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We have passed the quarter mark of the professional football season, which means we have a clear picture of the trajectory of the majority of squads. So let’s highlight the teams whose good vibes have evaporated after the fifth week. Keep in mind these might not be the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are poor but are mostly playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

New York Jets (0-5)

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defense, became the first 0-5 unit with no takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with penalties, turnovers, poor offensive line play, lack of fourth-down execution and uninspired coaching. Incredibly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that wasn’t enough this has been happening for a long time: their playoff drought of over a decade is the longest in the NFL. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could continue for years.

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

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Admittedly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 blowout – the worst home loss in Ravens history – is shameful and even a star like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his D, which to be fair has been plagued by health issues, is awful. Even worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a productive outing for CJ Stroud, Nick Chubb, and the rest.

However, Jackson should be back in the coming weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their remaining schedule is soft, so all hope is not lost. But considering how messy the Ravens have performed with or sans Jackson, the optimism gauge is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This one boils down to one incident: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the second week. Three weeks without Burrow has caused three losses. It’s hard to watch two top pass-catchers, the star receiver and the talented wideout, performing well with little to celebrate. Chase caught a pair of big scores and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to a top franchise, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did the majority of their work once the outcome was decided. Meanwhile, Burrow’s stand-in, the substitute QB, while notable in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three turnovers on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No organization 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 postseason threat when Burrow is back next season, if he can avoid injury. But just five games into this season, the season looks all but over 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 unusual time of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis Colts was another demonstration of the disastrous pairing of the signal-caller and the head coach in the Nevada. Smith has been a turnover machine, topping the NFL this season with nine picks. His two turnovers in the fifth game led to Indianapolis scores. It's unclear what the backup plan is, but the primary strategy – being relying entirely on Smith – is a very painful watch.

Despair Index: 7/10 – Chip Kelly's offense requires immediate changes.

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the defending champions. And admittedly, they have lost just twice in 22 games. But amid AJ Brown and the pass-catcher being disgruntled with their roles, supporter grievances about their sluggish offense and the local doubt about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s breakdown was alarming: the Eagles blew a significant margin to Denver in the last quarter thanks to several infractions, an O that disappeared, and a Vic Fangio defense that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. Crazier things have happened. However, they were on the subject to debated officiating and are sharing the top mark in their conference. Where are the smiles?

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 average rather than awful, but their humiliating 22-21 defeat to the formerly victory-less Titans was incompetent. A turnover near the end zone from the running back, who prematurely celebrated a long run too soon, followed by a muffed pick that ended in a Titans touchdown did Arizona in. You couldn't imagine this loss if you attempted. Since this, and their prior defeats, were on clutch field goals, there is little celebration in Glendale these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I truly don't understand. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I don’t know. It was unbelievable.”

Misery rating: 3/10 – Is Kyler Murray still the future?

Top Performer

Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. The running back, replacing the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|