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We have passed the first quarter of the National Football League campaign, which indicates we have a solid understanding of the direction of most teams. So let’s examine the teams whose positive energy have evaporated after the fifth week. Keep in mind these aren’t necessarily the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are terrible but are mostly playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the numbers imply. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their D, became the first 0-5 team with no forced turnovers in league history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with infractions, giveaways, weak O-line performance, ineffective short-yardage play and uninspired coaching. Amazingly the Jets are declining each game. If that didn't suffice this has been going on for years: their playoff-less streak of 14 seasons is the longest in the NFL. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Sure, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 blowout – the worst home loss in Ravens history – is shameful and even a player of Jackson's caliber isn’t going to tip the scales if his D, which admittedly has been plagued by health issues, is godawful. Even worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a field day for the Texans' passer, Nick Chubb, and their teammates.

Nevertheless, Jackson should be back in the coming weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their future games is manageable, so optimism remains. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have executed with or without Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

The issue here is one incident: Burrow's year-ending ailment in Week 2. A trio of games without Burrow has caused multiple setbacks. It’s hard to watch a pair of elite wideouts, the star receiver and the other starting receiver, making plays with no positive results. Chase caught a pair of big scores and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to one of the league’s best teams, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did most of the damage once the game was out of reach. Simultaneously, Burrow’s stand-in, Jake Browning, while promising in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No team in football hinges on the health of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will point to the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow returns next season, if he can remain healthy. But just five games into the current campaign, the season looks all but over for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Let Maxx Crosby go, who remains one of the only bright spots in a strange period of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis Colts was another demonstration of the disastrous pairing of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the desert. Smith has been a giveaway factory, ranking first this season with nine interceptions. His two turnovers in Week 5 led to Indianapolis TDs. We’re not sure what Plan B is, but the current approach – being fully committed to Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the current title holders. And of course, they have only been defeated twice in 22 contests. But between the star receiver and the pass-catcher showing frustration with their situations, followers' criticism about their slow-moving attack and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Indeed, Sunday’s collapse was alarming: the Eagles blew a two-score advantage to Denver in the last quarter thanks to multiple flags, an offense that faded horribly, and a Vic Fangio defense that was dominated and outcoached by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. Still, they were on the receiving side of debated officiating and are sharing the top mark in their NFC. Why the long faces?

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

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than terrible, but their humiliating 22-21 defeat to the previously winless Titans was badly executed. A turnover near the end zone from the running back, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown too soon, followed by a botched interception that resulted in a Tennessee score cost Arizona the game. You couldn't imagine this loss if you attempted. Given that this, and their earlier setbacks, were on clutch field goals, there can’t be much joy in Glendale these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I truly don't understand. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I don’t know. It was unbelievable.”

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

MVP of the week

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