New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens … Philadelphia Eagles? Which team is feeling the worst after five weeks of the campaign?

We’re past the 25% point of the National Football League campaign, which indicates we have a good idea of the trajectory of most teams. So let’s examine the teams whose positive energy have disappeared after the fifth week. Note that these aren’t necessarily the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are awful but are generally playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

New York Jets (0-5)

The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the numbers imply. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defensive unit, became the initial winless squad with no takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with infractions, mistakes, poor offensive line play, lack of fourth-down execution and uninspired coaching. Amazingly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that didn't suffice this has been a recurring issue: their postseason absence of over a decade is the longest in the NFL. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Sure, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 scoreline – the worst home loss in franchise history – is embarrassing and even a star like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defensive unit, which in fairness has been plagued by health issues, is godawful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a productive outing for CJ Stroud, the running back, and the rest.

However, Jackson should be back in the coming weeks, they play in a softer division and their upcoming slate is manageable, so all hope is not lost. But considering how messy the Ravens have performed with or without Jackson, the hope-o-meter is close to empty.

Suffering Score: 6/10 - The AFC North remains up for grabs.

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

The issue here is one moment: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in Week 2. Several weeks without Burrow has resulted in a trio of defeats. It’s hard to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, doing their thing with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed two major TDs and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to a top franchise, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did most of the damage once the result was beyond doubt. Simultaneously, Burrow’s replacement, Jake Browning, while promising in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No team in football depends so much on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will note the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow returns next season, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into this season, the schedule looks practically done for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Release Maxx Crosby, who remains one of the only bright spots in a unusual time of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis was another demonstration of the disastrous pairing of Geno Smith and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a giveaway factory, topping the NFL this season with nine picks. His two interceptions in Week 5 produced Indianapolis touchdowns. It's unclear what the backup plan is, but Plan A – being relying entirely on Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

Suffering Score: 7/10 – Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must adjust quickly.

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And yes, they have only been defeated twice in 22 games. But among the star receiver and the other receiver showing frustration with their situations, fan complaints about their underperforming O and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Indeed, Sunday’s collapse was alarming: the Eagles squandered a two-score advantage to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to five penalties, an O that disappeared, and a D that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. Stranger events have occurred. However, they were on the subject to some controversial calls and are equal with the best record in their conference. Where are the smiles?

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

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than awful, but their humiliating 22-21 defeat to the previously winless Titans was poorly played. A fumble at the goal line from Emari Demercado, who assumed he had scored early, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that led to a Titans touchdown sank the Cardinals. You couldn't imagine this defeat if you attempted. Considering this, and their earlier setbacks, were on clutch field goals, there can’t be much joy in Cardinals territory these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the quarterback 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.”

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

MVP of the week


Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, substituting for the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|

Mark Fox
Mark Fox

A tech enthusiast and digital strategist with over a decade of experience in emerging technologies and innovation.