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We have passed the first quarter of the professional football season, which suggests we have a solid understanding of the direction of the majority of squads. So let’s celebrate the teams whose positive energy have evaporated after the fifth week. Keep in mind these might not be the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are poor but are largely playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

New York Jets (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 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the final score indicates. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defense, became the first 0-5 unit with no forced turnovers in NFL history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with flags, giveaways, weak O-line performance, failed fourth-down attempts and lackluster coaching. Incredibly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that weren't sufficient this has been a recurring issue: their postseason absence of over a decade is the most extended in football. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could continue for years.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Certainly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But 44-10 – the most lopsided home defeat in team history – is embarrassing and even a player of Jackson's caliber isn’t going to tip the scales if his defense, which in fairness has been ravaged by injuries, is awful. Even worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a field day for the Texans' passer, Nick Chubb, and their teammates.

Still, Jackson will probably return in the coming weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their remaining schedule is manageable, so optimism remains. But considering how messy the Ravens have played with or without Jackson, the optimism gauge is nearly depleted.

Suffering Score: 6/10 - The AFC North remains up for grabs.

Bengals Fall to 2-3

The issue here is one incident: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in Week 2. Several weeks without Burrow has resulted in three losses. It’s almost painful to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Cincinnati's WR1 and the other starting receiver, making plays with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed a pair of big scores and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to an elite squad, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did most of the damage once the game was out of reach. At the same time, Burrow’s backup, the backup passer, while notable in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three turnovers 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 team when Burrow comes back the following campaign, if he can avoid injury. But merely a month into the current campaign, the schedule 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 continues to be a rare positive in a strange period of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Colts was further evidence of the disastrous pairing of the quarterback and Pete Carroll in the desert. Smith has been a turnover machine, topping the NFL this season with nine interceptions. His two interceptions in the fifth game produced Indianapolis scores. We’re not sure what the alternative is, but Plan A – being all in on Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the current title holders. And of course, they have only been defeated twice in 22 outings. But between the star receiver and the pass-catcher being disgruntled with their positions, supporter grievances about their slow-moving attack and the local doubt about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Yes, Sunday’s meltdown was worrisome: the Eagles lost a two-score advantage to Denver in the last quarter thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a defensive scheme that was dominated and outcoached by the Broncos' coach. More surprising outcomes exist. Still, they were on the end of questionable rulings and are tied for the leading standing in their conference. Where are the smiles?

Misery rating: 3/10 - The vibes may be off but the Eagles will reach the postseason again.

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than awful, but their embarrassing 22-21 loss to the formerly victory-less Titans was poorly played. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown early, 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. Given that this, and their prior defeats, were on last-second kicks, there can’t be much joy in Glendale these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm confused. I truly don't understand. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I can't explain. It was crazy.”

Suffering Score: 3/10 – Does Kyler Murray remain the franchise QB?

Top Performer

Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. Dowdle, filling in for the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|