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We have passed the quarter mark of the National Football League campaign, which means we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of most teams. So let’s examine the teams whose positive energy have disappeared after Week 5. Keep in mind these might not be the most terrible squads in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are awful but are generally playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The sole franchise without a victory 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 first game. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the score suggests. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 team with no forced turnovers in NFL history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with flags, turnovers, weak O-line performance, lack of fourth-down execution and uninspired coaching. Somehow the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that wasn’t enough this has been happening for a long time: their playoff drought of 14 seasons is the longest in the NFL. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could continue for years.

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

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Sure, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But 44-10 – the most lopsided home defeat in franchise history – is embarrassing and even a star like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defense, which to be fair has been plagued by health issues, is godawful. Even worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a productive outing for Houston's QB, the Browns' star, and the rest.

Still, Jackson should be back in the coming weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their future games is favorable, so there's still a chance. But given how sloppy the Ravens have performed with or sans Jackson, the optimism gauge is close to empty.

Misery rating: 6/10 - The Steelers probably won’t run away with the division.

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This situation stems from one moment: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the second week. Three weeks without Burrow has caused three losses. It’s hard to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Cincinnati's WR1 and the other starting receiver, performing well with little to celebrate. Chase hauled in two major TDs and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to an elite squad, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did most of the damage once the game was out of reach. Meanwhile, Burrow’s backup, Jake Browning, while notable in the final period against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three turnovers on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No team in football hinges on the fitness of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will point to the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow comes back the following campaign, if he can avoid injury. But just five games into the present year, 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 (1-4)

Release Maxx Crosby, who continues to be a rare positive in a unusual time of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Colts was another demonstration of the poor combination of Geno Smith and the head coach in the Nevada. Smith has been a turnover machine, leading the league this season with nine interceptions. His two interceptions in the latest contest led to Indianapolis touchdowns. It's unclear what Plan B is, but the current approach – being all in on Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And admittedly, they have only been defeated twice in 22 games. But among the star receiver and DeVonta Smith expressing dissatisfaction with their roles, supporter grievances about their underperforming O and the city’s continued skepticism about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Yes, Sunday’s meltdown was worrisome: the Eagles lost a 14-point lead to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to multiple flags, an attack that vanished, and a defensive scheme that was pummeled and outsmarted by the Broncos' coach. More surprising outcomes exist. Still, they were on the end of questionable rulings and are sharing the leading standing in their NFC. Where are the smiles?

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

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than terrible, but their humiliating 22-21 setback to the previously winless Titans was badly executed. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who prematurely celebrated a long run too soon, followed by a muffed pick that resulted in a opposing TD sank the Cardinals. You couldn't imagine this setback if you tried. Since this, and their earlier setbacks, were on last-second kicks, there isn't much happiness in Cardinals territory these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I truly don't understand. That's a textbook example of losing. I don’t know. It was insane.”

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

Player of the Week

Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. Dowdle, replacing the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|