New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens … Eagles? Who is the unhappiest after five weeks of the season?

We are beyond the first quarter of the National Football League campaign, which means we have a clear picture of the path of most teams. So let’s celebrate the teams whose good vibes have disappeared after the fifth week. Note that these aren’t necessarily the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are terrible but are generally playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in Week 1. 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’ alleged strong point, their D, became the first 0-5 unit with no forced turnovers in NFL history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with penalties, mistakes, weak O-line performance, ineffective short-yardage play and uninspired coaching. Somehow the Jets are declining each game. If that wasn’t enough this has been going on for years: 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

Sure, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 blowout – the most lopsided home defeat in team history – is embarrassing and even a star like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defensive unit, which to be fair has been blighted by injury, is awful. Even worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a field day for Houston's QB, Nick Chubb, and the rest.

Still, Jackson is expected back in the next few weeks, they play in a softer division and their remaining schedule is favorable, so all hope is not lost. But given how sloppy the Ravens have executed with or without Jackson, the hope-o-meter is close to empty.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

The issue here is a single play: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the early season. Several weeks without Burrow has resulted in three losses. It’s difficult to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Cincinnati's WR1 and Tee Higgins, performing well with no positive results. Chase hauled in two huge touchdowns and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to one of the league’s best teams, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did the majority of their work once the outcome was decided. At the same time, Burrow’s replacement, Jake Browning, while impressive in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three turnovers on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No organization in football relies so heavily on the fitness of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will point to the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow returns next year, if he can remain healthy. But just five games into this season, the season looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Release Maxx Crosby, who is still a rare positive in a unusual time of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis Colts was further evidence of the poor combination of Geno Smith and the head coach in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a giveaway factory, leading the league this season with nine interceptions. His two turnovers in Week 5 produced Indianapolis touchdowns. It's unclear what the alternative is, but the primary strategy – being relying entirely on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the defending champions. And of course, they have lost just twice in 22 games. But between the star receiver and the pass-catcher being disgruntled with their roles, supporter grievances about their sluggish offense and the city’s continued skepticism about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Indeed, Sunday’s meltdown was worrisome: the Eagles blew a significant margin 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. Crazier things have happened. Still, they were on the subject to some controversial calls and are tied for the best record in their league. Why the long faces?

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

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 incompetent. A goalline fumble from the running back, who prematurely celebrated a long run prematurely, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that ended in a Titans touchdown did Arizona in. You couldn't imagine this setback if you wanted to. Considering this, and their prior defeats, were on game-winning field goals, there isn't much happiness in Cardinals territory these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm uncertain. 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?

Top Performer


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Christopher Cruz
Christopher Cruz

A passionate curator and writer with a keen eye for unique products and subscription trends, sharing insights and reviews.