New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens … Philadelphia Eagles? Which team is feeling the worst 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 good vibes have vanished after the latest round of games. Keep in mind these aren’t necessarily the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are largely playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in Week 1. 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’ supposed strength, their D, became the first 0-5 team with zero takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, turnovers, weak O-line performance, failed fourth-down attempts and uninspired coaching. Amazingly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that didn't suffice this has been going on for years: their postseason absence of over a decade is the longest in the NFL. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could last a long time.

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

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Sure, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 blowout – the most lopsided home defeat in team history – is shameful and even a player of Jackson's caliber can't overcome everything if his defense, which in fairness has been blighted by injury, is godawful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a field day for the Texans' passer, the Browns' star, and the rest.

However, Jackson will probably return in the coming weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their future games is soft, so optimism remains. But given how sloppy the Ravens have played regardless of Jackson, the confidence level is running on fumes.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

The issue here is one moment: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the early season. Several weeks without Burrow has led to multiple setbacks. It’s hard to watch two top pass-catchers, Ja’Marr Chase and the talented wideout, performing well with nothing to show for it. Chase hauled in two huge touchdowns and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to a top franchise, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offense did most of the damage once the outcome was decided. Simultaneously, Burrow’s backup, the substitute QB, while impressive in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No team in football hinges on the health of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will note the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow comes back next year, if he can remain healthy. But just five games into the present year, the season looks all but over 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 few good things in a unusual time of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts was more proof of the ill-fated union of the signal-caller 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 resulted in Indianapolis TDs. We’re not sure what the alternative is, but the current approach – being fully committed to Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the defending champions. And admittedly, they have lost just twice in 22 outings. But amid AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith expressing dissatisfaction with their situations, fan complaints about their slow-moving attack and the city’s continued skepticism about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Yes, Sunday’s meltdown was alarming: the Eagles lost a 14-point lead to Denver in the last quarter thanks to multiple flags, an offense that faded horribly, and a defensive scheme that was dominated and outcoached by Sean Payton. Stranger events have occurred. Nevertheless, they were on the end of debated officiating and are equal with the leading standing in their league. What happened to the joy?

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

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than terrible, but their embarrassing 22-21 defeat to the until-then winless Titans was badly executed. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown early, followed by a muffed pick that resulted in a opposing TD cost Arizona the game. You couldn't imagine this defeat if you attempted. Since this, and their earlier setbacks, were on clutch 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 don’t even know. I really don’t even know. That's a textbook example of losing. I can't explain. It was unbelievable.”

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

MVP of the week


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

Christopher Wright
Christopher Wright

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