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We are beyond the quarter mark of the National Football League campaign, which means we have a solid understanding of the direction of most teams. So let’s highlight the teams whose positive energy have vanished after the latest round of games. Note that these aren’t necessarily 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 only winless team in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the final score indicates. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defense, became the initial winless squad with no takeaways in professional football annals. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with penalties, mistakes, poor offensive line play, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Incredibly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that didn't suffice this has been going on for years: their playoff-less streak of 14 years is the longest in the NFL. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could last a long time.

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

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Sure, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 scoreline – the biggest home loss in franchise history – is embarrassing and even a player of Jackson's caliber isn’t going to tip the scales if his D, which to be fair has been plagued by health issues, is terrible. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a big day for CJ Stroud, the Browns' star, and company.

Nevertheless, Jackson is expected back in the next few weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their remaining schedule is favorable, so all hope is not lost. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have performed with or sans Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This situation stems from a single play: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the early season. A trio of games without Burrow has caused a trio of defeats. It’s almost painful to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Ja’Marr Chase and the other starting receiver, doing their thing with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed two major TDs and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to a top franchise, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did most of the damage once the result was beyond doubt. At the same time, Burrow’s replacement, the substitute QB, while notable in the final period against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three turnovers on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No franchise in football hinges on the health of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow comes back next year, if he can remain healthy. But just five games into the current campaign, the season looks all but over for Cincinnati.

Suffering Score: 6/10 – Bengals supporters are again pondering what might have been.

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Free Maxx Crosby, who remains one of the only bright spots in a weird new era of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis was more proof of the poor combination of the quarterback and Pete Carroll in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a giveaway factory, leading the league this season with nine interceptions. His two interceptions in the latest contest led to Indianapolis scores. Nobody knows what the alternative is, but the primary strategy – being relying entirely on Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And admittedly, they have lost just twice in 22 contests. But between AJ Brown and the other receiver showing frustration with their situations, supporter grievances about their sluggish offense and the local doubt about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Indeed, Sunday’s collapse was worrisome: the Eagles squandered a 14-point lead to Denver in the last quarter thanks to five penalties, an attack that vanished, and a D that was beaten and outthought by the opposing strategist. Crazier things have happened. Still, they were on the receiving side of questionable rulings and are equal with the best record in their conference. 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 average rather than miserable, but their humiliating 22-21 loss to the formerly victory-less Titans was badly executed. A fumble at the goal line from Emari Demercado, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown early, followed by a botched interception that ended in a Titans touchdown cost Arizona the game. You couldn't invent this defeat if you tried. Considering this, and their prior defeats, were on last-second kicks, there is little celebration in Glendale these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I really don’t even know. That's a textbook example of losing. I don’t know. It was unbelievable.”

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

Top Performer

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