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We have passed the quarter mark of the NFL season, which suggests we have a good idea of the path of many franchises. So let’s highlight the teams whose good vibes have evaporated after the latest round of games. Remember these might not be the most terrible squads in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are awful but are largely playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell nailing 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 far more lopsided than the final score indicates. The Jets’ presumed asset, their D, became the first 0-5 unit with no takeaways in professional football annals. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with penalties, turnovers, poor offensive line play, lack of fourth-down execution and poor sideline leadership. Amazingly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that weren't sufficient this has been a recurring issue: their playoff-less streak of 14 years is the most extended in football. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could continue for years.

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

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Sure, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 scoreline – the most lopsided home defeat in franchise history – is shameful and even a star like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defense, which in fairness has been ravaged by injuries, is godawful. Even worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a big day for the Texans' passer, Nick Chubb, and their teammates.

Nevertheless, Jackson will probably return in the near future, they play in a less competitive division and their remaining schedule is favorable, so optimism remains. But considering how messy the Ravens have executed regardless of Jackson, the hope-o-meter is nearly depleted.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

The issue here is one moment: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the early season. A trio of games without Burrow has resulted in multiple setbacks. It’s difficult to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the other starting receiver, making plays with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed two major TDs and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to a top franchise, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the majority of their work once the result was beyond doubt. Simultaneously, Burrow’s replacement, the substitute QB, while promising in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three picks on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No franchise in football depends so much on the health of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will note the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow returns next year, if he can stay fit. But only five weeks into this season, the schedule looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

Misery rating: 6/10 – Once again, Bengals fans are left to wonder at what could have been.

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Free Maxx Crosby, who is still a rare positive in a weird new era of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis was further evidence of the disastrous pairing of the quarterback and Pete Carroll in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a giveaway factory, leading the league this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in the fifth game resulted in Indianapolis TDs. Nobody knows what the backup plan is, but Plan A – being fully committed to Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And admittedly, they have only been defeated twice in 22 outings. But between the star receiver and the other receiver showing frustration with their positions, supporter grievances about their slow-moving attack and the local doubt about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. True, Sunday’s meltdown was worrisome: the Eagles squandered a 14-point lead to Denver in the final period thanks to multiple flags, an attack that vanished, and a defensive scheme that was beaten and outthought by the opposing strategist. Stranger events have occurred. Nevertheless, they were on the end of debated officiating 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.

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than terrible, but their humiliating 22-21 defeat to the formerly victory-less Titans was incompetent. A fumble at the goal line from the running back, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown prematurely, followed by a botched interception that led to a Titans touchdown did Arizona in. You couldn't invent this defeat if you tried. Since this, and their prior defeats, were on last-second kicks, there is little celebration in Glendale 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 a textbook example of losing. I can't explain. It was crazy.”

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

MVP of the week

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