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We’re past the first quarter of the professional football season, which indicates we have a solid understanding of the direction of the majority of squads. So let’s examine the teams whose good vibes have disappeared after the fifth week. Keep in mind these aren’t necessarily the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are terrible but are generally playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the numbers imply. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defense, became the first 0-5 team with zero takeaways in professional football annals. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with infractions, mistakes, poor offensive line play, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Incredibly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that didn't suffice this has been a recurring issue: their postseason absence of over a decade is the longest in the NFL. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Certainly, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 scoreline – the most lopsided home defeat in Ravens history – is shameful and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defense, which to be fair has been blighted by injury, is godawful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a field day for Houston's QB, the Browns' star, and the rest.

However, Jackson should be back in the coming weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their remaining schedule is soft, so optimism remains. But given how sloppy the Ravens have played with or sans Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This situation stems from a single play: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the second week. A trio of games without Burrow has led to three losses. It’s difficult to watch a pair of elite wideouts, the star receiver and the other starting receiver, making plays with no positive results. Chase caught two major TDs and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to an elite squad, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s O did most of the damage once the result was beyond doubt. Simultaneously, Burrow’s stand-in, the backup passer, while promising in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No franchise in football depends so much on the fitness of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will note the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow comes back next year, if he can avoid injury. But merely a month into the present year, the schedule looks practically done for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Free Maxx Crosby, who remains a rare positive in a weird new era of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis Colts was further evidence of the poor combination of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the desert. Smith has been a giveaway factory, ranking first this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in the latest contest led to Indianapolis scores. It's unclear what Plan B is, but the current approach – being fully committed to Smith – is a very painful watch.

Suffering Score: 7/10 – Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must adjust quickly.

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the current title holders. And of course, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 contests. But among AJ Brown and the pass-catcher showing frustration with their situations, supporter grievances about their sluggish offense and the city’s continued skepticism about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Yes, Sunday’s meltdown was worrisome: the Eagles squandered a 14-point lead to Denver in the last quarter thanks to multiple flags, an offense that faded horribly, and a Vic Fangio defense that was pummeled and outsmarted by the opposing strategist. Crazier things have happened. Still, they were on the end of debated officiating and are equal with the best record in their conference. What happened to the joy?

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

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than terrible, but their shameful 22-21 setback to the until-then winless Titans was badly executed. A turnover near the end zone from Emari Demercado, who assumed he had scored prematurely, followed by a botched interception that ended in a opposing TD did Arizona in. You couldn't invent this defeat if you attempted. Considering this, and their earlier setbacks, were on game-winning field goals, there isn't much happiness in Cardinals territory these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm confused. I really don’t even know. That's a textbook example of losing. I can't explain. It was insane.”

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

MVP of the week

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