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We’re past the quarter mark of the professional football season, which means we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of most teams. So let’s highlight the teams whose positive energy have evaporated after the fifth week. Keep in mind these might not be the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are largely playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been routs 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 zero takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, mistakes, subpar blocking, lack of fourth-down execution and lackluster coaching. Amazingly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that weren't sufficient 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 last a long time.

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

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Admittedly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But 44-10 – the most lopsided home defeat in franchise history – is embarrassing and even a star like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defense, which to be fair has been plagued by health issues, is awful. Even worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a productive outing for the Texans' passer, the Browns' star, and the rest.

Nevertheless, Jackson is expected back in the coming weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their future games is soft, so all hope is not lost. But given how sloppy the Ravens have executed with or without 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 incident: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in Week 2. Several weeks without Burrow has led to a trio of defeats. It’s difficult to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the talented wideout, doing their thing with no positive results. Chase hauled in two major TDs and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to one of the league’s best teams, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s O did the majority of their work once the result was beyond doubt. At the same time, Burrow’s stand-in, the substitute QB, while impressive in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No organization in football relies so heavily on the health of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow is back the following campaign, if he can remain healthy. But only five weeks into the current campaign, the campaign looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (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 demolition to the Indianapolis Colts was another demonstration of the disastrous pairing of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the Nevada. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, topping the NFL this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in the fifth game produced Indianapolis TDs. Nobody knows what Plan B is, but Plan A – being relying entirely on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And of course, they have lost just twice in 22 games. But amid the star receiver and the pass-catcher showing frustration with their roles, supporter grievances about their underperforming O and the local doubt about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Yes, Sunday’s breakdown was worrisome: the Eagles blew a two-score advantage to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to five penalties, an attack that vanished, and a D that was beaten and outthought by the opposing strategist. More surprising outcomes exist. However, they were on the receiving side of some controversial calls and are sharing the top mark in their NFC. Why the long faces?

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

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than awful, but their embarrassing 22-21 loss to the until-then winless Titans was incompetent. A fumble at the goal line from the running back, who prematurely celebrated a long run prematurely, followed by a muffed pick that led to a opposing TD did Arizona in. You couldn't invent this defeat if you attempted. Given that this, and their previous two losses, were on game-winning field goals, there can’t be much joy in Arizona these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm confused. I'm completely baffled. That's Football Mistakes 101. I don’t know. It was unbelievable.”

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

MVP of the week

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