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We’re past the quarter mark of the National Football League campaign, which indicates we have a solid understanding of the direction of the majority of squads. So let’s examine the teams whose good vibes have vanished after the fifth week. Keep in mind these aren’t necessarily the most terrible squads in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are poor but are mostly playing as projected) 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 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 beating to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the score suggests. The Jets’ presumed asset, their D, became the first 0-5 unit with no takeaways in professional football annals. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with infractions, giveaways, subpar blocking, lack of fourth-down execution and lackluster coaching. Incredibly the Jets are declining each game. If that wasn’t enough this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of 14 years is the most extended in football. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could last a long time.

Suffering Score: 9/10 – Is Aaron Glenn's job safe?

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Sure, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 scoreline – the worst home loss in franchise history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his D, which to be fair has been plagued by health issues, is terrible. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for CJ Stroud, the running back, and the rest.

Nevertheless, Jackson should be back in the coming weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their upcoming slate is favorable, so all hope is not lost. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have executed regardless of Jackson, the optimism gauge is running on fumes.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

The issue here is a single play: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the second week. Three weeks without Burrow has led to three losses. It’s hard to watch two top pass-catchers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the talented wideout, performing well with no positive results. Chase hauled in two major TDs and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to one of the league’s best teams, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did the bulk of the scoring once the outcome was decided. Meanwhile, Burrow’s stand-in, the backup passer, while notable in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No franchise in football relies so heavily on the fitness of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow is back next season, if he can stay fit. But only five weeks 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)

Let Maxx Crosby go, who is still a rare positive in a strange period of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Colts was more proof of the poor combination of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the desert. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, topping the NFL this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in the latest contest produced Indianapolis TDs. We’re not sure what the alternative is, but Plan A – being all in on Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the defending champions. And admittedly, they have lost just twice in 22 outings. But among the star receiver and the pass-catcher being disgruntled with their roles, followers' criticism about their sluggish offense and the local doubt about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. True, Sunday’s collapse was alarming: the Eagles lost a two-score advantage to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to multiple flags, an attack that vanished, and a D that was dominated and outcoached by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. However, they were on the subject to debated officiating and are tied for the best record in their league. Why the long faces?

Suffering Score: 3/10 - The atmosphere might be negative but Philadelphia will make the playoffs.

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than awful, but their shameful 22-21 loss to the previously winless Titans was badly executed. A turnover near the end zone from the running back, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown early, followed by a muffed pick that ended in a Tennessee score cost Arizona the game. You couldn't imagine this loss if you tried. Considering this, and their prior defeats, were on game-winning field goals, there isn't much happiness in Arizona these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the quarterback said after the game. “I don’t even know. I'm completely baffled. That's Football Mistakes 101. I don’t know. It was insane.”

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

Top Performer

Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. The running back, substituting for the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|