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We have passed the first quarter of the National Football League campaign, which indicates we have a good idea of the direction of the majority of squads. So let’s celebrate the teams whose positive energy have evaporated after the fifth week. Remember these might not be the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are generally playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

New York Jets (0-5)

The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their D, became the first 0-5 team with no forced turnovers in NFL history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with flags, turnovers, subpar blocking, lack of fourth-down execution and uninspired coaching. Somehow the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that wasn’t enough this has been happening for a long time: their playoff-less streak of 14 seasons is the most extended in football. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could last a long time.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Sure, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But 44-10 – the biggest home loss in team history – is embarrassing and even a player of Jackson's caliber isn’t going to tip the scales if his defensive unit, which to be fair has been ravaged by injuries, is godawful. Even worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for the Texans' passer, the Browns' star, and the rest.

Nevertheless, Jackson will probably return in the coming weeks, they play in a softer division and their upcoming slate is favorable, so there's still a chance. But considering how messy the Ravens have performed regardless of Jackson, the optimism gauge is nearly depleted.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

The issue here is one moment: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the early season. A trio of games without Burrow has led to multiple setbacks. It’s almost painful to watch two top pass-catchers, the star receiver and the talented wideout, doing their thing with little to celebrate. Chase caught two huge touchdowns and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to a top franchise, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the majority of their work once the result was beyond doubt. At the same time, Burrow’s stand-in, the backup passer, while impressive in the last quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three turnovers on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No organization in football hinges on the health of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will note the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow is back next season, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into this season, the season looks all but over for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Let Maxx Crosby go, who remains one of the only bright spots in a weird new era of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis was further evidence of the poor combination of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the Nevada. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, ranking first this season with nine picks. His two picks in the latest contest resulted in Indianapolis TDs. It's unclear what Plan B is, but the current approach – being relying entirely on Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the current title holders. And admittedly, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 outings. But among the wideout and the other receiver showing frustration with their positions, supporter grievances about their slow-moving attack and the local doubt about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Yes, Sunday’s collapse was alarming: the Eagles blew a two-score advantage to Denver in the last quarter thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a defensive scheme that was beaten and outthought by the Broncos' coach. More surprising outcomes exist. However, they were on the end of questionable rulings and are equal with the leading standing in their conference. Where are the smiles?

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

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than miserable, but their shameful 22-21 defeat to the previously winless Titans was badly executed. A turnover near the end zone from the running back, who assumed he had scored prematurely, followed by a muffed pick that resulted in a Tennessee score did Arizona in. You couldn’t concoct this setback if you attempted. Since this, and their prior defeats, were on clutch field goals, there can’t be much joy in Arizona these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I'm completely baffled. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I don’t know. It was unbelievable.”

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

MVP of the week

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, substituting for the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|