Every NFL team’s biggest need entering Week 13: How AFC playoff contenders overcome injuries to star players

At this point in the season, no one is healthy. There have been more injuries to starting quarterbacks this season than years prior, which puts stress on teams to find other ways to arrive at victory. 

Some of the notable names added to injured reserve this week include Texans offensive tackle Tytus Howard, Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Jagaurs offensive tackle Cam Robinson, Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore.

With that in mind, here is a look at the most pressing positional needs for every NFL team:

AFC

Projected key free agents: DT D.J. Reader, WR Tee Higgins, WR Tyler Boyd, OT Jonah Williams, CB Chidobe Awuzie

When it was learned that Joe Burrow was lost for the season, it felt as though the fans and franchise collectively gave up on the season. They will turn to Jake Browning, who has attempted 41 passes in his NFL career. 

The franchise has invested significant resources into the offensive line over the past two offseasons, but still has positions to fill before Burrow can feel secure. The unit has not played up to expectations as it is allowing pressure, on average, in 2.33 seconds, according to TruMedia; the second-worst margin in the league.

The Bengals are allowing 249.6 passing yards per game, which is the seventh-most in the NFL. They put a lot of faith in a young cornerback room that has understandably seen its share of ups-and-downs this season. 

Bills: Cornerback

Cornerback Tre’Davious White is done for the season with an Achilles injury. Kaiir Elam was added to injured reserve on Nov. 2 with an ankle injury. The Bills acquired Rasul Douglas from Green Bay, but Green Bay had already been looking for a reason to put rookie Carrington Valentine in the starting lineup. Christian Benford and Taron Johnson round out the Bills’ secondary. 

The backbone of Buffalo’s defense has been a…

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Author : Josh Edwards

Publish date : 2023-12-01 15:04:12

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