New York Jets, Ravens … Philadelphia Eagles? What squad is the unhappiest after Week 5 of the campaign?

We’re past the 25% point of the NFL season, which suggests we have a clear picture of the path of most teams. So let’s celebrate the teams whose positive energy have disappeared after Week 5. Keep in mind these are not exactly the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are poor but are mostly playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 team with no forced turnovers in NFL history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with penalties, giveaways, subpar blocking, failed fourth-down attempts and lackluster coaching. Somehow the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that weren't sufficient this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of 14 years is the league's lengthiest. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could last a long time.

Misery rating: 9/10 – How long is Aaron Glenn’s leash?

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Sure, 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 team history – is humiliating and even a player of Jackson's caliber isn’t going to tip the scales if his D, which to be fair has been ravaged by injuries, is godawful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a productive outing for CJ Stroud, the running back, 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 there's still a chance. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have played with or without Jackson, the hope-o-meter is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This one boils down to a single play: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in Week 2. Three weeks without Burrow has resulted in three losses. It’s almost painful to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, doing their thing with little to celebrate. Chase caught a pair of big scores and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to a top franchise, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did most of the damage once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s replacement, Jake Browning, while impressive in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three turnovers on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No team in football hinges on the health of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow comes back next year, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into the present year, the campaign looks all but over for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Release Maxx Crosby, who continues to be one of the only bright spots in a weird new era of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Colts was more proof of the disastrous pairing of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the desert. Smith has been a turnover machine, ranking first this season with nine interceptions. His two picks in Week 5 produced Indianapolis touchdowns. Nobody knows what the alternative is, but the current approach – being fully committed to Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

Despair Index: 7/10 – Chip Kelly's offense requires immediate changes.

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the defending champions. And of course, they have only been defeated twice in 22 contests. But among the star receiver and DeVonta Smith expressing dissatisfaction with their roles, followers' criticism about their sluggish offense and the local doubt about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. True, Sunday’s breakdown was worrisome: the Eagles squandered a two-score advantage to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to several infractions, an attack that vanished, and a D that was dominated and outcoached by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. Nevertheless, they were on the end of questionable rulings and are tied for the leading standing in their league. What happened to the joy?

Misery rating: 3/10 - The vibes may be off but the Eagles will reach the postseason again.

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than terrible, but their embarrassing 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 early, followed by a muffed pick that led to a Tennessee score did Arizona in. You couldn’t concoct this defeat if you attempted. Considering this, and their prior defeats, were on game-winning field goals, there is little celebration in Cardinals territory these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I don’t even know. I truly don't understand. That's Football Mistakes 101. I can't explain. It was unbelievable.”

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

Player of the Week


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

Betty Hansen
Betty Hansen

Lena is a seasoned web developer and digital strategist with over a decade of experience in creating user-friendly websites and effective online marketing campaigns.