🔗 Share this article

We have passed the quarter mark of the NFL season, which means we have a good idea of the path of many franchises. So let’s celebrate the teams whose good vibes have disappeared after Week 5. Note that these might not be the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are largely playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

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 nailing a clutch 60-yard kick 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 D, became the initial winless squad with zero takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with flags, turnovers, weak O-line performance, lack of fourth-down execution and lackluster coaching. Amazingly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that didn't suffice this has been happening for a long time: their playoff drought of over a decade is the most extended in football. And with a controversial franchise head 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 simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 blowout – the most lopsided home defeat in Ravens history – is humiliating and even a star like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his defensive unit, which admittedly has been ravaged by injuries, is godawful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a productive outing for the Texans' passer, the running back, and the rest.

However, Jackson is expected back in the near future, they play in a softer division and their upcoming slate is favorable, so all hope is not lost. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have played with or sans 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

This situation stems from a single play: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the early season. Three 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, performing well with nothing to show for it. Chase caught two huge touchdowns and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to one of the league’s best teams, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offense did most of the damage once the outcome was decided. Meanwhile, Burrow’s replacement, the backup passer, while notable in the last quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three interceptions on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No team in football depends so much on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will note the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow is back next year, if he can remain healthy. But only five weeks into the present year, the campaign looks all but over for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4

Let Maxx Crosby go, who is still one of the few good things in a strange period of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Colts was another demonstration of the poor combination of the signal-caller and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a turnover machine, topping the NFL this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in Week 5 resulted in Indianapolis touchdowns. We’re not sure what Plan B is, but Plan A – being all in on Smith – is a very painful watch.

Despair Index: 7/10 – Chip Kelly's offense requires immediate changes.

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the current title holders. And admittedly, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 outings. But between the wideout and the pass-catcher expressing dissatisfaction with their roles, followers' criticism about their sluggish offense and the local doubt about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Yes, Sunday’s meltdown was worrisome: the Eagles blew a 14-point lead to Denver in the final period thanks to multiple flags, an offense that faded horribly, and a defensive scheme that was pummeled and outsmarted by Sean Payton. Crazier things have happened. However, they were on the end of questionable rulings and are tied for the top mark in their conference. Why the long faces?

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 average rather than miserable, but their humiliating 22-21 setback to the formerly victory-less Titans was badly executed. A fumble at the goal line from Emari Demercado, who prematurely celebrated a long run too soon, followed by a botched interception that led to a opposing TD cost Arizona the game. You couldn't imagine this loss if you attempted. Since this, and their earlier setbacks, were on last-second kicks, there can’t be much joy in Arizona these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I don’t even know. I really don’t even know. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I'm not sure. It was unbelievable.”

Suffering Score: 3/10 – Does Kyler Murray remain the franchise QB?

Player of the Week

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, substituting for the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|