New York Jets, Ravens … Eagles? Which team is most miserable after the first five weeks of the campaign?

We have passed the 25% point of the NFL season, which means we have a clear picture of the direction of most teams. So let’s celebrate the teams whose good vibes have disappeared after the fifth week. Note that these might not be the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are generally playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the numbers imply. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 team with no forced turnovers in league history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, mistakes, subpar blocking, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Incredibly the Jets are declining each game. If that wasn’t enough this has been going on for years: their playoff drought of over a decade is the most extended in football. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could last a long time.

Despair Index: 9/10 – What is Aaron Glenn's future?

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Admittedly, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 scoreline – the biggest home loss in Ravens history – is embarrassing and even a player of Jackson's caliber won't single-handedly change things if his defense, which to be fair has been plagued by health issues, is awful. Even worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a big day for Houston's QB, Nick Chubb, and their teammates.

Nevertheless, Jackson is expected back in the near future, they play in a less competitive division and their remaining schedule is manageable, so all hope is not lost. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have performed with or without Jackson, the optimism gauge is close to empty.

Despair Index: 6/10 - The division is still within reach.

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This situation stems from one moment: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in Week 2. Several weeks without Burrow has resulted in a trio of defeats. It’s hard to watch two top pass-catchers, the star receiver and the talented wideout, making plays with little to celebrate. Chase hauled in two major TDs and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to one of the league’s best teams, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did the majority of their work once the outcome was decided. Simultaneously, Burrow’s stand-in, Jake Browning, while promising in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three interceptions on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No franchise in football hinges on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow is back next year, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into this season, the schedule looks practically done for Cincinnati.

Suffering Score: 6/10 – Bengals supporters are again pondering what might have been.

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Let Maxx Crosby go, who remains a rare positive in a unusual time of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Colts was more proof of the disastrous pairing of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the Nevada. Smith has been a giveaway factory, ranking first this season with nine interceptions. His two turnovers in Week 5 resulted in Indianapolis TDs. Nobody knows what the backup plan is, but the primary strategy – being fully committed to Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

Suffering Score: 7/10 – Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must adjust quickly.

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the defending champions. And admittedly, they have only been defeated twice in 22 games. But between the star receiver and the other receiver being disgruntled with their positions, followers' criticism about their underperforming O and the city’s continued skepticism about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. True, Sunday’s meltdown was worrisome: the Eagles blew a 14-point lead to Denver in the last quarter thanks to five penalties, an offense that faded horribly, and a Vic Fangio defense that was pummeled and outsmarted by the opposing strategist. More surprising outcomes exist. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of debated officiating and are equal with the top mark in their league. Where are the smiles?

Suffering Score: 3/10 - The atmosphere might be negative but Philadelphia will make the playoffs.

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than miserable, but their shameful 22-21 defeat to the formerly victory-less Titans was incompetent. A goalline fumble from the running back, who assumed he had scored early, followed by a muffed pick that resulted in a Tennessee score sank the Cardinals. You couldn't invent this loss if you tried. Considering this, and their earlier setbacks, were on last-second kicks, there isn't much happiness in Arizona these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I'm completely baffled. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I don’t know. It was unbelievable.”

Despair Index: 3/10 – Is Murray the long-term answer?

Player of the Week


Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. The running back, substituting for the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|

Rita Douglas
Rita Douglas

A passionate tech and gaming writer with a knack for uncovering the latest trends in geek culture.