesn’t need to completely overhaul the offense to get Darnold back to his early season form. He simply needs to emphasize the importance of taking easy throws and not getting too greedy, especially in the red zone.

We get it. This is Darnold’s last, best chance to establish himself as an NFL starter, and he’s eager to show he can be a game-changer. Right now, though, Minnesota needs Darnold to be a little bit more of a game manager.

2025 Free Agency: CB D.J. Reed, New York Jets

We should expect the Vikings to throw multiple darts at the cornerback position in the spring. Minnesota is projected to have $62.9 million in effective cap space next offseason, and Stephon Gilmore, Fabian Moreau, Shaquill Griffin and Byron Murphy are all impending free agents.

Minnesota should look to skew young in free agency, since the plan is to build a long-term contender with J.J. McCarthy behind center. New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed, who just turned 28, should hit a sweet spot for the Vikings.

Reed has established himself as a dependable starter opposite Sauce Gardner in New York. He’s experienced enough to provide some veteran leadership to the defense and young enough to have several good years still ahead of him.

2025 NFL Draft: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

As we’ve noted over the past few weeks, Minnesota would be wise to target offensive line help or perhaps a defensive playmaker early in the draft. However, the Scouting Department recently mocked Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty to the Vikings, and the pairing would make sense.

Aaron Jones has been terrific this season when healthy, but he’ll turn 30 next month and is playing on a one-year deal. One can question the value of drafting a running back in the first round, but Jeanty’s NFL upside is unquestionable.

“Jeanty is RB1 on Bleacher Report’s rankings, and he’s an ideal fit for the Vikings’ zone rushing attack,” Parson said. “Jeanty has good footwork, short-area quickness and outstanding contact balance.”

McCarthy is set to be Minnesota’s quarterback beginning in 2025. Rounding out his supporting cast with an elite running back would help set up the Michigan product for early success.

Week 11’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams was as good reminder that quarterback progression is a process in this league. Drake Maye showed off his talent and upside in many parts of the game. He went 30-of-40 for 284 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw an interception in a last-ditch effort to win the game…which instead sealed the loss.

The Patriots aren’t anywhere near a complete product, but Maye’s progress is a huge step in the right direction.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Offensive Tackle
2. Interior Offensive Line
3. Edge-Rusher
4. Wide Receiver
5. Interior Defensive Line

Move to Make Now: Sign a veteran offensive tackle

A team in the Patriots’ shoes typically needs to just let their young players play. The season is not going to end in a playoff berth, and the Patriots need to develop their future contributors. But the offensive tackle position is a little bit different, and the Patriots need to find some alternatives. Maye was pressured on 47.8 percent of his dropbacks, per NFL Pro.

To make matters worse, Vederian Lowe had a critical illegal formation penalty that wiped out a conversion on third-and-eight that swung the momentum of the game. There are several flawed veterans who remain unsigned. David Bakhtiari, Donovan Smith and Charles Leno highlight the names. Giving their agents a call to see if they are healthy and in shape would be a good idea.

2025 Free Agency: WR Amari Cooper, Buffalo Bills

The Patriots have a lot of interesting young weapons for Drake Maye. It’s nice to have pass-catchers who can grow alongside their young quarterback. It’s also nice to have at least one veteran who can lead the receiver room and still put up No. 1 receiver production.

Amari Cooper is still capable of doing that for a team. It’s likely why the Bills made the move to trade for him at the deadline. However, the Patriots are going to have deep pockets available once free agency starts. They could lure him away from their division rival with a lucrative deal that could help the offense take a step forward.

2025 NFL Draft: CB Will Johnson, Michigan

The Patriots are in pretty good shape as far as the draft is concerned. Their recent winning has taken them out of contention for the No. 1 pick, but there’s a good chance they still wind up picking in the top 10. If that’s the case, they will have a good opportunity to either draft a lineman or a defensive playmaker.

Will Johnson would certainly qualify. Drafting him to play across from Christian Gonzalez would give the Patriots the foundation for a strong secondary for years to come.

“Will Johnson projects as one of the top cornerbacks in this year’s draft, with the potential to be an impact player early in his NFL career,” Cory Giddings wrote in his scouting report. “His combination of size, length, physicality and versatility in coverage make him a valuable asset for any defensive scheme.”

The New Orleans Saints have won two in a row under interim head coach Darren Rizzi. Sunday’s 35-14 victory was a convincing one that showcased some offensive creativity and the playmaking ability of tight end Taysom Hill (8 catches, 50 receiving yards, 138 rushing yards, 3 TDs).

At 4-7, the Saints probably can’t climb back into the playoff picture this season. However, they’re showing that if they’re forced to rebuild in the offseason, they won’t necessarily need to rebuild the roster from scratch.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Center
2. Defensive Tackle
3. Cornerback
4. Offensive Tackle
5. Quarterback

Move to Make Now: Give More Opportunities to Jordan Mims

As we noted last week, the Saints may (and should) think long and hard about seeing what they have in young quarterbacks Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler before the season ends. They should also take a larger look at 25-year-old running back Jordan Mims—though committing to Hill as a full-time running back wouldn’t be a bad idea either.

Mims, who was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster on November 2, has flashed some ability in limited opportunities this season. New Orleans has been searching for a high-end complement to Alvin Kamara, who was recently extended, and Mims deserves an opportunity to audition.

Kendre Miller is on injured reserve again, and Jamaal Williams will probably be a cap casualty in 2025—cutting him would save $2.3 million in cap space.

2025 Free Agency: CB Eric Stokes, Green Bay Packers

New Orleans will need to reload its secondary in the offseason, as Paulson Adebo will be a free agent and Marshon Lattimore has already been traded. It won’t be easy to do in free agency, as the Saints are projected to be $71.5 million over the salary cap.

It could make sense for the Saints to take a flier on Packers corner Eric Stokes. The 2021 first-round pick flashed promise as a rookie, allowing an opposing passer rating of just 71.3 in coverage, but has largely disappointed since. Because he has fallen out of favor in Green Bay, Stokes could end up being a budget-friendly risk-reward free agent in March.

While Stokes hasn’t panned out for the Packers, the 25-year-old still possesses the physical traits that made him a coveted prospect a few short years ago.

2025 NFL Draft: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

Derek Carr isn’t the long-term solution for the Saints, and he could be gone after this season—releasing him with a post-June 1 designation would save $30 million in 2025 cap space.

New Orleans should already have one eye on the 2025 quarterback class, and the Scouting Department recently mocked Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders to the Saints.

“The Saints need to hit factory reset,” Parson said. “Sanders would add to an offense that is not devoid of playmakers but lacks an accurate point guard/distributor under center.”

Sanders would be a terrific fit alongside Kamara, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. New Orleans’ ability to land him, though, could hinge on their next head-coaching hire. Colorado head coach—and Shedeur’s father—Deion Sanders recently told FS1’s Speakthat he would “step in” if the quarterback appears headed to a bad situation via the draft.

The Week 9 win over the Houston Texans felt like it could have been a turning point for the Jets as they tried to revive their playoff hopes.

Turns out…it wasn’t.

The Jets followed up last week’s 31-6 lopsided loss with a more heart-breaking variety against the Indianapolis Colts. The Jets defense had no answers for the Colts offense as Anthony Richardson marched Indianapolis 70 yards on six plays to score the game-winning touchdown.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Safety
2. Interior Defensive Line
3. Tight End
4. Edge-Rusher
5. Cornerback

Move to Make Now: Give Leonard Taylor III more snaps

The Jets primarily play Quinnen Williams and Javon Kinlaw on the inside. Leonard Taylor III, Eric Watts and Bruce Hector have been getting some run as rotational players.

Moving beyond 2024, it’s unclear whether Kinlaw will remain with the team. He’s a free agent and Robert Saleh, who coached him in San Francisco, is no longer the coach. Taylor is an undrafted free agent who was once considered a Day 1 or 2 pick when he was at Miami. He had two tackles for loss on Sunday and should get an extended look the rest of the season.

2025 Free Agency: EDGE Azeez Ojulari, New York Giants

The Jets are among the league leaders in pressure percentage, so the pass rush isn’t the issue right now. However, Haason Reddick has a lot to do with those numbers, and he’s set to become a free agent after the season. After his lengthy holdout, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him leave the Jets.

That might be to New York’s benefit if they use the money they would save by letting him walk on a younger option like Azeez Ojulari. The 24-year-old is putting together a strong season with the Giants, but they are already paying Brian Burns and will have to pay Kayvon Thibodeaux.

2025 NFL Draft: CB/WR Travis Hunter, Colorado

The Jets have a lot of things to figure out, but they’re also in a good position to take the best player available with their first pick. Travis Hunter represents one of the best players in the draft class regardless of position. While Hunter could carve out a role as a wide receiver in the league, his best projection might be at cornerback where he could be a premier cover man.

As an added bonus for New York, Hunter has become accustomed to playing under the spotlight. The New York media market has not been kind to previous high draft picks, and it takes a certain kind of player to thrive there. Hunter already embraces the media spotlight of playing for head coach Deion Sanders. Playing in the Big Apple shouldn’t be a problem.

While some other teams may be in worse shape than the New York Giants, it might not feel that way for head coach Brian Daboll. His squad entered the bye on a five-game losing streak and just blew an overtime game against the Panthers.

Daboll may be on the hot seat less than two years after leading New York to a playoff victory. Even if the Giants decide to retain their head coach, big changes should be coming in the offseason.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Quarterback
2. Cornerback
3. Guard
4. Defensive Tackle
5. Center

Move to Make Now: Bench QB Daniel Jones

The Giants have had ample time to determine that Daniel Jones isn’t the long-term answer at the game’s most important position. He played well enough during the 2022 playoff run but hasn’t really grown as a signal-caller since being drafted in 2019.

The Giants can get out from under Jones’ contract in the offseason, though general manager Joe Schoen insists that any quarterback change won’t be contract-related.

“It will be a football decision,” Schoen said, per SNY’s Ben Krimmel.

There’s simply no way that New York can ignore Jones’ contract, however. The Giants can save $30.5 million by releasing the quarterback with a post-June 1 designation. $23 million of his 2025 salary is guaranteed for injury, though, and the last thing New York can afford is to lock in that money by getting Jones hurt in a meaningless game.

2025 Free Agency: WR Keenan Allen, Chicago Bears

There’s a good chance that New York will target its next quarterback of the future in the 2025 draft. While rookie Malik Nabers is filling the No. 1 receiver role well, the Giants could still afford to bolster their receiver room.

The Bears added Keenan Allen this past offseason to provide a security blanket for Caleb Williams. While the veteran receiver hasn’t produced eye-catching numbers in Chicago, he has added a veteran presence to the locker room.

Allen could do the same for the Giants, possibly at a team-friendly price point.

2025 NFL Draft: QB Cam Ward, Miami

When the Giants hired Daboll away from Buffalo, the hope was that he’d transform Jones into the next Josh Allen. Things didn’t unfold that way. If Daboll remains the head coach, he should be very intrigued by Miami quarterback Cam Ward.

The top-ranked signal-caller on the Scouting Department’s early draft board, Ward has a combination of size (6’2″, 225 lbs), mobility and arm talent that could allow Daboll to do some of the same things he did with Allen.

“The combination of arm talent, mobility/athleticism, and accuracy is growing among NFL scouts.,” Parson wrote. “…He has superstar potential if he can cut down on mistakes/risky decisions.”

If the Giants continue trending toward a top-five draft pick, Ward must be firmly on their radar.

(Previous Week’s Selections: WR Tutu Atwell, OT Cameron Williams)

Two years ago, the Philadelphia Eagles were one of the most dominant teams in the NFL and came within a few plays of winning the Super Bowl. This year’s squad might be even better than that team.

The Eagles have been on fire since their bye. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has his unit clicking, while Saquon Barkley has been a difference-maker on offense. Though Philly struggled early against a good Washington Commanders team on Thursday, a victory felt inevitable.

A deep postseason run feels inevitable too.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. 3rd Wide Receiver
2. Edge-Rusher
3. Safety
4. Offensive Line Depth

Move to Make Now: Give Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith More Opportunities

Offensively, the Eagles’ biggest issue remains their lack of a reliable third receiver. Trade acquisition Jahan Dotson hasn’t been the answer. Unless Howie Roseman is willing to sign a free agent like Michael Thomas or Hunter Renfrow, he needs to look within for a solution.

Specifically, the Eagles need to see if rookie receivers Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson can help fill the void. Both have been on the field recently, but neither has played a prominent role.

Smith played just six offensive snaps in Week 11, while Wilson played 13.

2025 Free Agency: G Trey Smith, Kansas City Chiefs

Left tackle Jordan Mailata (hamstring) returned to the lineup on Thursday, meaning Philly’s offensive line is in good shape for now. Depth is always important, though, and the Eagles could be in the guard market in the spring.

Mekhi Becton is scheduled to be a free agent.

The Eagles may simply keep Becton, who has been a pleasant surprise since converting from tackle to guard. If they don’t, Chiefs guard Trey Smith should be at the top of the wish list. He’s a Pro Bowl-caliber right guard who will turn just 26 in June.

2025 NFL Draft: WR Tre Harris, Ole Miss

Roseman targeted the defense with his first three 2024 draft selections. He may turn to the other side of the ball to kick off the 2025 draft. Mississippi’s Tre Harris would represent a luxury pick for the Eagles, but he would also make sense.

Like current No. 1 receiver A.J. Brown, Harris is a big (6’3, 210 lbs), physical, possession receiver who could create mismatches on the perimeter. Playing him opposite Brown would allow the smaller, quicker DeVonta Smith to operate more frequently in the slot.

While Harris has missed time with a lower-body injury, he’s had elite production when healthy (987 yards, 6 TDs in 7 games). Drafting him would allow Roseman to add a potent third receiver on a team-friendly rookie contract.

By the time Harris would be extension-eligible, Brown will be approaching 31 with just two years left on his contract.

(Previous Week’s Selections: WR Michael Thomas, TE Tyler Conklin, S Dante Trader Jr.)

The AFC North has a lot of fun rivalries, but there’s something particularly fun about the smashmouth matchup of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. The matchup continued to be fun for the Steelers faithful as Pittsburgh bested the Ravens 18-16 at home.

The win gave the Steelers their eighth win over the Ravens since 2020. They are now 8-1 in their last nine meetings. Regardless, this one was bigger than most as it puts the Steelers in the driver’s seat for AFC North supremacy and showed they aren’t a team you want to see in the postseason.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Offensive Tackle
2. Interior Offensive Line
3. Wide Receiver
4. Cornerback
5. Interior Defensive Line

Move to Make Now: Remember that Mike Williams is on the team

Remember when Mike Williams scored the game-winning touchdown against the Washington Commanders? Apparently Arthur Smith doesn’t.

The Steelers’ newest receiver caught the game-winner last week but was a non-factor in this week’s game. The 6’5″ Williams is an ideal receiver to pair with Russell Wilson because of his ability to go up and get 50-50 balls. Yet, the Steelers played him just 25 snaps and didn’t target him once.

2025 Free Agency: QB Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers

The offense looked functional with Justin Fields at quarterback early in the year. The younger Fields operated the offense to the point that it didn’t hurt the team’s chances to win while Wilson was recovering from a hamstring injury.

Since Wilson’s return, the Steelers offense has looked good. Wilson didn’t put up huge numbers against the Ravens, but he’s been the ideal quarterback for Arthur Smith’s offense. He had six touchdowns to one interception and a 105.9 passer rating going into Sunday. That’s enough to show that he should at least get one more year as the starter and a potential mentor for a rookie quarterback in 2025.

2025 NFL Draft: DL Landon Jackson, Arkansas

Landon Jackson just feels like a Steeler. He’s a high-ceiling 3-4 defensive end with a massive 6’7″, 280-pound frame that he uses well to create separation with opposing blockers. The Steelers have enjoyed a solid veteran-led defensive line for years now. Cam Heyward specifically has been a mainstay, but he’s 35 years old and won’t be able to play forever.

The Steelers could guarantee a tough defensive line for years to come by pairing Jackson with nose tackle Keeanu Benton.

(Previous Week’s Selections: CB Byron Murphy, WR Tre Harris)

Injuries have been a problem for the San Francisco 49ers throughout the 2024 season, but the lack of offensive rhythm or a reliable defense was the biggest issue in Week 11.

Yes, pass-rusher Nick Bosa exited after appearing to aggravate his hip injury. However, Bosa’s absence alone wasn’t responsible for scoring just 17 points or for coughing up two touchdowns over the Seattle Seahawks’ final three possessions.

San Francisco can still make the postseason, but unless it finds a way to reload and refocus in the offseason, the team’s Super Bowl window may be closing.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Defensive Tackle
2. Center
3. Cornerback
4. Edge Depth
5. Linebacker Depth

Move to Make Now: Sign Xavien Howard

With Christian McCaffrey back and Dre Greenlaw still expected to return from a torn Achilles at some point in 2024, the 49ers have few needs they can address in post-trade deadline free agency.

San Francisco should, however, kick the tires on cornerback Xavien Howard. The 31-year-old started 13 games for Miami last season and recently had a workout with the Bengals—though he ultimately didn’t sign.

The 49ers’ pass defense has been more good than great this season, and adding experienced cornerback depth ahead of the playoff push would be far from a bad idea.

2025 Free Agency: CB Donte Jackson, Pittsburgh Steelers

Standout cornerback Charvarius Ward is set to be a free agent in the spring. While it would make sense for San Francisco to retain the 28-year-old, John Lynch may choose to go in a different direction.

Affording Ward could be an issue. San Francisco is projected to have $43 million in cap space, but it may be eyeing an extension with quarterback Brock Purdy.

If the 49ers move off of Ward, Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson should be a top target. He recently turned 29 and experienced some up-and-down play with the Panthers, which could make him more of a budget-friendly option.

However, Jackson has been fantastic since arriving in Pittsburgh via an offseason trade.

2025 NFL Draft: IOL Tyler Booker, Alabama

Lynch should already be doing his homework on next year’s crop of interior linemen. Aaron Banks and Jon Feliciano are set to be 2025 free agents, and the 49ers could look to move off of center Jake Brendel given his struggles this season.

Alabama’s Tyler Booker could be the first interior lineman off the board in April, and he may well fall outside of San Francisco’s draft range. If he can be had, though, he’d be a terrific addition to San Francisco’s physical offensive front.

“Overall, Booker is a powerfully built guard with commanding play strength, power, and a tone-setting demeanor who can get manipulated out of position when isolated against high-end rushers but will solidify the pocket against the bull-rush and dish out body blows as a finisher,” Thorn wrote.

(Previous Week’s Selections: DT B.J. Hill, CB Jahdae Barron)

The Seahawks had a rough couple of weeks before entering their Week 10 bye, and they came out of the break showing the sort of no-quit attitude that could make them dangerous over the final seven weeks.

Geno Smith ran for the go-ahead touchdown with just 12 seconds remaining, ensuring Seattle didn’t waste a big day from Jaxon Smith-Njigba (10 catches, 110 yards) or one of the Seahawks’ better defensive performances of the season.

Now back to .500, Seattle is poised to make some noise down the stretch. It also has some solid foundational pieces on which rookie head coach Mike Macdonald can build.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Right Tackle
2. Guard
3. Defensive Tackle
4. Linebacker
5. 2nd Cornerback

Move to Make Now: Keep Expanding Tyrice Knight’s Role

Seattle’s biggest needs are along the offensive line, but there are no quick fixes for the issue. The Seahawks will likely continue tinkering with the rotation and scour other teams’ practice squads for reinforcements.

In the meantime, head coach Mike Macdonald should look to give an expanded role to rookie linebacker and Tyrice Knight. The Texas-El Paso product had appeared in eight games but had played just 23 percent of the defensive snaps entering Week 11. He was handed a starting role, though, after Seattle decided to release Tyrel Dodson.

“It was the best thing for us to move forward that way, give the other guys in the room an opportunity to step up,” Macdonald said, per ESPN’s Brady Henderson.

Macdonald should continue increasing Knight’s responsibilities in order to discover exactly what he has in the rookie—who had 10 combined tackles on Sunday—ahead of the 2025 offseason.

2025 Free Agency: CB Jonathan Jones, New England Patriots

Seattle should look to bolster its secondary in free agency, though chasing a premium position like cornerback will be difficult. The Seahawks are currently projected to be $15.4 million over the salary cap, meaning top corners like Charvarius Ward and D.J. Reed are probably off the table.

31-year-old Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones might be available at a much more team-friendly price point. While the nine-year veteran has struggled more than usual this season, he’s been a dependable cover man in the past.

In 2022, for example, Jones started 16 games for New England and allowed an opposing passer rating of just 73.0.

There’s obviously no guarantee Jones will return to his previous form, but he’d fit financially. Until/unless John Schneider creates some additional cap space, Seattle will be limited to budget free-agent options.

2025 NFL Draft: OL Donovan Jackson, Ohio State

Because of Seattle’s cap situation, reloading the offensive line through the draft might be the team’s best bet. That will likely mean using multiple picks on blockers, and Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson should be creeping onto the team’s radar.

A likely NFL guard, Jackson was thrust into the left tackle role against Penn State in early November and fared well.

“Jackson’s underlying analytics weren’t perfect, but he proved his versatility and showed he won’t shy away from the toughest challenges, no matter where he’s aligned,” Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler wrote. “His performance spoke volumes.”

Seattle has its left tackle in Charles Cross, but any lineman who can start at guard and provide additional depth along the line should draw interest in the spring.

(Previous Week’s Selections: OT Devin Cochran, DT Osa Odighizuwa, OL Jonah Savaiinaea)

The bye week came at exactly the right time for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Injuries have been a major issue throughout the 2024 season, and the bye provided a temporary reprieve from Tampa’s four-game losing streak.

The bye also provides some extra recovery time to Tristan Wirfs (knee) and Mike Evans (hamstring).

With games against the Giants, Panthers and Raiders upcoming, Tampa has a chance to jump right back into the playoff picture.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Wide Receiver
2. Edge-Rusher
3. Defensive Tackle
4. Tight End
5. Guard

Move to Make Now: Get Jalen McMillan More Involved

While Evans may be on the mend, fellow receiver Chris Godwin (dislocated ankle) is out for the season. Offensive coordinator Liam Coen has done a great job of adapting, and he now needs to utilize rookie receiver Jalen McMillan more.

The third-round pick out of Washington missed Week 9 with a hamstring injury and, while active, didn’t see any snaps in Week 10. He’s been used sparingly this season, earning just 22 targets in six games.

The Bucs need to get McMillan more involved—they need the receiver help. They also need to see exactly what they have in the rookie, because Godwin could potentially depart in 2025 free agency.

2025 Free Agency: CB Kristian Fulton, Los Angeles Chargers

In the post-Tom Brady era, general manager Jason Licht has done a wonderful job of balancing veteran talent with young up-and-coming players. We can expect Licht to prioritize youth on the open market while continuing to build for the future.

Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton won’t turn 27 until next September, and he’s having a terrific season in his first year under Jim Harbaugh.

Before missing time with a hamstring injury, Fulton appeared in L.A.’s first seven games with six starts. During that early span, he allowed an opposing passer rating of only 59.5 in coverage.

2025 NFL Draft: CB Mansoor Delane, Virginia Tech

Even with the injuries, finding offense hasn’t been a problem with Coen and quarterback Baker Mayfield running the show. However, defense has been an issue in 2024, and the Bucs entered Week 11 ranked 31st in passing yards allowed and 30th in passing touchdowns allowed.

Tampa may opt to target multiple cornerbacks in the offseason, as the Lions did this past spring. Detroit acquired Carlton Davis from the Buccaneers before using its first two draft picks on Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. The Bucs could sign a corner like Fulton and then draft a corner like Virginia Tech’s Mansoor Delane.

“His fluidity in coverage, combined with his competitive nature and athleticism, makes him a valuable piece in both man and zone schemes,” Giddings wrote of Delane.

Delane’s versatility could make him an ideal addition to a Todd Bowles defense that regularly uses subpackages.

(Previous Week’s Selections: EDGE Dante Fowler Jr., G Donovan Jackson)

If the rest of the season is an open audition for Will Levis to be this team’s quarterback moving forward, then Week 11’s game should actually be considered a positive for him. Yes, the Titans only managed 13 points and picked up their eighth loss of the season.

However, he connected with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine on a 98-yard touchdown and ended the day with 295 passing yards. Considering what the Vikings defense has done to most of the quarterbacks it has faced, there are some real positives in Levis’ performance.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Right Tackle
2. Interior Defensive Line
3. Tight End
4. Quarterback
5. Wide Receiver

Move to Make Now: Make Isaiah Prince the Starting Right Tackle (as long as he moves up)

Isaiah Prince was a source of major frustration on Sunday. He found his way to the bench after drawing three illegal formation penalties that kept the Titans from finding their stride on offense.

Unfortunately, that put Nicholas Petit Frere back in the lineup. That’s not good news for anybody, as he has struggled all season and has a 52.4 PFF grade on the year.

2025 Free Agency: WR Diontae Johnson, Baltimore Ravens

Whether it’s Will Levis or another quarterback in 2025, the Titans are going to need to find some help for their signal-caller next season. Trading away DeAndre Hopkins was a shrewd move for a rebuilding team that didn’t have hope of competing this season.

However, the Titans need someone other than Calvin Ridley to consistently threaten defenses. Brian Callahan has seen what Diontae Johnson is capable of from watching Johnson work for the Steelers when Callahan was with the Bengals. The veteran receiver was the third-ranked receiver on Kris Knox’s free agent big board and would provide support for Ridley and the quarterback.

2025 NFL Draft: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

You hate to see a team give up on a quarterback after two years, but it’s in play for Will Levis and the Tennessee Titans. Brian Callahan wasn’t around when they drafted the former Kentucky quarterback, and he’s had some tough moments this season. If the Titans find themselves picking in the top five, it would make sense that they might pivot from Levis at quarterback.

One of the few prospects who could make them think about it is Shedeur Sanders. If the son of Deion plans on pulling an Eli Manning to ensure he’s in a big market, then Tennessee might be out of the running, but the Titans have to at least consider drafting him. His ability to win inside and outside the pocket and his experience playing behind a struggling offensive line could prepare him for life right now in Tennessee.

(Previous Week’s Selections: CB Nate Hobbs, WR Tez Johnson)

The Commanders have lost two in a row, but the real concern is how disjointed their offense appeared on Thursday night. The Eagles defense deserves credit, of course, but Jayden Daniels’ inability to find open receivers was a massive problem.

This is still a good team—a far better one than anyone anticipated before the season—but if defenses have caught up to Daniels and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, Washington will have to battle through its final six games.

Biggest Weaknesses:

1. Defensive Tackle
2. Offensive Tackle
3. Wide Receiver
4. Free Safety
5. Cornerback

Move to Make Now: Sign WR Michael Thomas

Terry McLaurin is a terrific receiver, but the depth behind him remains questionable at best. The Eagles did a great job of limiting McLaurin on Thursday, and Commanders wideouts finished with just four combined receptions.

There’s room to add a receiver before the stretch run, and Michael Thomas is the top perimeter pass-catcher still available. The 31-year-old is past his prime but showed last season that he can still contribute.

In 10 games with the Saints, Thomas caught 39 passes for 448 yards and a touchdown.

2025 Free Agency: DT Osa Odighizuwa, Dallas Cowboys

Washington’s defense has shown growth under Dan Quinn this year, and the trade for Marshon Lattimore should help shore up the back end. However, the Commanders still need to improve a run defense that has surrendered an average of 5.0 yards per carry this season.

Quinn could add another familiar face to his defense by poaching Osa Odighizuwa away from his former team. Quinn was quick to add former Cowboys Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong this past offseason.

While Odighizuwa isn’t the biggest name on Dallas’ defense, he’s quietly been one of the team’s most reliable players. He’s started consistently since his 2021 rookie season and has been credited with only eight missed tackles over the last three years.

Odighizuwa won’t turn 27 until August.

2025 NFL Draft: LB Jalon Walker, Georgia

As we noted last week, linebackers Bobby Wagner, Nick Bellor and Mykal Walker are all scheduled to be free agents in 2025. So is Fowler, who currently leads Washington with 8.5 sacks.

Drafting Georgia standout Jalon Walker could give Quinn the sort of hybrid linebacker-edge he used to coach in Micah Parsons—though actually expecting any rookie to reach Parson’s level would be unfair.

“The Bulldog is a high-ceiling but low-floor type of player,” Holder wrote. “His potential is enormous, as he could be a versatile defender who impacts the game in several ways, but he also runs the risk of struggling to find a true position in the NFL.”

The 6’2″, 245-pound Walker certainly carries some boom-or-bust potential, but Quinn has a track record of getting the most out of hybrid defenders like Parsons and former Cowboys safety-linebacker Jayron Kearse.