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We have passed the quarter mark of the professional football season, which indicates we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of most teams. So let’s highlight the teams whose positive energy have disappeared after Week 5. Remember these aren’t necessarily the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are poor but are mostly playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defense, became the first 0-5 team with zero takeaways in professional football annals. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, mistakes, poor offensive line play, lack of fourth-down execution and uninspired coaching. Somehow the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that didn't suffice this has been going on for years: 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.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Sure, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But 44-10 – the most lopsided home defeat in team history – is shameful and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defensive unit, which admittedly has been blighted by injury, is terrible. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a productive outing for CJ Stroud, the running back, and the rest.

However, Jackson is expected back in the next few weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their upcoming slate is favorable, so optimism remains. But considering how messy the Ravens have played regardless of Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

The issue here is one incident: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the second week. Three weeks without Burrow has led to a trio of defeats. It’s difficult to watch two top pass-catchers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, performing well with no positive results. Chase caught two huge touchdowns and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to an elite squad, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did most of the damage once the result was beyond doubt. Simultaneously, Burrow’s backup, the substitute QB, while impressive in the last quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No team in football depends so much on the health of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will point to the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow is back the following campaign, if he can stay fit. But only five weeks into this season, the season looks essentially finished 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 Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was another demonstration of the disastrous pairing of Geno Smith and the head coach in the Nevada. Smith has been a giveaway factory, ranking first this season with nine picks. His two picks in Week 5 led to Indianapolis TDs. It's unclear what Plan B is, but the current approach – being fully committed to Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the current title holders. And of course, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 games. But between AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith being disgruntled with their positions, fan complaints about their sluggish offense and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Yes, Sunday’s breakdown was worrisome: the Eagles blew a significant margin to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to multiple flags, an attack that vanished, and a Vic Fangio defense that was beaten and outthought by the opposing strategist. Stranger events have occurred. Still, they were on the subject to some controversial calls and are sharing the leading standing in their NFC. What happened to the joy?

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 terrible, but their shameful 22-21 setback to the previously winless Titans was poorly played. A turnover near the end zone from Emari Demercado, who prematurely celebrated a long run early, followed by a muffed pick that ended in a Tennessee score sank the Cardinals. You couldn’t concoct this loss if you tried. Since this, and their prior defeats, were on game-winning field goals, there is little celebration in Arizona 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 ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I don’t know. It was unbelievable.”

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

Player of the Week

Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. The running back, replacing the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|