🔗 Share this article

We are beyond the 25% point of the NFL season, which suggests we have a solid understanding of the direction of the majority of squads. So let’s celebrate the teams whose positive energy have vanished after the fifth week. Note that these aren’t necessarily the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are awful but are largely playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the numbers imply. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defense, became the first 0-5 team with zero takeaways in professional football annals. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with infractions, turnovers, subpar blocking, ineffective short-yardage play and lackluster coaching. Amazingly the Jets are declining each game. If that didn't suffice this has been happening for a long time: their postseason absence of over a decade is the longest in the NFL. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could last a long time.

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 blowout – the worst home loss in team history – is embarrassing and even a talent like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his defensive unit, which in fairness has been plagued by health issues, is terrible. Compounding the issue, 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 should be back in the near future, they play in a less competitive division and their remaining schedule is manageable, so optimism remains. But given how sloppy the Ravens have performed with or sans Jackson, the hope-o-meter is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

The issue here is one incident: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the second week. A trio of games without Burrow has led to a trio of defeats. It’s difficult to watch two top pass-catchers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the other starting receiver, performing well with no positive results. Chase hauled in two huge touchdowns and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to an elite squad, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the bulk of the scoring once the result was beyond doubt. Simultaneously, Burrow’s backup, the substitute QB, while promising in the final period against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No team in football relies so heavily on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will highlight the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow returns the following campaign, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into the current campaign, the season looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who continues to be one of the only bright spots in a weird new era of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis was more proof of the poor combination of the signal-caller and Pete Carroll in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a turnover machine, topping the NFL this season with nine picks. His two turnovers in the latest contest resulted in Indianapolis scores. It's unclear what the alternative is, but the primary strategy – being all in on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the defending champions. And yes, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 contests. But amid AJ Brown and the other receiver expressing dissatisfaction with their situations, followers' criticism about their slow-moving attack and the local doubt about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Yes, Sunday’s breakdown was alarming: the Eagles blew a two-score advantage to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to multiple flags, an O that disappeared, and a D that was dominated and outcoached by the opposing strategist. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of debated officiating and are tied for 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.

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than awful, but their humiliating 22-21 loss to the previously winless Titans was incompetent. A turnover near the end zone from Emari Demercado, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown too soon, followed by a muffed pick that led to a Tennessee score sank the Cardinals. You couldn’t concoct this setback if you wanted to. Considering this, and their earlier setbacks, were on last-second kicks, there is little celebration in Glendale these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I don’t even know. I really don’t even know. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I can't explain. It was insane.”

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

Player of the Week

Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. The running back, replacing the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|