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We are beyond the quarter mark of the professional football season, which suggests we have a solid understanding of the direction of most teams. So let’s celebrate the teams whose positive energy have disappeared after the fifth week. Note that these are not exactly the most terrible squads in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are mostly playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the final score indicates. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defense, became the first 0-5 team with no takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with flags, turnovers, weak O-line performance, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Amazingly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that wasn’t enough this has been a recurring issue: their postseason absence of 14 seasons is the most extended in football. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

Suffering Score: 9/10 – Is Aaron Glenn's job safe?

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Sure, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But 44-10 – the most lopsided home defeat in franchise history – is humiliating and even a player of Jackson's caliber won't single-handedly change things if his D, which admittedly has been blighted by injury, is awful. Even worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a field day for Houston's QB, Nick Chubb, and the rest.

However, Jackson is expected back in the next few weeks, they play in a softer division and their upcoming slate is manageable, so optimism remains. But considering how messy the Ravens have executed with or without Jackson, the hope-o-meter is nearly depleted.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

This one boils down to one moment: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the second week. Several weeks without Burrow has led to three losses. It’s hard to watch two of the league’s best receivers, the star receiver and the other starting receiver, doing their thing with nothing to show for it. Chase caught two major TDs and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to a top franchise, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the majority of their work once the outcome was decided. At the same time, Burrow’s stand-in, the substitute QB, while promising in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three picks on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No team in football hinges on the well-being of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will note the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow returns next season, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into the present year, the schedule looks practically done for Cincinnati.

Misery rating: 6/10 – Once again, Bengals fans are left to wonder at what could have been.

Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who is still one of the only bright spots in a strange period of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Colts was further evidence of the poor combination of the quarterback and Pete Carroll in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a turnover machine, ranking first this season with nine picks. His two interceptions in Week 5 led to Indianapolis scores. We’re not sure what the backup plan is, but the primary strategy – being all in on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

Misery rating: 7/10 – OC Chip Kelly needs to change course ASAP.

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the current title holders. And of course, they have only been defeated twice in 22 outings. But amid the star receiver and DeVonta Smith being disgruntled with their roles, supporter grievances about their underperforming O and the local doubt about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Yes, Sunday’s breakdown was alarming: the Eagles lost a two-score advantage to Denver in the final period thanks to multiple flags, an O that disappeared, and a Vic Fangio defense that was beaten and outthought by the Broncos' coach. More surprising outcomes exist. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of some controversial calls and are sharing the top mark in their conference. Where are the smiles?

Suffering Score: 3/10 - The atmosphere might be negative but Philadelphia will make the playoffs.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than miserable, but their embarrassing 22-21 setback to the previously winless Titans was poorly played. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown too soon, followed by a botched interception that led to a Titans touchdown sank the Cardinals. You couldn't invent this setback if you wanted to. Considering this, and their previous two losses, were on last-second kicks, there can’t be much joy in Cardinals territory these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I don’t even know. I'm completely baffled. That's a textbook example of losing. I'm not sure. It was unbelievable.”

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

MVP of the week

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