New York Jets, Ravens … Eagles? Who is feeling the worst after the first five weeks of the season?

We are beyond the quarter mark of the professional football season, which suggests we have a good idea of the trajectory of the majority of squads. So let’s celebrate the teams whose positive energy have disappeared after Week 5. Note that these might not be the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are awful but are mostly playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

New York Jets (0-5)

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the numbers imply. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their D, became the initial winless squad with zero takeaways in professional football annals. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with flags, giveaways, weak O-line performance, lack of fourth-down execution and poor sideline leadership. Incredibly the Jets are declining each game. If that wasn’t enough this has been going on for years: their postseason absence of over a decade is the league's lengthiest. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could last a long time.

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

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Sure, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 scoreline – the worst home loss in Ravens history – is shameful and even a talent like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his defense, which in fairness has been plagued by health issues, is godawful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a field day for the Texans' passer, the running back, and their teammates.

Nevertheless, Jackson should be back in the near future, they play in a softer division and their remaining schedule is manageable, so there's still a chance. But considering how messy the Ravens have executed with or without Jackson, the optimism gauge is running on fumes.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This situation stems from one incident: Burrow's year-ending ailment in Week 2. A trio of games without Burrow has led to three losses. It’s hard to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the other starting receiver, making plays with nothing to show for it. Chase caught two major TDs and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to an elite squad, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the majority of their work once the outcome was decided. At the same time, Burrow’s backup, the backup passer, while impressive in the final period against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three picks on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No franchise in football hinges on the fitness of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will point to the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow is back next year, if he can remain healthy. But only five weeks into the current campaign, the campaign looks all but over for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who continues to be one of the only bright spots in a weird new era of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Colts was more proof of the ill-fated union of the quarterback and the head coach in the Nevada. Smith has been a turnover machine, topping the NFL this season with nine turnovers. His two interceptions in the latest contest produced Indianapolis TDs. It's unclear what the alternative is, but Plan A – being fully committed to Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And yes, they have only been defeated twice in 22 games. But between the wideout and the pass-catcher being disgruntled with their situations, fan complaints about their slow-moving attack and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. True, Sunday’s breakdown was worrisome: the Eagles blew a 14-point lead to Denver in the last quarter thanks to five penalties, an O that disappeared, and a Vic Fangio defense that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. However, they were on the end of some controversial calls and are equal with the leading standing in their league. Why the long faces?

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

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than awful, but their embarrassing 22-21 loss to the previously winless Titans was badly executed. 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 resulted in a opposing TD sank the Cardinals. You couldn’t concoct this defeat if you attempted. Considering this, and their prior defeats, were on clutch field goals, there is little celebration in Glendale these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I don’t even know. I truly don't understand. That's a textbook example of losing. I don’t know. It was unbelievable.”

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

Player of the Week

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