Jets, Ravens … Philadelphia Eagles? What squad is the unhappiest after Week 5 of the campaign?

We’re past the first quarter of the NFL season, which means we have a solid understanding of the direction of the majority of squads. So let’s highlight the teams whose good vibes have vanished after the latest round of games. Remember these might not be the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are terrible but are generally playing as anticipated) 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 hitting a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the score suggests. The Jets’ presumed asset, their D, became the first 0-5 unit with no takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with flags, giveaways, weak O-line performance, failed fourth-down attempts and uninspired coaching. Incredibly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that didn't suffice this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of over a decade is the league's lengthiest. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could continue for years.

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

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Certainly, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But 44-10 – the biggest home loss in team history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defense, which to be fair has been blighted by injury, is awful. Even worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a field day for CJ Stroud, Nick Chubb, and their teammates.

Still, Jackson will probably return in the near future, they play in a softer division and their remaining schedule is soft, so there's still a chance. But considering how messy the Ravens have played regardless of Jackson, the optimism gauge is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This one boils down to a single play: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the early season. Several weeks without Burrow has led to a trio of defeats. It’s almost painful to watch two of the league’s best receivers, the star receiver and Tee Higgins, doing their thing with little to celebrate. Chase caught two huge touchdowns and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to one of the league’s best teams, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did the bulk of the scoring once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s backup, the substitute QB, while impressive in the final period against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No franchise in football hinges on the health of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will highlight the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow is back next season, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into the current campaign, the schedule looks all but over for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Let Maxx Crosby go, who remains one of the few good things in a unusual time of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was another demonstration of the ill-fated union of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the desert. Smith has been a turnover machine, topping the NFL this season with nine picks. His two turnovers in the fifth game resulted in Indianapolis TDs. We’re not sure what the alternative 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)

Indeed, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And admittedly, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 outings. But between the wideout and the pass-catcher being disgruntled with their positions, followers' criticism about their sluggish offense and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Yes, Sunday’s collapse was alarming: the Eagles lost a 14-point lead to Denver in the last quarter thanks to multiple flags, an O that disappeared, and a defensive scheme that was pummeled and outsmarted by the opposing strategist. Stranger events have occurred. However, they were on the receiving side of questionable rulings and are sharing the top mark in their league. Where are the smiles?

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

Mention-Worthy: 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 goalline fumble from the running back, who assumed he had scored too soon, followed by a botched interception that ended in a opposing TD cost Arizona the game. You couldn't invent this defeat if you wanted to. Since this, and their previous two losses, were on game-winning field goals, there isn't much happiness in Glendale these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm confused. I truly don't understand. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I'm not sure. It was insane.”

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

MVP of the week


Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. The ball carrier, substituting for the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|

Jessica Morris
Jessica Morris

A tech enthusiast and business strategist with over a decade of experience in global innovation and digital transformation.