As the 2025 regular season enters its final stretch, several NFL teams find themselves at a crossroads. With just six weeks left before the playoffs (or the end of a lost season), these units need to make serious adjustments — or risk watching their chances slip away. According to NFL columnist Jeffri Chadiha, here are six key units that must ‘wake up’ now.
1. Eagles Passing Game
The Philadelphia Eagles’ aerial attack has sputtered at the worst possible time. In their loss to Dallas, the offense collapsed in the second half — five punts, a missed field goal, and a fumble.
Jalen Hurts had decent numbers (27 of 39 for 289 yards), but the team’s inability to sustain drives killed momentum.
Saquon Barkley was largely ineffective on the ground (22 yards on 10 carries), which made the passing game even more crucial.
Complicating things is the injury to right tackle Lane Johnson, which has likely impacted pass protection.
If the Eagles’ passing game doesn’t revive, their Super Bowl window could close fast.
2. Cowboys Defense
Dallas’ defense has shown signs of life after earlier struggles. They’ve tightened up recently, but consistency remains a problem.
Early in the season, they gave up 30+ points in five of eight games, but they’ve improved.
Key offseason additions (e.g., Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson) are starting to pay off, but the defense still needs to deliver in big moments.
If Dallas wants to make a real playoff push, this defense has to be more than just “okay.”
3. Bills Run Defense
Buffalo’s biggest vulnerability this season has been its inability to stop the run. That’s a red flag with the playoffs in sight.
They came into Week 12 ranked 30th in rushing yards allowed, giving up far too many big ground games.
In at least five games, they’ve allowed 189+ rushing yards, and in three games, over 200.
When opponents run effectively, Buffalo is forced to lean on Josh Allen and the passing game, which isn’t always sustainable under pressure.
To salvage their season, the Bills have to shore up this major defensive weakness — or risk being exposed come January.
4. Chiefs Defense
Kansas City’s defense hasn’t been living up to expectations, particularly in its pass-rush and pressure creation.
They’ve struggled to generate consistent pressure. Their defensive line hasn’t been efficient, and blitzing hasn’t worked as planned.
While they had a strong game against Indianapolis, those flashes haven’t translated into sustained dominance.
With Patrick Mahomes doing his thing on offense, the defense can’t just be serviceable; they need to be a difference maker.
If KC wants to make noise in the postseason, this defense needs to start winning the hidden wars.
5. Packers Offense
Green Bay’s offense is dangerously inconsistent — a problem that could derail their push down the stretch.
They’ve now gone three straight games without clearing 300 total yards.
Jordan Love hasn’t thrown for more than 176 yards since early November, indicating a stalled passing attack.
Their offense is further weakened by injuries: tight end Tucker Kraft is out for the season, and help from Josh Jacobs and Jayden Reed is still needed.
Green Bay’s playoff hopes hinge on this unit finding rhythm — and fast.
6. Steelers Offense
Pittsburgh’s offense is in a precarious spot, made worse by their aging quarterback and lack of playmakers.
Aaron Rodgers, if he returns, is expected to lead them — but his wrist injury is a real concern.
In his absence, Mason Rudolph has been unreliable, and the offense hasn’t looked like a serious threat.
The run game is weak, the defense has declined, and Rodgers doesn’t have a ton of weapons (especially in the passing game).
If the Steelers want to stay in the playoff race, they need Rodgers back and hitting his stride, because everything else is fragile.
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Why This Matters
Each of these units represents a make-or-break point for their team’s season.
With only six games left, there’s no time for extended experimentation — teams need immediate fixes.
If they don’t improve, what seemed like a promising run could easily collapse when it matters most.
Wake-Up Call Time: These 6 Teams Can’t Afford to Sleep Through the Final Stretch
