NFL
Find out which holes NFL teams need to patch up before the season starts
As the preseason ends, NFL teams are finalizing the latest details of what their rosters will look like for the upcoming season.
![As the preseason ends, NFL teams are finalizing the latest details of what their rosters will look like for the upcoming season.](https://img.asmedia.epimg.net/resizer/v2/4DDEI4XPYAQ5HP2HIH47RXSXGY.jpg?auth=3ad57d4132027f916cb7c336a28172b74ba13af2c90f331f28454ebf99bc7884&width=360&height=203&smart=true)
As the NFL regular season approaches, teams are making final roster adjustments to solidify their chances of a successful campaign. Here’s an in-depth look at the most critical needs each of the 32 NFL teams must address.
Check out the biggest fixes NFL teams need to make before the regular season begins.
AFC East
1. Buffalo Bills:
Running Back: The Bills need a more consistent ground game to complement Josh Allen and relieve some of the pressure on their star quarterback.
2. Miami Dolphins:
Linebacker: Adding depth and versatility at linebacker could help the Dolphins shore up their defense, especially against the run.
3. New England Patriots:
Wide Receiver: The Patriots need more playmakers on the outside to give Drake Maye a better chance to develop and thrive in the offense.
4. New York Jets:
Offensive Line: Protecting Aaron Rodgers is paramount. The Jets need to ensure they have a solid offensive line, especially given some injury concerns.
AFC North
5. Baltimore Ravens:
Wide Receiver: Even with offseason additions, the Ravens’ wide receiver group needs to step up to give Lamar Jackson more reliable targets.
6. Cincinnati Bengals:
Secondary: The Bengals need to address their secondary, particularly at cornerback, after losing key players in free agency.
7. Cleveland Browns:
Linebacker: The Browns need to solidify their linebacking corps to strengthen their run defense and provide better coverage in the middle of the field.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
Offensive Line: Protecting Russell Wilson is crucial. The Steelers need to upgrade their offensive line to help him and the running game.
AFC South
9. Houston Texans
Quarterback: With C.J. Stroud likely to start, the Texans need to ensure they have a solid backup plan in case of injury or struggles.
10. Indianapolis Colts
Offensive Line: After a disappointing season, the Colts need to rebuild their offensive line to protect their young quarterback, Anthony Richardson.
11. Jacksonville Jaguars
Defensive Line: The Jaguars need to improve their pass rush and run defense, making the defensive line a key area of focus.
12. Tennessee Titans
Wide Receiver: The Titans need more reliable targets for Ryan Tannehill or Will Levis to diversify their offense and complement Derrick Henry.
AFC West
13. Denver Broncos
Offensive Line: Russell Wilson needs better protection if he’s going to bounce back this season. The Broncos must upgrade their offensive line.
14. Kansas City Chiefs
Wide Receiver Depth: The Chiefs need to establish more reliable wide receiver depth to support Patrick Mahomes, especially after losing key players in recent years.
15. Las Vegas Raiders
Secondary: The Raiders must address their secondary, particularly at cornerback, to better compete against the high-powered offenses in their division.
16. Los Angeles Chargers
Defensive Line: The Chargers need more consistency and depth on the defensive line to improve their run defense and pass rush.
NFC East
17. Dallas Cowboys
Offensive Line: The Cowboys must ensure their offensive line remains strong to protect Dak Prescott and support the running game.
18. New York Giants
Wide Receiver: Daniel Jones needs more playmakers on the outside to build on his improved performance from last season.
19. Philadelphia Eagles
Linebacker: The Eagles need to address their linebacker depth to maintain their defensive dominance and provide more stability.
20. Washington Commanders
Quarterback: With questions surrounding Jayden Daniels if he will fit, the Commanders need a reliable backup option or potentially a more established starter.
NFC North
21. Chicago Bears
Defensive Line: The Bears need to improve their pass rush and run defense, making the defensive line a critical area to address.
22. Detroit Lions
Cornerback: The Lions need to solidify their secondary, particularly at cornerback, to compete in the pass-heavy NFC North.
23. Green Bay Packers
Wide Receiver/Tight End: Jordan Love needs more reliable targets at wide receiver and tight end to support his development as a starter.
24. Minnesota Vikings
Cornerback: The Vikings need to address their secondary to improve their pass defense, which was a weakness last season.
NFC South
25. Atlanta Falcons
Quarterback: The Falcons veteran Kirk Cousins need to determine if he is their long-term answer at quarterback or if they need to bring someone else.
26. Carolina Panthers
Wide Receiver: Bryce Young will need more reliable targets as he transitions to the NFL, making wide receiver a key position of need.
27. New Orleans Saints
Defensive Line: The Saints need to bolster their defensive line to improve their pass rush and run defense, especially with the loss of key veterans.
28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quarterback: With Tom Brady retired, the Buccaneers addressed their quarterback situation with Baker Mayfield, and they are still finding their footing.
NFC West
29. Arizona Cardinals
Offensive Line: Protecting Kyler Murray is crucial, especially as he returns from injury. The Cardinals need to improve their offensive line.
30. Los Angeles Rams
Offensive Line: The Rams need to rebuild their offensive line to protect Matthew Stafford and help the running game, which struggled last season.
31. San Francisco 49ers
Quarterback Depth: While Brock Purdy emerged as a strong option, the 49ers need reliable quarterback depth due to past injuries.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Defensive Line: The Seahawks need to improve their pass rush and run defense, making the defensive line a key area of focus.
As teams prepare for the upcoming NFL season, addressing these critical roster needs will be essential for their success. Whether through trades, free-agent signings, or developing players already on the roster, each team’s ability to fill these gaps will play a significant role in their performance this year.