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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 the majority of squads. So let’s examine the teams whose optimistic outlook have disappeared after the fifth week. Keep in mind these are not exactly the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are terrible but are mostly playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the score suggests. The Jets’ presumed asset, their D, became the initial winless squad with zero takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with flags, mistakes, poor offensive line play, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Somehow the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that wasn’t enough this has been going on for years: their playoff drought of over a decade is the most extended in football. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Admittedly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 scoreline – the worst home loss in franchise history – is embarrassing and even a talent like Jackson can't overcome everything if his D, which admittedly has been blighted by injury, is godawful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a productive outing for the Texans' passer, Nick Chubb, and their teammates.

Still, Jackson is expected back in the coming weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their upcoming slate is manageable, so all hope is not lost. But considering how messy the Ravens have played regardless of Jackson, the optimism gauge is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This situation stems from a single play: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the second week. Several weeks without Burrow has caused a trio of defeats. It’s difficult to watch two top pass-catchers, the star receiver and the other starting receiver, performing well with little to celebrate. Chase caught two huge touchdowns and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to a top franchise, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did the majority of their work once the game was out of reach. Simultaneously, Burrow’s backup, the substitute QB, while promising in the final period against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No team in football relies so heavily on the fitness of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will note the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow comes back next year, if he can remain healthy. But only five weeks into this season, the season looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who is still a rare positive in a unusual time of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis was further evidence of the poor combination of the signal-caller and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, topping the NFL this season with nine interceptions. His two interceptions in Week 5 resulted in Indianapolis TDs. Nobody knows what the backup plan is, but Plan A – being all in on Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the current title holders. And admittedly, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 contests. But amid the wideout and the other receiver expressing dissatisfaction with their situations, followers' criticism about their sluggish offense and the city’s continued skepticism about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Indeed, Sunday’s meltdown was worrisome: the Eagles squandered a two-score advantage to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a Vic Fangio defense that was dominated and outcoached by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. Still, they were on the subject to debated officiating and are tied for the leading standing in their conference. Why the long faces?

Misery rating: 3/10 - The vibes may be off but the Eagles will reach the postseason again.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than awful, but their humiliating 22-21 loss to the formerly victory-less Titans was poorly played. A goalline fumble from the ball carrier, who prematurely celebrated a long run prematurely, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that led to a Titans touchdown did Arizona in. You couldn't imagine this setback if you tried. Since this, and their earlier setbacks, were on clutch field goals, there is little celebration in Glendale these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm confused. I'm completely baffled. That's a textbook example of losing. I'm not sure. It was crazy.”

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

MVP of the week

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, substituting for the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|