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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 the majority of squads. So let’s examine the teams whose positive energy have vanished after Week 5. Keep in mind these are not exactly the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are mostly playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

New York Jets (0-5)

The only winless team in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the numbers imply. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 unit with no forced turnovers in league history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with infractions, mistakes, poor offensive line play, lack of fourth-down execution and uninspired coaching. Somehow the Jets are declining each game. If that didn't suffice this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of 14 seasons is the league's lengthiest. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Admittedly, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But 44-10 – the worst home loss in Ravens history – is humiliating and even a star like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defense, which in fairness has been plagued by health issues, is terrible. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a big day for Houston's QB, the running back, and the rest.

Still, Jackson is expected back in the next few weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their future games is manageable, so all hope is not lost. But considering how messy the Ravens have executed with or without Jackson, the confidence level is close to empty.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

This situation stems from one moment: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the second week. Three weeks without Burrow has caused multiple setbacks. It’s difficult to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Ja’Marr Chase and the other starting receiver, performing well with nothing to show for it. Chase caught two major TDs and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to one of the league’s best teams, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did most of the damage once the outcome was decided. Simultaneously, Burrow’s stand-in, the substitute QB, while promising in the final period against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three interceptions on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No organization in football hinges on the well-being of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow comes back the following campaign, if he can stay fit. But only five weeks into this season, the campaign 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

Release Maxx Crosby, who continues to be one of the few good things in a unusual time of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis Colts was another demonstration of the poor combination of the quarterback and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a turnover machine, leading the league this season with nine interceptions. His two picks in the fifth game led to Indianapolis scores. Nobody knows what Plan B is, but the current approach – being fully committed to Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And of course, they have only been defeated twice in 22 games. But among the star receiver and the other receiver expressing dissatisfaction with their situations, supporter grievances about their slow-moving attack and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Indeed, Sunday’s collapse was concerning: the Eagles blew a significant margin to Denver in the last quarter thanks to five penalties, an O that disappeared, and a D that was dominated and outcoached by the opposing strategist. Crazier things have happened. However, they were on the receiving side of questionable rulings and are tied for the top mark in their league. 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 average rather than miserable, but their humiliating 22-21 defeat to the formerly victory-less Titans was poorly played. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who prematurely celebrated a long run too soon, followed by a botched interception that led to a opposing TD did Arizona in. You couldn't invent this setback if you tried. Given that this, and their earlier setbacks, were on clutch field goals, there isn't much happiness in Cardinals territory these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm confused. I truly don't understand. That's a textbook example of losing. I'm not sure. It was insane.”

Despair Index: 3/10 – Is Murray the long-term answer?

MVP of the week

Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. The ball carrier, substituting for the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|