What could go wrong? The Lions’ defense stands out as one of the six most flawed units in the playoffs.
With the 2024 regular season concluded, 14 NFL teams are vying for the coveted Super Bowl title. Only one team will finish the postseason unscathed, while the other 13 may succumb to their weaknesses.
FOX Sports has pinpointed the most “questionable” units—offense, defense, and special teams—among this year’s playoff contenders, which could hinder their chances for a successful playoff run.
Here are the top six units that raise eyebrows:
Houston Texans offense
The Texans’ offense is a primary reason many predict they will exit the playoffs early.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud has faced challenges, marking a decline from his impressive rookie campaign. Compounding these issues, the offensive line has struggled in both the running and passing game. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s playcalling has come under scrutiny, raising doubts about his future in Houston. Additionally, the absence of two of their top three receivers, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, who are sidelined with torn ACLs, has further weakened their offensive capabilities.
The Texans ranked below average in several offensive categories during the regular season, including scoring (19th), total offense (22nd), and total touchdowns (35). They also struggled with EPA per play (20th) and allowed a high pressure rate (28th).
Pittsburgh Steelers offense
The Steelers’ offense, led by quarterback Russell Wilson, has spiraled downward in the season’s final month, raising concerns about their playoff prospects. During their last four games, they scored fewer than 20 points each time and committed six turnovers. Wilson’s passer rating also declined across these outings.
Aside from receiver George Pickens, the Steelers lack a significant threat in their passing game, which faltered when Pickens missed three games due to a hamstring injury. While Pittsburgh ranks 11th in rushing offense with 127.4 yards per game, their efficiency is lacking, tying for 20th in yards per attempt and 25th in rushing EPA per play, according to Next Gen Stats.
Detroit Lions defense
The Lions’ defense has been significantly impacted by injuries this season, affecting a team that many viewed as a Super Bowl contender at the outset. Key players like edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, and cornerback Carlton Davis have been ruled out for the season. Although Hutchinson has hinted at a potential return for the Super Bowl if the Lions advance, the overall defensive unit has been weakened.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has done well with the available talent, notably holding the Vikings to just nine points in Week 18, which secured the NFC North title and a first-round bye. However, the lack of depth and talent may prove too great to overcome in the playoffs.
To generate pressure, the Lions have relied heavily on blitzing, maintaining a 37.1% blitz rate—the second highest in the NFL. Unfortunately, this has led to vulnerabilities in their pass defense, resulting in a 30th ranking in total pass defense, allowing 244.0 passing yards per game in 2024.
Washington Commanders defense
Despite having a defensive-minded coach in Dan Quinn, the Commanders have been mediocre in most defensive metrics this season. They finished 18th in points allowed, 15th on third downs, and 22nd in red zone efficiency. Their EPA allowed per play ranks tied for 17th, while their pressure rate stands at 17th.
Washington’s run defense has been particularly inconsistent, which could pose a significant challenge in the playoffs where stopping the run is critical. They allowed an alarming 162.3 rushing yards per game during the last three weeks of the regular season.
Buffalo Bills special teams
The Bills struggled on special teams, being one of only six teams to allow a kickoff return touchdown during the regular season. They ranked fifth-worst in the league, allowing an average of 30.8 yards per kick return.
Buffalo also tied for 22nd in yards allowed per punt at 48.0. Overall, they finished the season ranked 28th in special teams DVOA, a statistic that evaluates performance against the league average while considering situational factors and opponent quality, as reported by FTN Data.
Minnesota Vikings special teams
The Vikings also faced challenges in special teams, ranking 20th in yards allowed per kickoff return at 28.5 and 25th in yards allowed per punt at 48.4 in 2024. Similar to the Bills, they found themselves among the NFL’s least effective special teams units, finishing at 27th in DVOA, according to FTN.
