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We have passed the quarter mark of the professional football season, which means we have a solid understanding of the path of many franchises. So let’s celebrate the teams whose positive energy have evaporated after Week 5. Note that these might not be the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are poor but are largely playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the numbers imply. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defense, became the first 0-5 team with no takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with flags, mistakes, weak O-line performance, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Somehow the Jets are declining each game. If that wasn’t enough this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of 14 seasons is the longest in the NFL. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could last a long time.

Despair Index: 9/10 – What is Aaron Glenn's future?

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Certainly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 blowout – the most lopsided home defeat in franchise history – is shameful and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defense, which to be fair has been ravaged by injuries, is godawful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for Houston's QB, Nick Chubb, and their teammates.

However, Jackson should be back in the near future, they play in a softer division and their future games is soft, so there's still a chance. But given how sloppy the Ravens have executed with or without Jackson, the optimism gauge 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 moment: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in Week 2. Three weeks without Burrow has resulted in a trio of defeats. It’s almost painful to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and the talented wideout, making plays with nothing to show for it. Chase caught two huge touchdowns and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to a top franchise, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the bulk of the scoring once the result was beyond doubt. Simultaneously, Burrow’s backup, Jake Browning, while impressive in the final period against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No team in football hinges on the health of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will note the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow comes back next season, if he can stay fit. But merely a month into the present year, the schedule looks practically done for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Release Maxx Crosby, who is still one of the few good things in a unusual time of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was further evidence of the ill-fated union of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a giveaway factory, topping the NFL this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in the latest contest 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.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the defending champions. And admittedly, they have only been defeated twice in 22 contests. But amid the star receiver and the other receiver being disgruntled with their roles, fan complaints about their underperforming O and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Indeed, Sunday’s breakdown was alarming: the Eagles blew a significant margin to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to five penalties, an attack that vanished, and a defensive scheme that was dominated and outcoached by the Broncos' coach. More surprising outcomes exist. Still, they were on the end of debated officiating and are sharing the best record in their conference. What happened to the joy?

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

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than miserable, but their embarrassing 22-21 defeat to the formerly victory-less Titans was badly executed. A turnover near the end zone from the running back, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown too soon, followed by a botched interception that led to a Titans touchdown did Arizona in. You couldn't invent this setback if you attempted. Considering this, and their previous two losses, were on last-second kicks, there isn't much happiness in Cardinals territory these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I don’t even know. I'm completely baffled. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I don’t know. It was insane.”

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

Top Performer

Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. Dowdle, filling in for the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|