Jets, Baltimore Ravens … Eagles? Which team is feeling the worst after the first five weeks of the season?

We have passed the first quarter of the National Football League campaign, which indicates we have a clear picture of the trajectory of the majority of squads. So let’s celebrate the teams whose good vibes have vanished after Week 5. Keep in mind these aren’t necessarily the most terrible squads in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are terrible but are generally playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the final score indicates. The Jets’ presumed asset, their D, became the initial winless squad with no takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with infractions, mistakes, poor offensive line play, lack of fourth-down execution and uninspired coaching. Amazingly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that weren't sufficient this has been happening for a long time: their playoff-less streak of 14 years is the most extended in football. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Admittedly, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But 44-10 – the biggest home loss in franchise history – is humiliating and even a player of Jackson's caliber won't single-handedly change things if his D, which to be fair has been ravaged by injuries, is terrible. Even worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for Houston's QB, the running back, and the rest.

However, Jackson should be back in the coming weeks, they play in a softer division and their upcoming slate is soft, so optimism remains. But considering how messy the Ravens have executed regardless of Jackson, the optimism gauge is nearly depleted.

Misery rating: 6/10 - The Steelers probably won’t run away with the division.

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This situation stems from a single play: Burrow's year-ending ailment in Week 2. Several weeks without Burrow has resulted in a trio of defeats. It’s hard to watch two top pass-catchers, Ja’Marr Chase and the other starting receiver, performing well with little to celebrate. Chase caught a pair of big scores and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to an elite squad, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the bulk of the scoring once the result was beyond doubt. Simultaneously, Burrow’s replacement, the substitute QB, while notable in the final period against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three turnovers on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No organization in football depends so much on the well-being of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will point to the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow returns next year, if he can stay fit. But merely a month into this season, the season looks practically done for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Free Maxx Crosby, who is still one of the few good things in a unusual time of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis was further evidence of the ill-fated union of the quarterback and the head coach in the Nevada. Smith has been a turnover machine, ranking first this season with nine interceptions. His two interceptions in the fifth game produced Indianapolis TDs. It's unclear what the backup plan is, but the primary strategy – being fully committed to Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the defending champions. And yes, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 games. But among the star receiver and the pass-catcher showing frustration with their roles, supporter grievances about their slow-moving attack and the local doubt about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. True, Sunday’s breakdown was concerning: the Eagles squandered a 14-point lead to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to five penalties, an attack that vanished, and a Vic Fangio defense that was pummeled and outsmarted by Sean Payton. Stranger events have occurred. Nevertheless, they were on the subject to questionable rulings and are equal with the leading standing in their league. Where are the smiles?

Despair Index: 3/10 - Despite the mood, the Eagles are playoff-bound.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than miserable, but their embarrassing 22-21 defeat to the until-then winless Titans was badly executed. A goalline fumble from the running back, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown too soon, followed by a muffed pick that led to a Titans touchdown sank the Cardinals. You couldn't imagine this defeat if you attempted. Considering this, and their previous two losses, were on game-winning field goals, there isn't much happiness in Glendale these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I don’t even know. I truly don't understand. That's Football Mistakes 101. I don’t know. It was unbelievable.”

Misery rating: 3/10 – Is Kyler Murray still the future?

MVP of the week


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

Lisa Neal
Lisa Neal

A seasoned sports journalist with over a decade of experience covering major leagues, known for insightful analysis and engaging storytelling.

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