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We’re past the first quarter of the professional football season, which suggests we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s examine the teams whose optimistic outlook have vanished 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 poor but are largely playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defensive unit, became the initial winless squad with no takeaways in professional football annals. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with penalties, turnovers, subpar blocking, lack of fourth-down execution and poor sideline leadership. Somehow 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 most extended in football. 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?

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Sure, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 blowout – the most lopsided home defeat in franchise history – is humiliating and even a player of Jackson's caliber isn’t going to tip the scales if his defense, which to be fair has been blighted by injury, is awful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a field day 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 optimism remains. But given how sloppy the Ravens have performed with or sans Jackson, the optimism gauge is nearly depleted.

Misery rating: 6/10 - The Steelers probably won’t run away with the division.

Bengals Fall to 2-3

This situation stems from one moment: Burrow's year-ending ailment in Week 2. A trio of games without Burrow has caused a trio of defeats. It’s difficult to watch two top pass-catchers, Ja’Marr Chase and the talented wideout, performing well with no positive results. Chase hauled in 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 Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did most of the damage once the result was beyond doubt. Simultaneously, Burrow’s stand-in, the backup passer, while notable in the last quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three turnovers on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No organization in football hinges on the health of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow is back next season, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into the present year, the season looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Free Maxx Crosby, who remains one of the only bright spots in a unusual time of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was further evidence of the poor combination of the signal-caller and the sideline leader in the desert. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, topping the NFL this season with nine turnovers. His two interceptions in Week 5 produced Indianapolis scores. Nobody knows what the backup plan is, but Plan A – being all in on Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the current title holders. And of course, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 games. But amid the star receiver and DeVonta Smith expressing dissatisfaction with their roles, fan complaints about their underperforming O and the city’s continued skepticism about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Yes, Sunday’s collapse was concerning: the Eagles blew a significant margin to Denver in the last quarter thanks to multiple flags, an attack that vanished, and a Vic Fangio defense that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. Stranger events have occurred. Still, they were on the receiving side of some controversial calls and are sharing the best record in their NFC. Why the long faces?

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

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than awful, but their shameful 22-21 setback to the until-then winless Titans was incompetent. 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 sank the Cardinals. You couldn't imagine this defeat if you tried. Considering this, and their previous two losses, were on game-winning field goals, there is little celebration in Glendale these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm confused. I truly don't understand. That's a textbook example of losing. I can't explain. It was unbelievable.”

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

Player of the Week

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