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We have passed the quarter mark of the NFL season, which means we have a solid understanding of the direction of most teams. So let’s highlight the teams whose positive energy have disappeared 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 terrible but are mostly 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 hitting a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the score suggests. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 unit with no forced turnovers in NFL history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with penalties, mistakes, subpar blocking, ineffective short-yardage play and uninspired coaching. Amazingly the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of 14 seasons is the league's lengthiest. 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?

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Admittedly, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 blowout – the most lopsided home defeat in franchise history – is shameful and even a star like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defense, which admittedly has been blighted by injury, is terrible. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a big day for CJ Stroud, the running back, and their teammates.

However, Jackson should be back in the near future, they play in a relatively weak division and their remaining schedule is manageable, so optimism remains. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have played with or without Jackson, the confidence level is close to empty.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

This situation stems from one moment: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the second week. Three weeks without Burrow has led to a trio of defeats. It’s hard to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, doing their thing with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed two major TDs and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to one of the league’s best teams, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did the majority of their work once the game was out of reach. At the same time, Burrow’s stand-in, 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 a single athlete 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 the present year, the schedule 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: Stumbling at 1-4

Let Maxx Crosby go, who remains one of the only bright spots in a unusual time of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Colts was further evidence of the disastrous pairing of the quarterback and the sideline leader in the desert. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, leading the league this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in Week 5 produced Indianapolis scores. We’re not sure what the alternative is, but Plan A – being relying entirely on Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And yes, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 games. But among the star receiver and the pass-catcher expressing dissatisfaction with their situations, supporter grievances about their underperforming O and the city’s continued skepticism about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s meltdown was concerning: the Eagles squandered a significant margin to Denver in the final period thanks to several infractions, an attack that vanished, and a defensive scheme that was pummeled and outsmarted by the Broncos' coach. More surprising outcomes exist. However, they were on the end of questionable rulings and are sharing the best record in their NFC. Why the long faces?

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 humiliating 22-21 defeat to the until-then winless Titans was incompetent. A goalline fumble from the running back, who prematurely celebrated a long run too soon, followed by a muffed pick that resulted in a Tennessee score did Arizona in. You couldn't invent this setback if you wanted to. Since this, and their previous two losses, were on clutch field goals, 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 really don’t even know. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I'm not sure. It was crazy.”

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

Player of the Week

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