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We’re past the first quarter of the NFL season, which indicates we have a clear picture of the direction of most teams. So let’s highlight the teams whose positive energy have vanished after the fifth week. Remember these are not exactly the most terrible squads in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are generally playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

New York Jets (0-5)

The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the score suggests. The Jets’ presumed asset, their D, became the first 0-5 team with no forced turnovers in professional football annals. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with penalties, turnovers, weak O-line performance, failed fourth-down attempts and poor sideline leadership. Incredibly the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been happening for a long time: their playoff drought of over a decade is the league's lengthiest. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could last a long time.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Certainly, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 blowout – the worst home loss in franchise history – is humiliating and even a player of Jackson's caliber can't overcome everything if his D, which to be fair has been blighted by injury, is godawful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for CJ Stroud, the Browns' star, and their teammates.

However, Jackson is expected back in the near future, they play in a less competitive division and their upcoming slate is manageable, so optimism remains. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have performed with or sans Jackson, the hope-o-meter is close to empty.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This situation stems from a single play: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the early season. A trio of games without Burrow has caused a trio of defeats. It’s almost painful to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Ja’Marr Chase and the talented wideout, making plays with nothing to show for it. Chase hauled in two huge touchdowns and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to one of the league’s best teams, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offense did most of the damage once the result was beyond doubt. At the same time, Burrow’s backup, the backup passer, while promising in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three picks on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No organization in football relies so heavily on the health of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will note the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow is back next season, if he can remain healthy. But only five weeks into this season, the season looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Free Maxx Crosby, who remains a rare positive in a strange period of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis was more proof of the poor combination of the signal-caller and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, topping the NFL this season with nine picks. His two turnovers in Week 5 led to Indianapolis TDs. It's unclear what the backup plan is, but the primary strategy – being fully committed to Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

Suffering Score: 7/10 – Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must adjust quickly.

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the current title holders. And of course, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 contests. But amid the wideout and the pass-catcher being disgruntled with their roles, followers' criticism about their underperforming O and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. True, Sunday’s collapse was concerning: the Eagles blew a two-score advantage to Denver in the last quarter thanks to five penalties, an attack that vanished, and a D that was beaten and outthought by the Broncos' coach. Crazier things have happened. However, they were on the end of debated officiating and are tied for the best record in their NFC. Where are the smiles?

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

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than terrible, but their embarrassing 22-21 setback to the previously winless Titans was poorly played. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who prematurely celebrated a long run prematurely, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that ended in a Titans touchdown cost Arizona the game. You couldn't invent this setback if you attempted. Considering this, and their earlier setbacks, were on game-winning field goals, there isn't much happiness in Arizona these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm confused. I really don’t even know. That's Football Mistakes 101. I don’t know. It was insane.”

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

Player of the Week

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