🔗 Share this article

We’re past the quarter mark of the NFL season, which means we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of the majority of squads. So let’s celebrate the teams whose positive energy have disappeared after Week 5. Note that these are not exactly the most terrible squads in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are awful but are largely playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the final score indicates. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 team with no forced turnovers in professional football annals. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with infractions, turnovers, weak O-line performance, lack of fourth-down execution and poor sideline leadership. Amazingly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that wasn’t enough this has been going on for years: their playoff drought of 14 years is the most extended in football. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could continue for years.

Despair Index: 9/10 – What is Aaron Glenn's future?

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Sure, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 blowout – the biggest home loss in team history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales 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 field day for Houston's QB, the running back, and company.

Nevertheless, Jackson will probably return in the coming weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their upcoming slate is soft, so optimism remains. But given how sloppy the Ravens have executed with or sans 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: Slipping to 2-3

This situation stems from one incident: Burrow's year-ending ailment in Week 2. Several weeks without Burrow has caused multiple setbacks. It’s almost painful to watch two top pass-catchers, the star receiver and Tee Higgins, making plays with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed two huge touchdowns and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to a top franchise, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did most of the damage once the game was out of reach. At the same time, Burrow’s stand-in, Jake Browning, while impressive in the last quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three picks on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No franchise in football hinges on the fitness of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow returns next year, if he can avoid injury. But just five games into the present year, the schedule looks practically done for Cincinnati.

Misery rating: 6/10 – Once again, Bengals fans are left to wonder at what could have been.

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Free Maxx Crosby, who continues to be one of the only bright spots in a strange period of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis was another demonstration of the ill-fated union of the signal-caller and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a turnover machine, ranking first this season with nine interceptions. His two turnovers in the fifth game resulted in Indianapolis touchdowns. Nobody knows what Plan B is, but the current approach – being relying entirely on Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the current title holders. And yes, they have lost just twice in 22 contests. But amid the star receiver and the other receiver being disgruntled with their positions, followers' criticism about their underperforming O and the city’s continued skepticism about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Indeed, Sunday’s meltdown was alarming: the Eagles squandered a 14-point lead to Denver in the last quarter thanks to multiple flags, an O that disappeared, and a D that was dominated and outcoached by the Broncos' coach. Stranger events have occurred. Still, they were on the end of some controversial calls and are equal with the leading standing in their NFC. What happened to the joy?

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 middle-of-the-road rather than terrible, but their shameful 22-21 defeat to the until-then winless Titans was poorly played. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who prematurely celebrated a long run too soon, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that ended in a Tennessee score did Arizona in. You couldn't invent this loss if you attempted. Considering this, and their previous two losses, were on clutch field goals, there is little celebration in Cardinals territory these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the quarterback said after the game. “I don’t even know. I really don’t even know. That's a textbook example of losing. I can't explain. It was unbelievable.”

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

Top Performer

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