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We’re past the quarter mark of the NFL season, which indicates we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of the majority of squads. So let’s highlight the teams whose good vibes have disappeared after the fifth week. Keep in mind these aren’t necessarily the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are largely playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

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 hitting a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the numbers imply. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defense, became the first 0-5 team with zero takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, giveaways, weak O-line performance, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Amazingly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that weren't sufficient this has been happening for a long time: their playoff drought 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.

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

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Sure, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 scoreline – the biggest home loss in Ravens history – is humiliating and even a player of Jackson's caliber isn’t going to tip the scales if his defensive unit, which to be fair has been blighted by injury, is terrible. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a productive outing for the Texans' passer, Nick Chubb, and the rest.

However, Jackson will probably return in the next few weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their remaining schedule is manageable, so there's still a chance. But given how sloppy the Ravens have played with or without Jackson, the optimism gauge is running on fumes.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

The issue here is a single play: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the early season. A trio of games without Burrow has led to multiple setbacks. It’s almost painful to watch a pair of elite wideouts, the star receiver and Tee Higgins, making plays with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed two huge touchdowns and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to one of the league’s best teams, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the majority of their work once the result was beyond doubt. Simultaneously, Burrow’s stand-in, Jake Browning, while promising in the last quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three picks on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No team in football hinges on the fitness of one player 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 just five games into the present year, the schedule looks all but over for Cincinnati.

Despair Index: 6/10 – Cincinnati fans are left imagining alternate realities.

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Free Maxx Crosby, who continues to be one of the few good things in a unusual time of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Colts was another demonstration of the poor combination of Geno Smith and the sideline leader in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a giveaway factory, leading the league this season with nine interceptions. His two picks in the latest contest produced Indianapolis touchdowns. It's unclear 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 reigning Super Bowl champions. And yes, they have lost just twice in 22 games. But between AJ Brown and the other receiver expressing dissatisfaction with their roles, followers' criticism about their slow-moving attack and the local doubt about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Yes, Sunday’s breakdown was alarming: the Eagles lost a 14-point lead to Denver in the final period thanks to multiple flags, an offense that faded horribly, and a D that was pummeled and outsmarted by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of some controversial calls and are tied for the best record in their conference. Where are the smiles?

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 terrible, but their shameful 22-21 defeat to the previously winless Titans was badly executed. A turnover near the end zone from the ball carrier, who prematurely celebrated a long run too soon, followed by a muffed pick that led to a opposing TD did Arizona in. You couldn’t concoct this loss if you wanted to. Considering this, and their prior defeats, were on clutch field goals, there can’t be much joy in Arizona these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I don’t even know. I truly don't understand. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I'm not sure. It was crazy.”

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

Top Performer

Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. Dowdle, replacing the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|