Jets, Ravens … Philadelphia Eagles? Who is the unhappiest after five weeks of the season?

We are beyond the quarter mark of the professional football season, which suggests we have a good idea of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s highlight the teams whose positive energy have vanished after Week 5. Remember these aren’t necessarily the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are terrible but are generally playing as projected) 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 nailing a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their D, became the first 0-5 unit with no forced turnovers in NFL history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with infractions, mistakes, poor offensive line play, failed fourth-down attempts and poor sideline leadership. Incredibly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that didn't suffice this has been a recurring issue: their playoff-less streak of 14 years is the league's lengthiest. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

Misery rating: 9/10 – How long is Aaron Glenn’s leash?

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Admittedly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But 44-10 – the most lopsided home defeat in team history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his defensive unit, which in fairness has been blighted by injury, is awful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for the Texans' passer, the Browns' star, and their teammates.

Still, Jackson should be back in the coming weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their upcoming slate is manageable, so all hope is not lost. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have played regardless of Jackson, the optimism gauge 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: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the second week. Several weeks without Burrow has resulted in a trio of defeats. It’s hard to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the talented wideout, making plays with little to celebrate. Chase caught two huge touchdowns and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to an elite squad, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the majority of their work once the game was out of reach. At the same time, Burrow’s stand-in, the substitute QB, while notable in the last quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three picks on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No organization in football depends so much on the health of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will note the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow comes back the following campaign, if he can remain healthy. But only five weeks into the current campaign, the season looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Free Maxx Crosby, who is still one of the only bright spots in a unusual time of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Colts was more proof of the disastrous pairing of Geno Smith and the sideline leader in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a turnover machine, topping the NFL this season with nine interceptions. His two picks in the latest contest led to Indianapolis TDs. It's unclear what the backup plan is, but the primary strategy – being all in on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

Misery rating: 7/10 – OC Chip Kelly needs to change course ASAP.

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the current title holders. And admittedly, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 contests. But among the star receiver and the pass-catcher being disgruntled with their roles, followers' criticism about their underperforming O and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. True, Sunday’s breakdown was worrisome: the Eagles squandered a two-score advantage to Denver in the last quarter thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a defensive scheme that was pummeled and outsmarted by Sean Payton. Stranger events have occurred. However, they were on the receiving side of some controversial calls and are tied for the top mark in their league. What happened to the joy?

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

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than terrible, but their embarrassing 22-21 setback to the until-then winless Titans was badly executed. A turnover near the end zone from Emari Demercado, who prematurely celebrated a long run prematurely, followed by a muffed pick that ended in a opposing TD cost Arizona the game. You couldn't imagine this defeat if you wanted to. Considering this, and their prior defeats, 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,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm confused. I really don’t even know. That's Football Mistakes 101. I'm not sure. It was crazy.”

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

Top Performer


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

Tyler Scott
Tyler Scott

A certified nutritionist and wellness coach with over 10 years of experience in promoting healthy lifestyles through evidence-based practices.