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We are beyond the quarter mark of the professional football season, which suggests we have a solid understanding of the direction of most teams. So let’s highlight the teams whose positive energy have disappeared after the latest round of games. Keep in mind these are not exactly the most terrible squads in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are terrible but are largely playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

New York Jets (0-5)

The only winless team in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard game-winner 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’ supposed strength, their defense, became the first 0-5 team with no forced turnovers in league history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with flags, mistakes, poor offensive line play, failed fourth-down attempts 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 drought of 14 years is the most extended in football. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

Misery rating: 9/10 – How long is Aaron Glenn’s leash?

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Sure, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But 44-10 – the most lopsided home defeat in Ravens history – is embarrassing and even a star like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his D, which admittedly has been plagued by health issues, is awful. Even worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a productive outing for CJ Stroud, the running back, and company.

However, Jackson should be back in the coming weeks, they play in a softer division and their future games is favorable, so all hope is not lost. But given how sloppy the Ravens have executed regardless of Jackson, the confidence level is running on fumes.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This one boils down to one moment: Burrow's year-ending ailment in Week 2. Several weeks without Burrow has resulted in three losses. It’s almost painful to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Ja’Marr Chase and the talented wideout, making plays with no positive results. Chase grabbed two major TDs and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to one of the league’s best teams, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the majority of their work once the outcome was decided. At the same time, Burrow’s replacement, the substitute QB, while impressive in the last quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three turnovers on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No organization in football hinges on the health of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow is back the following campaign, if he can avoid injury. But only five weeks into the current campaign, the schedule looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

Despair Index: 6/10 – Cincinnati fans are left imagining alternate realities.

Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4

Let Maxx Crosby go, who is still a rare positive in a unusual time of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts was further evidence of the poor combination of the signal-caller and the head coach in the Nevada. Smith has been a turnover machine, topping the NFL this season with nine picks. His two turnovers in Week 5 led to Indianapolis TDs. Nobody knows what the alternative is, but the primary strategy – being fully committed to Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And yes, they have lost just twice in 22 games. But among the star receiver and the pass-catcher being disgruntled with their roles, followers' criticism about their sluggish offense and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Yes, Sunday’s meltdown was alarming: the Eagles blew a 14-point lead to Denver in the last quarter thanks to five penalties, an offense that faded horribly, and a defensive scheme that was dominated and outcoached by the opposing strategist. More surprising outcomes exist. However, they were on the subject to some controversial calls and are sharing the leading standing in their league. Why the long faces?

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

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than terrible, but their embarrassing 22-21 setback to the formerly victory-less Titans was poorly played. A goalline fumble from the running back, who assumed he had scored too soon, followed by a muffed pick that resulted in a Titans touchdown sank the Cardinals. You couldn’t concoct this setback if you tried. Considering this, and their prior defeats, were on clutch field goals, there is little celebration in Arizona 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 a textbook example of losing. I'm not sure. It was unbelievable.”

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

Top Performer

Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. Dowdle, filling in for the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|