Jets, Baltimore Ravens … Eagles? What squad is the unhappiest after five weeks of the NFL season?

We are beyond the quarter mark of the NFL season, which means we have a clear picture of the direction of most teams. So let’s examine the teams whose good vibes have evaporated after Week 5. Note that these aren’t necessarily the most terrible squads in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are terrible but are largely playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the numbers imply. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 unit with no takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with infractions, giveaways, poor offensive line play, lack of fourth-down execution and lackluster coaching. Somehow the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that didn't suffice this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of 14 years is the league's lengthiest. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Admittedly, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 blowout – the biggest home loss in Ravens history – is embarrassing and even a talent like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defense, which to be fair has been blighted by injury, is terrible. Even worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a field day for Houston's QB, Nick Chubb, and the rest.

However, Jackson will probably return in the near future, they play in a less competitive division and their upcoming slate is favorable, so optimism remains. But considering how messy the Ravens have executed with or sans Jackson, the hope-o-meter is running on fumes.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

The issue here is one incident: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the second week. A trio of games without Burrow has led to a trio of defeats. It’s difficult to watch two top pass-catchers, the star receiver and Tee Higgins, performing well with little to celebrate. Chase caught two huge touchdowns and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to a top franchise, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the majority of their work once the result was beyond doubt. Simultaneously, Burrow’s backup, Jake Browning, while promising in the final period against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three turnovers on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No franchise in football depends so much on the fitness of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will point to the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow returns next season, if he can stay fit. But just five games into the present year, the campaign looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Free Maxx Crosby, who continues to be a rare positive in a weird new era of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 rout 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 interceptions. His two interceptions in the fifth game produced Indianapolis scores. Nobody knows what the backup plan is, but the current approach – being relying entirely on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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 admittedly, they have only been defeated twice in 22 games. But between the star receiver and the pass-catcher expressing dissatisfaction with their roles, fan complaints about their sluggish offense and the local doubt about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s breakdown was concerning: the Eagles squandered a significant margin to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to multiple flags, an O that disappeared, and a defensive scheme that was pummeled and outsmarted by Sean Payton. Crazier things have happened. Still, they were on the receiving side of debated officiating and are sharing the best record in their NFC. Where are the smiles?

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

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than miserable, but their shameful 22-21 setback to the formerly victory-less Titans was poorly played. A goalline fumble from Emari Demercado, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown too soon, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that led to a opposing TD sank the Cardinals. You couldn’t concoct this loss if you attempted. Considering this, and their prior defeats, were on clutch field goals, there can’t be much joy in Cardinals territory these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I don’t even know. I'm completely baffled. That's Football Mistakes 101. I'm not sure. It was unbelievable.”

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