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We have passed the first quarter of the professional football season, which indicates we have a clear picture of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s celebrate the teams whose positive energy have evaporated after Week 5. Note that these are not exactly the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are awful but are largely playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the final score indicates. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defensive unit, became the initial winless squad with zero takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with flags, mistakes, subpar blocking, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Incredibly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that weren't sufficient this has been happening for a long time: their playoff drought of 14 years is the league's lengthiest. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Sure, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But 44-10 – the most lopsided home defeat in team history – is embarrassing and even a talent like Jackson can't overcome everything if his D, which in fairness has been ravaged by injuries, is terrible. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a big day for CJ Stroud, the Browns' star, and company.

However, Jackson is expected back in the next few weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their remaining schedule is manageable, so optimism remains. But considering how messy the Ravens have executed regardless of Jackson, the hope-o-meter is close to empty.

Suffering Score: 6/10 - The AFC North remains up for grabs.

Bengals Fall to 2-3

This situation stems from one moment: Burrow's year-ending ailment in Week 2. A trio of games without Burrow has led to multiple setbacks. It’s difficult to watch two top pass-catchers, the star receiver and Tee Higgins, making plays with nothing to show for it. Chase hauled in two major TDs and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to a top franchise, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offense did the bulk of the scoring once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s stand-in, the backup passer, while promising in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three turnovers on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No franchise in football hinges on the well-being of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will note the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow comes back next season, if he can stay fit. 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.

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Free Maxx Crosby, who remains one of the only bright spots in a weird new era of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis Colts was another demonstration of the ill-fated union of the quarterback and the sideline leader in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a giveaway factory, topping the NFL this season with nine interceptions. His two turnovers in Week 5 resulted in Indianapolis touchdowns. It's unclear 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.

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And admittedly, they have lost just twice in 22 games. But among the star receiver and the pass-catcher being disgruntled with their positions, followers' criticism about their slow-moving attack and the city’s continued skepticism about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Indeed, Sunday’s collapse was alarming: the Eagles lost a significant margin to Denver in the last quarter thanks to multiple flags, an offense that faded horribly, and a defensive scheme that was dominated and outcoached by the opposing strategist. Crazier things have happened. Still, they were on the receiving side 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 terrible, but their embarrassing 22-21 loss to the formerly victory-less Titans was badly executed. A fumble at the goal line from the running back, who prematurely celebrated a long run too soon, followed by a muffed pick that ended in a Tennessee score sank the Cardinals. You couldn't invent this defeat if you wanted to. Considering this, and their earlier setbacks, were on game-winning field goals, there isn't much happiness in Cardinals territory these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm confused. I truly don't understand. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I can't explain. It was unbelievable.”

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

Top Performer

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. The ball carrier, filling in for the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|