🔗 Share this article

We have passed the 25% point of the professional football season, which suggests we have a solid understanding of the path of many franchises. So let’s celebrate the teams whose positive energy have evaporated after the fifth week. Keep in mind these might not be the lowest-ranked franchises 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 most disappointing.

Jets Remain at 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 drilling a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the numbers imply. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defense, became the first 0-5 team with no forced turnovers in NFL history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with infractions, turnovers, subpar blocking, failed fourth-down attempts and uninspired coaching. Somehow the Jets are declining each game. If that didn't suffice this has been a recurring issue: their playoff-less streak of over a decade is the most extended in football. 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: Struggling at 1-4

Sure, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But 44-10 – the most lopsided home defeat in franchise history – is humiliating and even a star like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his D, which admittedly has been ravaged by injuries, is godawful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a field day for the Texans' passer, Nick Chubb, and the rest.

However, Jackson should be back in the coming weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their upcoming slate is soft, so all hope is not lost. But considering how messy the Ravens have played with or sans Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.

Despair Index: 6/10 - The division is still within reach.

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This one boils down to one incident: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the second week. Several weeks without Burrow has led to three losses. It’s almost painful to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Cincinnati's WR1 and the talented wideout, performing well with no positive results. Chase caught two major TDs and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to a top franchise, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did most of the damage once the outcome was decided. Simultaneously, Burrow’s replacement, Jake Browning, while promising in the last quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three interceptions on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No franchise in football depends so much on the fitness of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will note the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow returns the following campaign, if he can stay fit. But merely a month into this season, the campaign looks all but over for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who continues to be a rare positive in a strange period of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Colts was further evidence of the poor combination of the signal-caller and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a giveaway factory, topping the NFL this season with nine interceptions. His two interceptions in the latest contest led to Indianapolis touchdowns. It's unclear what the backup plan is, but Plan A – being relying entirely on Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And yes, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 games. But amid the wideout and the pass-catcher showing frustration with their positions, followers' criticism about their sluggish offense and the local doubt about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Indeed, Sunday’s meltdown was alarming: the Eagles squandered a two-score advantage to Denver in the last quarter thanks to five penalties, an offense that faded horribly, and a D that was pummeled and outsmarted by Sean Payton. Stranger events have occurred. Nevertheless, they were on the subject to some controversial calls and are sharing the top mark in their NFC. Where are the smiles?

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

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than awful, but their humiliating 22-21 setback to the formerly victory-less Titans was incompetent. A fumble at the goal line from Emari Demercado, who prematurely celebrated a long run prematurely, followed by a botched interception that led to a Tennessee score sank the Cardinals. You couldn’t concoct this defeat if you attempted. Considering this, and their prior defeats, were on last-second kicks, 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'm confused. I truly don't understand. That's Football Mistakes 101. I can't explain. It was crazy.”

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

Player of the Week

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