5 NFL Teams That Should Be Worried Right Now
Patrick Kelleher
Host · Writer
This article breaks down five teams across the NFL that have a genuine cause for concern the rest of the season heading into Week 9. Can any of these teams figure it out the rest of the way? Is it time for some teams to start worrying about the 2026 NFL Draft? Here are the five teams that should be concerned after Week 8.
Atlanta Falcons
This past week, the Atlanta Falcons were dominated by a lowly Miami Dolphins squad. Atlanta’s defense made Tua Tagovailoa look like he was back at Alabama. Kirk Cousins made his first start of the season and did not look very good at all. If the injury to Michael Penix Jr. is severe enough, the losses are going to start piling up for the Falcons, which could set up a head coaching opening in Atlanta.
Cincinnati Bengals
Sunday’s loss to the Jets felt like the final nail in the coffin for any hopes of salvaging this season and getting Joe Burrow back for a potential playoff run. After holding a two-possession lead for the majority of the second half, their defense took its foot off the gas and suffered a heartbreaking 39-38 loss at the hands of the previously winless New York Jets. The question is, where do the Bengals go from here?
New York Giants
The one thing the Giants have going for them is Jaxson Dart. Dart has looked more than capable of being a franchise guy. The rest of the Giants team feels as uncertain as ever. Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers are both out for the year with injuries, and the defense cannot stop a nose bleed. With this absurd schedule, the losses will inevitably pile up very quickly. It will be hard to convince anyone that this team does not need a new front office and coaching staff by season’s end.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers’ defense continues to get exposed week after week after week. Eight of the 11 starters on defense are 30 or older, and several are locked into long-term contracts. They have now surrendered over 30 points as a unit in four out of their seven contests this season. Even with Aaron Rodgers’s strong resurgence, it is hard for the offense to keep up when the defense is allowing points at the clip they are. Other teams in the division, like the Ravens, smell blood in the water, especially with Lamar Jackson’s return.
Washington Commanders
A hangover from last year’s breakout seemed inevitable for the Washington Commanders, but the injuries that have piled up and the brutal schedule the rest of the way will make it extremely difficult to return to the postseason. Now sitting at 3-5 in a brutal NFC, the Commanders will need almost everything to break their way if they want to salvage the season.
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