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We’re past the first quarter of the National Football League campaign, which suggests we have a clear picture of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s examine the teams whose optimistic outlook have disappeared after the fifth week. Keep in mind these might not be the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are awful but are mostly playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

New York Jets (0-5)

The only winless team in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the score suggests. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defense, became the first 0-5 unit with zero takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with penalties, giveaways, subpar blocking, ineffective short-yardage play and lackluster coaching. Somehow the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that didn't suffice this has been a recurring issue: their postseason absence of 14 years is the league's lengthiest. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Sure, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But 44-10 – the worst home loss in Ravens history – is embarrassing and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defensive unit, which admittedly has been plagued by health issues, is godawful. Even worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for the Texans' passer, the Browns' star, and the rest.

However, Jackson should be back in the coming weeks, they play in a softer division and their future games is manageable, so there's still a chance. But given how sloppy the Ravens have executed regardless of Jackson, the optimism gauge is close to empty.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

The issue here is one moment: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the early season. A trio of games without Burrow has resulted in a trio of defeats. It’s hard to watch two top pass-catchers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the other starting receiver, making plays with no positive results. Chase hauled in two major TDs and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to one of the league’s best teams, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the bulk of the scoring once the result was beyond doubt. At the same time, Burrow’s replacement, the substitute QB, while promising in the final period against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three picks on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No franchise in football depends so much on the fitness of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will note the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow comes back next year, if he can stay fit. But only five weeks into this season, the campaign looks all but over for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Let Maxx Crosby go, who is still a rare positive in a strange period of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts was more proof of the ill-fated union of the signal-caller and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a giveaway factory, ranking first this season with nine picks. His two interceptions in Week 5 resulted in Indianapolis scores. It's unclear what Plan B is, but Plan A – being fully committed to Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the defending champions. And yes, they have lost just twice in 22 contests. But between the star receiver and the pass-catcher being disgruntled with their situations, fan complaints about their slow-moving attack and the city’s continued skepticism about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were winless. True, Sunday’s meltdown was alarming: the Eagles lost a significant margin to Denver in the final period thanks to multiple flags, an O that disappeared, and a defensive scheme that was pummeled and outsmarted by the opposing strategist. Crazier things have happened. However, they were on the subject to some controversial calls and are equal with the leading standing in their league. Where are the smiles?

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 middle-of-the-road rather than awful, but their humiliating 22-21 loss to the until-then winless Titans was poorly played. A goalline fumble from Emari Demercado, who prematurely celebrated a long run prematurely, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that led to a opposing TD sank the Cardinals. You couldn’t concoct this loss if you wanted to. Considering this, and their previous two losses, were on game-winning field goals, there is little celebration in Cardinals territory these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm confused. I really don’t even know. That's Football Mistakes 101. I'm not sure. It was insane.”

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

Top Performer

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