Jets, Baltimore Ravens … Philadelphia Eagles? Which team is the unhappiest after Week 5 of the season?

We’re past the 25% point of the NFL season, which suggests we have a good idea of the direction of many franchises. So let’s examine the teams whose optimistic outlook have disappeared after the fifth week. Remember these are not exactly the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are terrible but are mostly playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

New York Jets (0-5)

The only winless team in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell drilling 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 much less competitive than the numbers imply. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defense, became the first 0-5 unit with zero takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with infractions, turnovers, subpar blocking, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Incredibly the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of over a decade is the most extended in football. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could continue for years.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Certainly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 blowout – the worst home loss in team history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defense, which admittedly has been plagued by health issues, is terrible. Even worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a big day for Houston's QB, the running back, and their teammates.

Nevertheless, Jackson should be back in the next few weeks, they play in a softer division and their upcoming slate is soft, so there's still a chance. But given how sloppy the Ravens have executed with or without Jackson, the confidence level is close to empty.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

The issue here is one moment: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the early season. Several weeks without Burrow has led to a trio of defeats. It’s hard to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Cincinnati's WR1 and the other starting receiver, performing well with nothing to show for it. Chase hauled in two major TDs and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to one of the league’s best teams, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did most of the damage once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s backup, the backup passer, while notable in the last quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three picks on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No team in football depends so much on the well-being of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will point to the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow comes back the following campaign, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into this season, the campaign looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Let Maxx Crosby go, who remains one of the few good things in a strange period of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis was further evidence of the poor combination of Geno Smith and the sideline leader in the desert. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, leading the league this season with nine turnovers. His two picks in Week 5 led to Indianapolis TDs. We’re not sure what the backup plan is, but Plan A – being relying entirely 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 reigning Super Bowl champions. And admittedly, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 games. But between the wideout and DeVonta Smith being disgruntled with their roles, supporter grievances about their sluggish offense and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Indeed, Sunday’s collapse was concerning: 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 dominated and outcoached by the opposing strategist. Stranger events have occurred. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of debated officiating and are sharing the leading standing in their NFC. What happened to the joy?

Suffering Score: 3/10 - The atmosphere might be negative but Philadelphia will make the playoffs.

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than awful, but their embarrassing 22-21 loss to the previously winless Titans was badly executed. A goalline fumble from the ball carrier, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown prematurely, followed by a botched interception that ended in a opposing TD cost Arizona the game. You couldn’t concoct this defeat if you wanted to. Since this, and their earlier setbacks, were on game-winning field goals, there isn't much happiness in Arizona these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm confused. I truly don't understand. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I can't explain. It was crazy.”

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

Player of the Week


Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. The ball carrier, replacing the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|

Dana Brown
Dana Brown

A tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for demystifying complex innovations and sharing actionable advice.