New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens … Eagles? What squad is feeling the worst after the first five weeks of the season?

We’re past the 25% point of the National Football League campaign, which indicates we have a good idea of the direction of most teams. So let’s celebrate the teams whose good vibes have evaporated after the latest round of games. Remember these aren’t necessarily the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are awful but are largely playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 unit with no takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with flags, turnovers, weak O-line performance, lack of fourth-down execution and poor sideline leadership. Incredibly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that didn't suffice this has been happening for a long time: their postseason absence of over a decade is the league's lengthiest. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could last a long time.

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

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Sure, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But 44-10 – the most lopsided home defeat in franchise history – is embarrassing and even a star like Jackson can't overcome everything if his D, which admittedly has been ravaged by injuries, is awful. Making matters 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 coming weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their upcoming slate is favorable, so all hope is not lost. But given how sloppy the Ravens have executed with or sans Jackson, the hope-o-meter is nearly depleted.

Suffering Score: 6/10 - The AFC North remains up for grabs.

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This one boils down to one incident: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in Week 2. Three weeks without Burrow has led to a trio of defeats. It’s almost painful to watch two top pass-catchers, the star receiver and the other starting receiver, performing well with no positive results. Chase hauled in two major TDs and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to one of the league’s best teams, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offense did the majority of their work once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s stand-in, the substitute QB, while impressive in the final period against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No franchise in football hinges on the well-being of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will note the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow returns the following campaign, if he can stay fit. But only five weeks into this season, the schedule looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

Despair Index: 6/10 – Cincinnati fans are left imagining alternate realities.

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who continues to be one of the few good things in a unusual time of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was more proof of the ill-fated union of the quarterback and Pete Carroll in the desert. Smith has been a giveaway factory, topping the NFL this season with nine picks. His two turnovers in Week 5 led to Indianapolis touchdowns. Nobody knows what Plan B is, but the current approach – being all in on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

Misery rating: 7/10 – OC Chip Kelly needs to change course ASAP.

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the current title holders. And of course, they have only been defeated twice in 22 contests. But among AJ Brown and the other receiver being disgruntled with their positions, supporter grievances about their slow-moving attack and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Indeed, Sunday’s meltdown was concerning: the Eagles blew a two-score advantage to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to five penalties, an O that disappeared, and a defensive scheme that was beaten and outthought by the opposing strategist. Stranger events have occurred. Still, they were on the receiving side of debated officiating and are equal with the top mark in their NFC. What happened to the joy?

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

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than awful, but their shameful 22-21 setback to the until-then winless Titans was poorly played. A turnover near the end zone from the ball carrier, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown prematurely, followed by a botched interception that resulted in a Titans touchdown sank the Cardinals. You couldn't imagine this setback if you wanted to. Given that this, and their earlier setbacks, were on game-winning field goals, there isn't much happiness in Cardinals territory these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I don’t even know. I really don’t even know. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I'm not sure. It was crazy.”

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

Player of the Week


Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. The ball carrier, replacing the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|

Tonya Fox
Tonya Fox

A passionate writer and tech enthusiast with a background in digital media, sharing insights and stories from around the world.