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We are beyond the quarter mark of the National Football League campaign, which suggests we have a good idea of the direction of the majority of squads. So let’s celebrate the teams whose positive energy have vanished after the latest round of games. Note that these are not exactly the most terrible squads in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are terrible but are largely playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the final score indicates. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 team with no forced turnovers in league history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with penalties, mistakes, poor offensive line play, failed fourth-down attempts and uninspired coaching. Amazingly the Jets are declining each game. If that wasn’t enough this has been happening for a long time: their postseason absence of over a decade is the most extended in football. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could continue for years.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Sure, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 blowout – the most lopsided home defeat in franchise history – is humiliating and even a star like Jackson can't overcome everything if his D, which in fairness has been blighted by injury, is godawful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for the Texans' passer, the running back, and company.

Still, Jackson will probably return in the coming weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their upcoming slate is manageable, so there's still a chance. But considering how messy the Ravens have executed with or without Jackson, the optimism gauge is close to empty.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This situation stems from a single play: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the second week. Three weeks without Burrow has caused multiple setbacks. It’s hard to watch two top pass-catchers, the star receiver and Tee Higgins, performing well with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed a pair of big scores and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to one of the league’s best teams, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the majority of their work once the game was out of reach. Meanwhile, Burrow’s backup, the backup passer, while impressive in the last quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No franchise in football depends so much on the fitness of a single athlete 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 stay fit. But merely a month into this season, the season looks all but over for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Let Maxx Crosby go, who remains a rare positive in a weird new era of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis Colts was more proof of the disastrous pairing of the quarterback and the sideline leader in the desert. Smith has been a turnover machine, ranking first this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in the latest contest led to Indianapolis touchdowns. It's unclear what the alternative is, but the current approach – being all in on Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And yes, they have only been defeated twice in 22 outings. But between AJ Brown and the pass-catcher expressing dissatisfaction with their positions, fan complaints about their underperforming O and the city’s continued skepticism about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Indeed, Sunday’s meltdown was alarming: the Eagles lost a significant margin to Denver in the last quarter thanks to several infractions, an O that disappeared, and a Vic Fangio defense that was pummeled and outsmarted by the opposing strategist. Stranger events have occurred. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of some controversial calls and are sharing the leading standing in their NFC. 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 miserable, but their embarrassing 22-21 defeat to the formerly victory-less Titans was incompetent. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown too soon, followed by a muffed pick that ended in a Tennessee score did Arizona in. You couldn’t concoct this defeat if you attempted. Considering this, and their prior defeats, were on last-second kicks, there can’t be much joy in Cardinals territory these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” Kyler Murray 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 insane.”

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

Player of the Week

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