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We’re past the first quarter of the NFL season, which means we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of the majority of squads. So let’s examine the teams whose positive energy have evaporated 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 mostly playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defense, became the first 0-5 team with zero takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with infractions, turnovers, weak O-line performance, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Incredibly the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been going on for years: their playoff-less streak of 14 seasons is the longest in the NFL. 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?

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Certainly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But 44-10 – the biggest home loss in Ravens history – is shameful and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defensive unit, which in fairness has been ravaged by injuries, is awful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a productive outing for CJ Stroud, Nick Chubb, and company.

However, Jackson should be back in the coming weeks, they play in a softer division and their future games is favorable, so all hope is not lost. But considering how messy the Ravens have played with or sans Jackson, the optimism gauge 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 a trio of defeats. It’s almost painful to watch two top pass-catchers, the star receiver and Tee Higgins, doing their thing with nothing to show for it. Chase caught two huge touchdowns and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to an elite squad, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the majority of their work once the outcome was decided. At the same time, Burrow’s stand-in, the backup passer, while notable in the last quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three picks on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No franchise in football relies so heavily on the fitness of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will point to the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow returns next year, if he can remain healthy. But only five weeks into the current campaign, the season looks practically done for Cincinnati.

Suffering Score: 6/10 – Bengals supporters are again pondering what might have been.

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who continues to be a rare positive in a unusual time of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis was another demonstration of the poor combination of the quarterback and the head coach in the desert. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, ranking first this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in Week 5 led to Indianapolis touchdowns. We’re not sure what the alternative is, but the primary strategy – being relying entirely on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And yes, they have only been defeated twice in 22 contests. But among the wideout and DeVonta Smith expressing dissatisfaction with their roles, supporter grievances about their sluggish offense and the local doubt about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Indeed, Sunday’s breakdown was alarming: the Eagles blew a 14-point lead to Denver in the last quarter thanks to five penalties, an attack that vanished, and a D that was dominated and outcoached by the opposing strategist. Stranger events have occurred. Nevertheless, they were on the subject to debated officiating and are equal with the leading standing in their league. 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 embarrassing 22-21 loss to the until-then winless Titans was poorly played. A turnover near the end zone from Emari Demercado, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown early, followed by a muffed pick that ended in a Titans touchdown sank the Cardinals. You couldn’t concoct this loss if you attempted. Considering this, and their previous two losses, were on last-second kicks, there is little celebration in Glendale these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I truly don't understand. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I'm not sure. It was crazy.”

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

MVP of the week

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