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

We have passed the quarter mark of the National Football League campaign, which means we have a clear picture of the direction of many franchises. So let’s examine the teams whose good vibes have vanished after Week 5. Remember these might not be the most terrible squads in the league (the Titans and Cleveland 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 only winless team in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the final score indicates. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 unit with zero takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with flags, giveaways, weak O-line performance, failed fourth-down attempts and uninspired coaching. Amazingly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that wasn’t enough this has been a recurring issue: their postseason absence of over a decade is the most extended in football. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could continue for years.

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

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Admittedly, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 scoreline – the biggest home loss in franchise history – is embarrassing and even a star like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his defensive unit, which to be fair has been plagued by health issues, is awful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a productive outing for Houston's QB, Nick Chubb, and company.

However, Jackson should be back in the near future, they play in a softer division and their remaining schedule is manageable, so optimism remains. But given how sloppy the Ravens have executed regardless of Jackson, the hope-o-meter is close to empty.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This situation stems from one moment: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in Week 2. Three weeks without Burrow has resulted in three losses. It’s difficult to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the talented wideout, doing their thing with little to celebrate. Chase hauled in two major TDs and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to a top franchise, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did most of the damage once the result was beyond doubt. At the same time, Burrow’s backup, the substitute QB, while promising in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three turnovers on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No organization in football relies so heavily on the well-being of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow is back the following campaign, if he can stay fit. But just five games into the present year, the schedule looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who is still one of the few good things in a weird new era of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis Colts was further evidence of the disastrous pairing of the signal-caller and the sideline leader in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a giveaway factory, topping the NFL this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in Week 5 resulted in Indianapolis touchdowns. Nobody knows what Plan B is, but the primary strategy – being all in on Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the defending champions. And admittedly, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 games. But amid AJ Brown and the pass-catcher expressing dissatisfaction with their positions, followers' criticism about their underperforming O and the local doubt about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s meltdown was concerning: the Eagles blew a two-score advantage to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a defensive scheme that was pummeled and outsmarted by the Broncos' coach. Stranger events have occurred. Still, they were on the receiving side of debated officiating and are sharing the best record in their conference. Why the long faces?

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

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than terrible, but their humiliating 22-21 defeat to the until-then winless Titans was poorly played. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown early, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that led to a Tennessee score did Arizona in. You couldn’t concoct this defeat if you tried. Since this, and their earlier setbacks, 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 quarterback said after the game. “I'm confused. I really don’t even know. That's Football Mistakes 101. I'm not sure. It was crazy.”

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

Top Performer


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

Robert Campbell
Robert Campbell

A tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger passionate about sharing innovative ideas and personal development insights.

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