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

We’re past the 25% point of the National Football League campaign, which means we have a solid understanding of the path of the majority of squads. So let’s highlight the teams whose good vibes have vanished after the fifth week. Remember these are not exactly the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are terrible but are generally 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 epitomize football suffering. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the score suggests. The Jets’ presumed asset, their D, became the first 0-5 team with no takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with flags, giveaways, subpar blocking, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Incredibly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that wasn’t enough this has been happening for a long time: their playoff drought of over a decade is the most extended in football. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could continue for years.

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

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Sure, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 blowout – the biggest home loss in franchise history – is embarrassing and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defensive unit, which to be fair has been plagued by health issues, is godawful. Even worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a productive outing for the Texans' passer, the running back, and the rest.

However, Jackson will probably return in the coming weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their future games is favorable, so optimism remains. But considering how messy the Ravens have executed with or sans Jackson, the hope-o-meter is nearly depleted.

Despair Index: 6/10 - The division is still within reach.

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

The issue here is one moment: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the early season. Three weeks without Burrow has caused three losses. It’s hard to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Cincinnati's WR1 and the other starting receiver, doing their thing with nothing to show for it. Chase caught two major TDs and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to an elite squad, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the bulk of the scoring once the game was out of reach. At the same time, Burrow’s stand-in, Jake Browning, while promising in the last quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three picks on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No franchise in football depends so much on the well-being of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will note the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow comes back next year, if he can stay fit. But only five weeks into this season, the schedule looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Let Maxx Crosby go, who continues to be one of the few good things in a unusual time of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis Colts was more proof of the ill-fated union of Geno Smith and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a giveaway factory, topping the NFL this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in the fifth game produced Indianapolis touchdowns. It's unclear what the backup plan is, but the current approach – being all in on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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 lost just twice in 22 contests. But amid AJ Brown and the other receiver expressing dissatisfaction with their situations, supporter grievances about their slow-moving attack and the city’s continued skepticism about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Yes, Sunday’s collapse was alarming: the Eagles lost a two-score advantage to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to multiple flags, an offense that faded horribly, and a D that was pummeled and outsmarted by Sean Payton. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the end of questionable rulings and are equal with the leading standing in their league. Where are the smiles?

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

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than awful, but their shameful 22-21 defeat to the formerly victory-less Titans was poorly played. A fumble at the goal line from the running back, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown too soon, followed by a botched interception that led to a Tennessee score sank the Cardinals. You couldn't invent this setback if you attempted. Considering this, and their prior defeats, were on game-winning field goals, there isn't much happiness in Arizona these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I don’t even know. I truly don't understand. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I'm not sure. It was insane.”

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

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Rachel Garcia
Rachel Garcia

A passionate rhythm game enthusiast and content creator, sharing insights and updates on Muse Dash and other music-based games.