🔗 Share this article

We are beyond the first quarter of the NFL season, which suggests we have a good idea of the trajectory of the majority of squads. So let’s celebrate the teams whose optimistic outlook have evaporated after the latest round of games. Keep in mind these aren’t necessarily the most terrible squads in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are awful but are generally playing as projected) 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 epitomize football suffering. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the score suggests. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defense, became the first 0-5 team with no forced turnovers in NFL history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with infractions, turnovers, weak O-line performance, lack of fourth-down execution and lackluster coaching. Amazingly the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been happening for a long time: their playoff-less streak of 14 years is the longest in the NFL. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Certainly, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 blowout – the most lopsided home defeat in team history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his D, which to be fair has been ravaged by injuries, is godawful. Even worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a big day for Houston's QB, the running back, and their teammates.

However, Jackson is expected back in the near future, they play in a softer division and their future games is soft, so optimism remains. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have played with or sans Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

The issue here is a single play: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the early season. A trio of games without Burrow has caused three losses. It’s almost painful to watch two of the league’s best receivers, the star receiver and the other starting receiver, making plays with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed two major TDs and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to an elite squad, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offense did the bulk of the scoring once the outcome was decided. At the same time, Burrow’s backup, the substitute QB, while impressive in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No organization in football depends so much on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will point to the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow returns next year, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into this season, the campaign looks practically done for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Let Maxx Crosby go, who remains one of the only bright spots in a unusual time of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was further evidence of the poor combination of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a giveaway factory, leading the league this season with nine interceptions. His two turnovers in the latest contest produced Indianapolis touchdowns. We’re not sure what the backup plan is, but the current approach – being relying entirely on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the defending champions. And admittedly, they have lost just twice in 22 games. But among the wideout and DeVonta Smith being disgruntled with their roles, followers' criticism about their underperforming O and the city’s continued skepticism about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Yes, Sunday’s collapse was worrisome: the Eagles blew a significant margin to Denver in the final period thanks to five penalties, an attack that vanished, and a Vic Fangio defense that was pummeled and outsmarted by the Broncos' coach. Stranger events have occurred. However, they were on the receiving side of questionable rulings and are equal with the top mark in their league. Where are the smiles?

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

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than miserable, but their humiliating 22-21 loss to the until-then winless Titans was incompetent. A fumble at the goal line from the running back, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown prematurely, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that led to a Titans touchdown cost Arizona the game. You couldn't invent this setback if you wanted to. Given that this, and their prior defeats, were on clutch field goals, there isn't much happiness in Arizona these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm confused. I truly don't understand. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I'm not sure. It was crazy.”

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

MVP of the week

Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. Dowdle, replacing the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|