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We’re past the quarter mark of the professional football season, which indicates we have a clear picture of the trajectory of the majority of squads. So let’s highlight the teams whose optimistic outlook have evaporated after the latest round of games. Keep in mind these aren’t necessarily the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are terrible but are largely playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the first game. 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’ alleged strong point, their defense, became the first 0-5 team with zero takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with flags, giveaways, weak O-line performance, lack of fourth-down execution and poor sideline leadership. Amazingly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that wasn’t enough this has been happening for a long time: their playoff drought of 14 years is the longest in the NFL. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could last a long time.

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

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Certainly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But 44-10 – the worst home loss in team history – is shameful and even a star like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his D, which admittedly has been blighted by injury, is terrible. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a productive outing for the Texans' passer, Nick Chubb, and company.

Nevertheless, Jackson should be back in the next few weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their future games is manageable, so all hope is not lost. But considering how messy the Ravens have performed regardless of Jackson, the optimism gauge is running on fumes.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

The issue here is one moment: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the early season. Three weeks without Burrow has resulted in three losses. It’s almost painful to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Ja’Marr Chase and the other starting receiver, performing well with no positive results. Chase grabbed a pair of big scores and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to a top franchise, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offense did the majority of their work once the outcome was decided. Meanwhile, Burrow’s stand-in, the substitute QB, while promising in the last quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three picks on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No team in football relies so heavily on the fitness of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow comes back next season, if he can avoid injury. But only five weeks into the present year, the campaign looks practically done for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Release Maxx Crosby, who remains one of the few good things in a unusual time of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis Colts was another demonstration of the ill-fated union of Geno Smith and the sideline leader in the desert. Smith has been a turnover machine, leading the league this season with nine picks. His two picks in Week 5 produced Indianapolis scores. We’re not sure what Plan B is, but Plan A – being relying entirely on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the current title holders. And yes, they have only been defeated twice in 22 outings. But between AJ Brown and the other receiver expressing dissatisfaction with their roles, followers' criticism about their underperforming O and the city’s continued skepticism about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s collapse was alarming: the Eagles squandered a significant margin to Denver in the final period thanks to five penalties, an attack that vanished, and a defensive scheme that was dominated and outcoached by the opposing strategist. More surprising outcomes exist. However, they were on the end of some controversial calls and are tied for the best record in their conference. Where are the smiles?

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

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than terrible, but their humiliating 22-21 defeat to the until-then winless Titans was poorly played. A turnover near the end zone from Emari Demercado, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown too soon, followed by a muffed pick that ended in a Titans touchdown sank the Cardinals. You couldn't imagine this setback if you tried. Given that this, and their earlier setbacks, were on clutch field goals, there isn't much happiness in Glendale these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the quarterback 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 crazy.”

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

Top Performer

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