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We are beyond the quarter mark of the NFL season, which indicates we have a good idea of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s highlight the teams whose good vibes have evaporated after the latest round of games. Remember these might not be the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are poor but are mostly playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. 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 one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the final score indicates. The Jets’ supposed strength, their D, became the initial winless squad with zero takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with penalties, mistakes, weak O-line performance, lack of fourth-down execution and lackluster coaching. Amazingly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that didn't suffice this has been a recurring issue: their playoff-less streak 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.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Sure, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 blowout – the worst home loss in team history – is shameful and even a player of Jackson's caliber can't overcome everything if his defense, which to be fair has been ravaged by injuries, is godawful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a productive outing for Houston's QB, Nick Chubb, and their teammates.

Still, Jackson should be back in the next few weeks, they play in a softer division and their future games is favorable, so there's still a chance. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have executed with or without Jackson, the optimism gauge is running on fumes.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This one boils down to one incident: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in Week 2. A trio of games without Burrow has resulted in a trio of defeats. It’s hard to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and the other starting receiver, performing well with no positive results. Chase grabbed two huge touchdowns 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 result was beyond doubt. At the same time, Burrow’s backup, the backup passer, while notable 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. Optimistic fans will note the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow returns next season, if he can remain healthy. But only five weeks into the current campaign, the schedule looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who continues to be one of the only bright spots in a weird new era of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis was more proof of the disastrous pairing of the quarterback and the head coach in the desert. Smith has been a turnover machine, ranking first this season with nine interceptions. His two interceptions in the latest contest resulted in Indianapolis scores. Nobody knows what the backup plan is, but the primary strategy – being relying entirely on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the current title holders. And admittedly, they have lost just twice in 22 games. But amid the wideout and DeVonta Smith expressing dissatisfaction with their roles, fan complaints about their slow-moving attack and the local doubt about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s breakdown was alarming: the Eagles lost a 14-point lead to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to five penalties, an attack that vanished, and a defensive scheme that was dominated and outcoached by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. Still, they were on the receiving side of debated officiating and are tied for the top mark in their conference. Why the long faces?

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

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than terrible, but their shameful 22-21 setback to the until-then winless Titans was incompetent. A fumble at the goal line from Emari Demercado, 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 invent this loss if you attempted. Since this, and their prior defeats, were on clutch field goals, there isn't much happiness in Arizona these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I don’t even know. I truly don't understand. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I'm not sure. It was insane.”

Despair Index: 3/10 – Is Murray the long-term answer?

MVP of the week

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. The running back, substituting for the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|