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We are beyond the quarter mark of the professional football season, which means we have a good idea of the path of most teams. So let’s highlight the teams whose optimistic outlook have evaporated after the fifth week. Keep in mind these might not be the most terrible squads in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are terrible but are generally playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

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 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 far more lopsided than the final score indicates. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 unit with no forced turnovers in professional football annals. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with flags, turnovers, weak O-line performance, failed fourth-down attempts and uninspired coaching. Incredibly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that didn't suffice this has been going on for years: their postseason absence of over a decade is the league's lengthiest. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could continue for years.

Suffering Score: 9/10 – Is Aaron Glenn's job safe?

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Sure, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 blowout – the worst home loss in Ravens history – is humiliating and even a player of Jackson's caliber can't overcome everything if his defensive unit, which in fairness has been blighted by injury, is awful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for Houston's QB, the running back, and their teammates.

Still, Jackson should be back in the coming weeks, they play in a softer division and their remaining schedule is manageable, so all hope is not lost. But considering how messy the Ravens have played with or without Jackson, the confidence level is close to empty.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

The issue here is one incident: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the early season. A trio of games without Burrow has led to a trio of defeats. It’s difficult to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and the talented wideout, doing their thing with nothing to show for it. Chase caught a pair of big scores and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to one of the league’s best teams, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the bulk of the scoring once the outcome was decided. At the same time, Burrow’s backup, Jake Browning, while notable in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No team in football depends so much on the health of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow comes back next season, if he can avoid injury. 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

Let Maxx Crosby go, who remains one of the only bright spots in a weird new era of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Colts was further evidence of the poor combination of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the Nevada. Smith has been a giveaway factory, leading the league this season with nine interceptions. His two picks in the fifth game produced Indianapolis TDs. It's unclear what Plan B is, but the current approach – being all in on Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the current title holders. And yes, they have lost just twice in 22 contests. But between AJ Brown and the pass-catcher expressing dissatisfaction with their positions, followers' criticism about their sluggish offense and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Yes, Sunday’s collapse was concerning: the Eagles lost a two-score advantage to Denver in the final period thanks to five penalties, an offense that faded horribly, and a defensive scheme that was beaten and outthought by the opposing strategist. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the subject to questionable rulings and are sharing the best record in their league. What happened to the joy?

Misery rating: 3/10 - The vibes may be off but the Eagles will reach the postseason again.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than miserable, but their humiliating 22-21 loss to the previously winless Titans was poorly played. A turnover near the end zone from the ball carrier, who assumed he had scored prematurely, followed by a botched interception that ended in a Tennessee score did Arizona in. You couldn't imagine this loss if you attempted. Given that this, and their earlier setbacks, were on clutch field goals, there isn't much happiness in Cardinals territory these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I truly don't understand. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I can't explain. It was crazy.”

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

Player of the Week

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. The ball carrier, filling in for the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|