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We’re past the first quarter of the professional football season, which indicates we have a clear picture of the path of most teams. So let’s highlight the teams whose positive energy have evaporated after Week 5. Remember these might not be the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are largely playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the final score indicates. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defense, became the initial winless squad with no forced turnovers in league history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with penalties, mistakes, subpar blocking, ineffective short-yardage play and lackluster coaching. Somehow the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that didn't suffice this has been happening for a long time: their playoff-less streak of 14 years is the most extended in football. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Admittedly, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 scoreline – the biggest home loss in franchise history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his D, which in fairness has been ravaged by injuries, is terrible. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a productive outing for the Texans' passer, the running back, and the rest.

Nevertheless, Jackson is expected back in the next few weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their future games is soft, so all hope is not lost. But considering how messy the Ravens have played regardless of Jackson, the optimism gauge is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This situation stems from one incident: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the second week. Several weeks without Burrow has resulted in multiple setbacks. It’s almost painful to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, making plays with nothing to show for it. Chase grabbed two major TDs and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to a top franchise, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the majority of their work once the game was out of reach. Simultaneously, Burrow’s stand-in, Jake Browning, while promising in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three turnovers on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No organization in football relies so heavily on the health of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will note the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow returns next year, if he can avoid injury. But only five weeks into the present year, the campaign looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Let Maxx Crosby go, who remains a rare positive in a strange period of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was more proof of the ill-fated union of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the Nevada. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, leading the league this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in the fifth game resulted in Indianapolis touchdowns. It's unclear what Plan B is, but Plan A – being relying entirely on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the defending champions. And admittedly, they have lost just twice in 22 contests. But amid AJ Brown and the other receiver being disgruntled with their roles, fan complaints about their sluggish offense and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. True, Sunday’s collapse was concerning: the Eagles squandered a 14-point lead to Denver in the last quarter thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a defensive scheme that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. Nevertheless, they were on the subject to debated officiating and are tied for 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.

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than terrible, but their embarrassing 22-21 setback to the until-then winless Titans was incompetent. A fumble at the goal line from the running back, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown too soon, followed by a botched interception that led to a Titans touchdown cost Arizona the game. You couldn't imagine this defeat if you wanted to. Given that this, and their prior defeats, were on clutch field goals, there is little celebration in Glendale these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I don’t even know. I'm completely baffled. That's a textbook example of losing. I can't explain. It was crazy.”

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

MVP of the week

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, substituting for the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|