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We are beyond the quarter mark of the NFL season, which indicates we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s highlight the teams whose positive energy have evaporated after the fifth week. Note that these aren’t necessarily the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are largely playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

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 drilling a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the first game. 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’ presumed asset, their defensive unit, became the initial winless squad with no takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with penalties, turnovers, poor offensive line play, failed fourth-down attempts and lackluster coaching. Incredibly the Jets are declining each game. If that wasn’t enough this has been a recurring issue: their postseason absence of over a decade is the league's lengthiest. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could continue for years.

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

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Certainly, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 scoreline – the most lopsided home defeat in team history – is humiliating and even a player of Jackson's caliber isn’t going to tip the scales if his D, which admittedly has been blighted by injury, is terrible. Making matters 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.

Nevertheless, Jackson should be back in the near future, they play in a relatively weak division and their upcoming slate is favorable, so optimism remains. But given how sloppy the Ravens have played with or without Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

This situation stems from a single play: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the second week. Several weeks without Burrow has caused multiple setbacks. It’s difficult to watch two top pass-catchers, Ja’Marr Chase and the other starting receiver, making plays with no positive results. Chase grabbed two major TDs and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to a top franchise, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did the bulk of the scoring once the game was out of reach. Meanwhile, Burrow’s backup, the substitute QB, while promising in the final period against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three turnovers on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No team in football relies so heavily on the health of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow returns the following campaign, if he can avoid injury. But only five weeks into this season, the season looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Let Maxx Crosby go, who continues to be one of the only bright spots in a unusual time of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Colts was another demonstration of the ill-fated union of Geno Smith and the head coach in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a turnover machine, ranking first this season with nine picks. His two interceptions in Week 5 produced Indianapolis TDs. Nobody knows what the alternative is, but Plan A – being relying entirely on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the defending champions. And of course, they have only been defeated twice in 22 contests. But among the star receiver and the pass-catcher being disgruntled with their roles, followers' criticism about their slow-moving attack and the local doubt about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. True, Sunday’s meltdown was alarming: the Eagles blew a two-score advantage to Denver in the final period thanks to several infractions, an attack that vanished, and a Vic Fangio defense that was beaten and outthought by the opposing strategist. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of debated officiating and are sharing the top mark in their league. Where are the smiles?

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 loss to the formerly victory-less Titans was badly executed. A goalline fumble from Emari Demercado, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown prematurely, followed by a botched interception that resulted in a Titans touchdown sank the Cardinals. You couldn't imagine this setback if you tried. Since this, and their prior defeats, were on game-winning field goals, there is little celebration in Glendale these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I don’t even know. I truly don't understand. 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?

Player of the Week

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