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We’re past the first quarter of the NFL season, which means we have a clear picture of the direction of most teams. So let’s celebrate the teams whose optimistic outlook have vanished after the fifth week. Keep in mind these might not be the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are generally playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the final score indicates. The Jets’ presumed asset, their D, became the initial winless squad with zero takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with flags, mistakes, poor offensive line play, failed fourth-down attempts and poor sideline leadership. Amazingly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that weren't sufficient this has been happening for a long time: their playoff drought of over a decade is the longest in the NFL. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Sure, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 scoreline – the biggest home loss in Ravens history – is humiliating and even a player of Jackson's caliber isn’t going to tip the scales if his defensive unit, which to be fair has been plagued by health issues, is godawful. Even worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a productive outing for the Texans' passer, the running back, and their teammates.

However, Jackson should be back in the next few weeks, they play in a softer division and their future games is favorable, so there's still a chance. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have played regardless of Jackson, the hope-o-meter is close to empty.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This situation stems from one moment: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the second week. Three weeks without Burrow has caused a trio of defeats. It’s almost painful to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the other starting receiver, doing their thing with no positive results. Chase hauled in two major TDs and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to one of the league’s best teams, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the bulk of the scoring once the outcome was decided. Simultaneously, Burrow’s backup, Jake Browning, while impressive in the final period against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three interceptions on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No franchise 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 the following campaign, if he can avoid injury. But only five weeks into the present year, the season looks all but over for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who remains one of the few good things in a weird new era of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Colts was further evidence of the poor combination of the signal-caller and Pete Carroll in the desert. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, topping the NFL this season with nine turnovers. His two picks in Week 5 produced Indianapolis touchdowns. Nobody knows what the alternative is, but the current approach – being all in on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the defending champions. And of course, they have lost just twice in 22 outings. But amid the star receiver and the pass-catcher showing frustration with their roles, supporter grievances about their sluggish offense and the city’s continued skepticism about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. True, Sunday’s collapse was worrisome: the Eagles squandered a two-score advantage to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to five penalties, an offense that faded horribly, and a Vic Fangio defense that was beaten and outthought by the Broncos' coach. Stranger events have occurred. However, they were on the end of debated officiating and are sharing the leading standing in their NFC. Why the long faces?

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

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than terrible, but their shameful 22-21 defeat to the previously winless Titans was badly executed. A goalline fumble from the running back, who prematurely celebrated a long run prematurely, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that ended in a Tennessee score cost Arizona the game. You couldn’t concoct this loss if you wanted to. Given that this, and their earlier setbacks, were on clutch field goals, there isn't much happiness in Glendale these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I don’t even know. I'm completely baffled. That's Football Mistakes 101. I don’t know. It was insane.”

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

Player of the Week

Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. The ball carrier, filling in for the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|