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We have passed the quarter mark of the NFL season, which means we have a solid understanding of the direction of the majority of squads. So let’s highlight the teams whose optimistic outlook have vanished after the latest round of games. Remember these might not be the most terrible squads in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are terrible but are mostly playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the score suggests. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defense, became the first 0-5 unit with zero takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, mistakes, 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 14 years is the longest in the NFL. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could last a long time.

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 Lamar Jackson being out. But 44-10 – the most lopsided home defeat in franchise history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his D, which in fairness has been ravaged by injuries, is godawful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a big day for the Texans' passer, the running back, and the rest.

Nevertheless, Jackson should be back in the coming weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their future games is soft, so optimism remains. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have executed with or sans Jackson, the hope-o-meter is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This one boils down to a single play: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the second week. Several weeks without Burrow has led to a trio of defeats. It’s almost painful to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the talented wideout, doing their thing with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed two major TDs and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to an elite squad, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the majority of their work once the game was out of reach. At the same time, Burrow’s stand-in, the backup passer, while promising in the final period 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 an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow comes back the following campaign, if he can remain healthy. But just five games into the current campaign, the campaign looks essentially finished 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 one of the only bright spots in a weird new era of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was more proof of the poor combination of Geno Smith and the sideline leader in the desert. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, leading the league this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in the fifth game resulted in Indianapolis TDs. We’re not sure what Plan B is, but the primary strategy – being relying entirely on Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the current title holders. And yes, they have only been defeated twice in 22 outings. But between AJ Brown and the pass-catcher showing frustration with their situations, fan complaints about their slow-moving attack and the local doubt about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. True, Sunday’s collapse was alarming: the Eagles lost a two-score advantage to Denver in the last quarter thanks to several infractions, an attack that vanished, and a defensive scheme that was beaten and outthought by the opposing strategist. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the end of some controversial calls and are tied for the best record in their conference. What happened to the joy?

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 miserable, but their embarrassing 22-21 setback to the until-then winless Titans was badly executed. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who assumed he had scored early, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that led to a Titans touchdown did Arizona in. You couldn't invent this defeat if you attempted. Since this, and their previous two losses, were on game-winning field goals, there is little celebration in Glendale these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm confused. I'm completely baffled. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I don’t know. It was unbelievable.”

Misery rating: 3/10 – Is Kyler Murray still the future?

Player of the Week

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