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We are beyond the first quarter of the professional football season, which suggests we have a clear picture of the direction of many franchises. So let’s examine the teams whose good vibes have disappeared after the fifth week. Remember these might not be the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are awful but are generally playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the final score indicates. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defense, became the initial winless squad with no forced turnovers in professional football annals. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, giveaways, poor offensive line play, lack of fourth-down execution and lackluster coaching. Somehow the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that didn't suffice this has been happening for a long time: their playoff drought of over a decade is the most extended in football. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could continue for years.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Certainly, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But 44-10 – the worst home loss in team history – is humiliating and even a player of Jackson's caliber won't single-handedly change things if his D, which to be fair has been plagued by health issues, is awful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a productive outing for the Texans' passer, Nick Chubb, and their teammates.

Nevertheless, Jackson should be back in the near future, they play in a softer division and their remaining schedule is manageable, so optimism remains. But given how sloppy the Ravens have executed regardless of Jackson, the hope-o-meter is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This situation stems from one incident: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the early season. Several weeks without Burrow has resulted in multiple setbacks. It’s difficult to watch two top pass-catchers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the talented wideout, performing well with no positive results. Chase grabbed a pair of big scores and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to a top franchise, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offense did the bulk of the scoring once the game was out of reach. Meanwhile, Burrow’s replacement, the backup passer, while promising in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three turnovers on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No team in football hinges on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will highlight 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 the present year, the campaign looks all but over for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Free Maxx Crosby, who continues to be a rare positive in a weird new era of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Colts was another demonstration of the disastrous pairing of the signal-caller and Pete Carroll in the desert. Smith has been a turnover machine, topping the NFL this season with nine interceptions. His two turnovers in the latest contest produced Indianapolis touchdowns. We’re not sure what the backup plan is, but the primary strategy – being relying entirely on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

Misery rating: 7/10 – OC Chip Kelly needs to change course ASAP.

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the current title holders. And yes, they have lost just twice in 22 contests. But between the star receiver and the pass-catcher showing frustration with their positions, followers' criticism about their sluggish offense and the city’s continued skepticism about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. True, Sunday’s meltdown was alarming: the Eagles blew a significant margin to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to multiple flags, an attack that vanished, and a D that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of some controversial calls and are sharing the top mark in their conference. What happened to the joy?

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 awful, but their shameful 22-21 defeat to the previously winless Titans was incompetent. A turnover near the end zone from Emari Demercado, who prematurely celebrated a long run too soon, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that led to a opposing TD sank the Cardinals. You couldn't imagine this setback if you attempted. Given that this, and their prior defeats, were on clutch field goals, there isn't much happiness in Glendale these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I don’t even know. I really don’t even know. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I don’t know. It was insane.”

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

Top Performer

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