🔗 Share this article

We have passed the first quarter of the NFL season, which means we have a good idea of the path of the majority of squads. So let’s highlight the teams whose optimistic outlook have vanished after the latest round of games. Note that these aren’t necessarily the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are awful but are largely playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the first game. 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 defensive unit, became the first 0-5 team with no takeaways in professional football annals. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with infractions, turnovers, 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 years is the most extended in football. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could continue for years.

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

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Sure, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 scoreline – the most lopsided home defeat in team history – is embarrassing and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defense, which in fairness has been blighted by injury, is terrible. Even worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a field day for Houston's QB, the running back, and their teammates.

Still, Jackson will probably return in the next few weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their remaining schedule is manageable, so there's still a chance. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have executed with or sans Jackson, the hope-o-meter is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This one boils down to a single play: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the early season. A trio of games without Burrow has led to three losses. It’s difficult to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Cincinnati's WR1 and the other starting receiver, performing well with no positive results. Chase hauled in two huge touchdowns and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to an elite squad, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the bulk of the scoring once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s replacement, Jake Browning, while notable in the last quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three picks on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No team in football hinges on the fitness of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow comes back the following campaign, if he can remain healthy. But only five weeks into this season, the season looks practically done for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Free Maxx Crosby, who remains one of the only bright spots in a weird new era of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis was more proof of the poor combination of the signal-caller and the head coach in the Nevada. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, topping the NFL this season with nine turnovers. His two interceptions in the fifth game resulted in Indianapolis touchdowns. We’re not sure what the backup plan is, but the primary strategy – being fully committed to Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the current title holders. And of course, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 games. But among the star receiver and the other receiver expressing dissatisfaction with their roles, supporter grievances about their slow-moving attack and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Indeed, Sunday’s collapse was alarming: the Eagles blew a two-score advantage to Denver in the last quarter thanks to five penalties, an O that disappeared, and a D that was dominated and outcoached by the opposing strategist. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the end of debated officiating and are sharing the leading standing in their NFC. Where are the smiles?

Despair Index: 3/10 - Despite the mood, the Eagles are playoff-bound.

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than awful, but their shameful 22-21 loss to the previously winless Titans was incompetent. A goalline fumble from the running back, who assumed he had scored too soon, followed by a muffed pick that led to a Titans touchdown cost Arizona the game. You couldn't imagine this defeat if you attempted. Since this, and their previous two losses, were on clutch field goals, there isn't much happiness in Arizona these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I'm completely baffled. That's a textbook example of losing. I can't explain. It was crazy.”

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

MVP of the week

Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. The running back, substituting for the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|