🔗 Share this article

We’re past the 25% point of the National Football League campaign, which suggests we have a good idea of the trajectory of most teams. So let’s celebrate the teams whose good vibes have disappeared after the latest round of games. Remember these are not exactly the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are awful but are largely playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

New York Jets (0-5)

The only winless team in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the numbers imply. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their D, became the initial winless squad with no takeaways in professional football annals. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with flags, giveaways, subpar blocking, ineffective short-yardage play and lackluster coaching. Somehow the Jets are declining each game. 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 poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could continue for years.

Suffering Score: 9/10 – Is Aaron Glenn's job safe?

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Certainly, it’s tempting to attribute 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 shameful and even a player of Jackson's caliber isn’t going to tip the scales if his defense, which in fairness has been blighted by injury, is godawful. Even worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a big day for the Texans' passer, the Browns' star, and their teammates.

Still, Jackson is expected back in the next few weeks, they play in a softer division and their future games is favorable, so there's still a chance. But considering how messy the Ravens have performed regardless of Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.

Misery rating: 6/10 - The Steelers probably won’t run away with the division.

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This one boils down to a single play: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the second week. Several weeks without Burrow has led to three losses. It’s difficult to watch two of the league’s best receivers, the star receiver and the other starting receiver, doing their thing with nothing to show for it. Chase grabbed two huge touchdowns and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to a top franchise, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s O did most of the damage once the outcome was decided. Simultaneously, Burrow’s replacement, the backup passer, while impressive in the final period against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No organization in football hinges 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 returns the following campaign, if he can remain healthy. But only five weeks into the current campaign, the campaign looks practically done 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

Free Maxx Crosby, who continues to be a rare positive in a strange period of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was another demonstration of the disastrous pairing of the quarterback and Pete Carroll in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, ranking first this season with nine picks. His two interceptions in Week 5 led to Indianapolis scores. It's unclear what Plan B is, but the primary strategy – being relying entirely on Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the current title holders. And yes, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 games. But between the star receiver and the other receiver showing frustration with their positions, followers' criticism about their sluggish offense and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Indeed, Sunday’s collapse was alarming: the Eagles lost a two-score advantage to Denver in the last quarter thanks to multiple flags, an attack that vanished, and a defensive scheme that was dominated and outcoached by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. Still, they were on the end of debated officiating and are sharing the best record in their conference. Why the long faces?

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

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than awful, but their humiliating 22-21 loss to the formerly victory-less Titans was incompetent. A turnover near the end zone from the ball carrier, who prematurely celebrated a long run early, followed by a muffed pick that ended in a opposing TD did Arizona in. You couldn’t concoct this loss if you wanted to. Considering this, and their previous two losses, were on game-winning field goals, there isn't much happiness in Cardinals territory these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I'm completely baffled. That's Football Mistakes 101. I don’t know. It was unbelievable.”

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

Top Performer

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, replacing the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|