🔗 Share this article

We are beyond the 25% point of the NFL season, which means we have a clear picture of the path of most teams. So let’s examine the teams whose optimistic outlook have evaporated after Week 5. Keep in mind these are not exactly 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 greatest underachievers.

New York Jets (0-5)

The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a 60-yard winning field goal 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 final score indicates. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defense, became the initial winless squad with no takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with flags, giveaways, poor offensive line play, failed fourth-down attempts and lackluster coaching. Incredibly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that didn't suffice this has been a recurring issue: their postseason absence of 14 seasons is the league's lengthiest. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could last a long time.

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

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Certainly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 scoreline – the most lopsided home defeat in Ravens history – is embarrassing and even a star like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his D, which admittedly has been plagued by health issues, is terrible. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a productive outing for Houston's QB, the running back, and their teammates.

Still, Jackson should be back in the near future, they play in a less competitive division and their upcoming slate is soft, so optimism remains. But given how sloppy the Ravens have performed with or without Jackson, the optimism gauge is nearly depleted.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

This one boils down to a single play: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the second week. Three weeks without Burrow has led to three losses. It’s difficult to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, performing well with no positive results. Chase hauled in two major TDs and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to a top franchise, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offense did the majority of their work once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s backup, Jake Browning, while promising in the final period against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No organization in football relies so heavily on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will highlight the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow returns the following campaign, if he can avoid injury. But only five weeks into the present year, the campaign looks all but over for Cincinnati.

Despair Index: 6/10 – Cincinnati fans are left imagining alternate realities.

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Release Maxx Crosby, who is still one of the only bright spots in a weird new era of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Colts was another demonstration of the poor combination of Geno Smith and the head coach in the desert. Smith has been a turnover machine, leading the league this season with nine picks. His two picks in the latest contest led to Indianapolis scores. Nobody knows what the backup plan is, but Plan A – being fully committed to Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And yes, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 contests. But amid AJ Brown and the pass-catcher being disgruntled with their situations, followers' criticism about their underperforming O and the local doubt about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. True, Sunday’s meltdown was alarming: the Eagles squandered a significant margin to Denver in the final period thanks to five penalties, an attack that vanished, and a Vic Fangio defense that was dominated and outcoached by the Broncos' coach. More surprising outcomes exist. Nevertheless, they were on the end of questionable rulings and are sharing the leading standing in their NFC. Where are the smiles?

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 shameful 22-21 defeat to the previously winless Titans was incompetent. A turnover near the end zone from the ball carrier, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown early, followed by a botched interception that ended in a Titans touchdown did Arizona in. You couldn't invent this defeat if you tried. Considering this, and their prior defeats, were on clutch field goals, there is little celebration in Arizona these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I'm completely baffled. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I can't explain. It was unbelievable.”

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

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|