Jets, Baltimore Ravens … Eagles? Who is feeling the worst after the first five weeks of the campaign?

We are beyond the quarter mark of the professional football season, which indicates we have a good idea of the trajectory of the majority of squads. So let’s highlight the teams whose optimistic outlook have disappeared after the fifth week. Note that these are not exactly the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor 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 drilling a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the numbers imply. The Jets’ supposed strength, their D, became the first 0-5 unit with no forced turnovers in professional football annals. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with infractions, giveaways, poor offensive line play, ineffective short-yardage play and lackluster coaching. Incredibly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that weren't sufficient this has been going on for years: their playoff drought of over a decade is the most extended in football. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could continue for years.

Suffering Score: 9/10 – Is Aaron Glenn's job safe?

Ravens Sink to 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 worst home loss in team history – is shameful and even a talent like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defensive unit, which admittedly has been blighted by injury, is awful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a productive outing for the Texans' passer, the running back, and their teammates.

Still, Jackson is expected back in the next few weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their upcoming slate is favorable, so there's still a chance. But considering how messy the Ravens have played with or without Jackson, the optimism gauge is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

The issue here is one moment: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the early season. Several weeks without Burrow has caused a trio of defeats. It’s hard to watch two top pass-catchers, the star receiver and the other starting receiver, performing well with no positive results. Chase hauled in two major TDs and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to a top franchise, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s O did the bulk of the scoring once the game was out of reach. Meanwhile, Burrow’s replacement, Jake Browning, while notable in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three turnovers on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No franchise in football hinges on the fitness of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will highlight the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow returns next season, if he can avoid injury. But merely a month into the current campaign, the campaign looks practically done for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4

Let Maxx Crosby go, who is still one of the only bright spots in a weird new era of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was more proof of the disastrous pairing of the signal-caller and the head coach in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a giveaway factory, ranking first this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in the fifth game resulted in Indianapolis TDs. Nobody knows what the alternative is, but the primary strategy – being fully committed to Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the current title holders. And yes, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 games. But amid AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith being disgruntled with their situations, supporter grievances about their underperforming O and the city’s continued skepticism about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Indeed, Sunday’s breakdown was concerning: the Eagles blew a two-score advantage to Denver in the last quarter thanks to five penalties, an O that disappeared, and a defensive scheme that was dominated and outcoached by Sean Payton. Crazier things have happened. Still, they were on the subject to debated officiating and are equal with the best record in their conference. Where are the smiles?

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

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than awful, but their embarrassing 22-21 setback to the until-then winless Titans was badly executed. A goalline fumble from the running back, who prematurely celebrated a long run prematurely, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that resulted in a Titans touchdown sank the Cardinals. You couldn’t concoct this setback if you attempted. Since this, and their prior defeats, were on clutch field goals, there isn't much happiness in Glendale these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I don’t even know. I really don’t even know. That's a textbook example of losing. I'm not sure. It was insane.”

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

Player of the Week


Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. Dowdle, replacing the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|

Nicole Cooper
Nicole Cooper

Tech enthusiast and AI researcher with a passion for exploring how innovation shapes our future.