Identifying every NFC contender's biggest weakness

Green Bay Packers: Micah Parsons’ injury

Parsons had been everything the Packers could have hoped for after acquiring him for two first-round picks in August, registering 12.5 sacks and a league-leading 48 pressures. His absence will not only put more pressure on a defense that has just one other active player with over 2.0 sacks, but also an offense that has turned in its fair share of clunkers this season. 

Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts

The Eagles offense hasn't felt right all season long, whether it be Saquon Barkley seeing his rushing yards per game cut nearly in half or A.J. Brown’s frequent and outspoken dissatisfaction with the gameplan. At the heart of the struggles is Jalen Hurts, whose limitations as a passer have been on full display this season. While his overall efficiency numbers are largely solid, his performance in critical moments this year has been dismal, particularly in failed comeback attempts against the Broncos, Bears and Chargers. The Eagles are a team built to play with a lead, and any situation in which Hurts is forced to push the ball down the field will be an advantage for opponents. 

Chicago Bears: Defense 

With so much attention paid to the development of Caleb Williams, it’s easy to overlook a defense that has been largely mediocre. The Bears rank near the bottom in both passing and rushing yards allowed per game and have only been able to hold their own due to a league-leading turnover rate. That strategy may work against the Browns, but they could run into trouble if they run into a disciplined offense like the Rams or 49ers. 

San Francisco 49ers: Pass rush

This season may be Kyle Shanahan’s best work, as he has willed the 49ers to a 10-4 record despite a series of catastrophic injuries. As brilliant as Shanahan and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh are, however, they may be hard-pressed to overcome a pass rush that has registered a measly 16 sacks this season, six fewer than the next-lowest team. Without any ability to get after the passer, it’s hard to see a pathway to the 49ers slowing down Matthew Stafford, Jordan Love or any of the other great NFC quarterbacks. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Secondary

There are plenty of areas of concern with the spiraling Bucs, who have dropped five of their last six games after a 7-2 start. Yet while the offensive line has been falling apart at the seams, it’s hard not to identify the 30th-ranked pass defense after watching Kirk Cousins light them up on "Thursday Night Football."

Carolina Panthers: Inconsistencies

The Panthers' resume, including upset victories over the Packers and Rams, can go up against any team in the NFL. On the flip side, they also may lead the league in ugly losses, including 30-point defeats to the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills and a sweep at the hands of the last-place New Orleans Saints. You just never know what you are going to get from the Panthers, which makes it difficult to have any confidence in them even if they are able to slip into the playoffs. 

Detroit Lions: Defensive injuries

Much like last year, the Lions' once-solid defense has collapsed down the stretch after suffering a major injury. While last year’s culprit Aiden Hutchinson has stayed healthy, the Lions have not been the same after losing star safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. They have allowed 129 points in their last four games, including a 41-point, 519-yard debacle against the Rams in their first full game without Branch. The Lions likely need to win out to have any chance of the postseason, a nearly impossible task if their defense continues to play like it has in the last month.