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We are beyond the quarter mark of the professional football season, which suggests we have a clear picture of the trajectory of most teams. So let’s celebrate the teams whose positive energy have evaporated after Week 5. Keep in mind these might not be the worst teams 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 greatest underachievers.

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 clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their D, became the initial winless squad with no takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with flags, giveaways, weak O-line performance, ineffective short-yardage play and uninspired coaching. Amazingly the Jets are declining each game. 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 a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could last a long time.

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

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Certainly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 blowout – the biggest home loss in Ravens history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defense, which to be fair has been blighted by injury, is godawful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a field day for CJ Stroud, Nick Chubb, and company.

Nevertheless, Jackson should be back in the near future, they play in a less competitive division and their upcoming slate is favorable, so optimism remains. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have performed regardless of Jackson, the hope-o-meter is running on fumes.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

This one boils down to a single play: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the second week. Several weeks without Burrow has caused three losses. It’s hard to watch two top pass-catchers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the other starting receiver, making plays with no positive results. Chase caught a pair of big scores and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to an elite squad, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did most of the damage once the result was beyond doubt. At the same time, Burrow’s replacement, Jake Browning, while impressive in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No team in football hinges on the fitness of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow comes back next year, if he can remain healthy. But only five weeks into the current campaign, the campaign 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 remains a rare positive in a strange period of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis was more proof of the poor combination of the signal-caller and Pete Carroll in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a giveaway factory, ranking first this season with nine interceptions. His two interceptions in Week 5 resulted in Indianapolis scores. We’re not sure what the alternative is, but the current approach – being relying entirely 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)

Indeed, they’re the current title holders. And admittedly, they have only been defeated twice in 22 contests. But amid AJ Brown and the pass-catcher showing frustration with their situations, supporter grievances about their sluggish offense and the local doubt about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s collapse was concerning: the Eagles squandered a 14-point lead to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to multiple flags, an attack that vanished, and a Vic Fangio defense that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of debated officiating and are equal with the leading standing in their NFC. Why the long faces?

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

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than terrible, but their shameful 22-21 setback to the formerly victory-less Titans was incompetent. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown prematurely, followed by a botched interception that ended in a opposing TD did Arizona in. You couldn’t concoct this defeat if you tried. Given that this, and their previous two losses, were on game-winning field goals, there isn't much happiness in Glendale these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm confused. I really don’t even know. That's a textbook example of losing. I'm not sure. It was crazy.”

Suffering Score: 3/10 – Does Kyler Murray remain the franchise QB?

MVP of the week

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, replacing the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|