Jets, Baltimore Ravens … Eagles? Who is most miserable after the first five weeks of the season?

We are beyond the 25% point of the NFL season, which indicates we have a clear picture of the path of many franchises. So let’s examine the teams whose good vibes have evaporated after the fifth week. Keep in mind these aren’t necessarily the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are awful but are generally playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

New York Jets (0-5)

The only winless team in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. 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 one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the numbers imply. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defense, became the first 0-5 team with zero takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with infractions, giveaways, poor offensive line play, failed fourth-down attempts and lackluster coaching. Somehow the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of 14 seasons is the league's lengthiest. 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?

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Certainly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But 44-10 – the most lopsided home defeat in team history – is humiliating and even a player of Jackson's caliber can't overcome everything if his defense, which in fairness has been plagued by health issues, is terrible. Even worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for CJ Stroud, the Browns' star, and their teammates.

Still, Jackson is expected back in the next few weeks, they play in a softer division and their upcoming slate is soft, so optimism remains. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have executed regardless of 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 (2-3)

This situation stems from a single play: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the second week. A trio of games without Burrow has resulted in a trio of defeats. It’s difficult to watch two top pass-catchers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the other starting receiver, performing well with nothing to show for it. Chase grabbed two huge touchdowns and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to one of the league’s best teams, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the bulk of the scoring once the result was beyond doubt. At the same time, Burrow’s stand-in, the substitute QB, while notable in the last quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three picks on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No franchise in football hinges on the health of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will highlight the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow returns next season, if he can remain healthy. But only five weeks into this season, the campaign looks practically done for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who is still a rare positive in a unusual time of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis was more proof of the disastrous pairing of the signal-caller and the sideline leader in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, leading the league this season with nine picks. His two interceptions in the fifth game resulted in Indianapolis scores. Nobody knows what the backup plan is, but the current approach – being all in on Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And of course, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 games. But among the wideout and the other receiver expressing dissatisfaction with their situations, fan complaints about their sluggish offense and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. True, Sunday’s meltdown was alarming: the Eagles squandered a two-score advantage to Denver in the final period thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a Vic Fangio defense that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. Stranger events have occurred. However, they were on the receiving side of debated officiating and are sharing the leading standing in their league. Where are the smiles?

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

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than terrible, but their shameful 22-21 defeat to the until-then winless Titans was badly executed. A fumble at the goal line from the running back, who assumed he had scored prematurely, followed by a muffed pick that led to a opposing TD did Arizona in. You couldn't invent this defeat if you wanted to. Since this, and their earlier setbacks, were on last-second kicks, there isn't much happiness in Arizona these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm confused. I truly don't understand. That's Football Mistakes 101. I don’t know. It was unbelievable.”

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

MVP of the week


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

Ryan Stevens III
Ryan Stevens III

A tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for exploring emerging technologies and their impact on society.