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We have passed the first quarter of the National Football League campaign, which means we have a good idea of the direction of most teams. So let’s examine the teams whose optimistic outlook have disappeared after Week 5. Note that these aren’t necessarily the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are awful but are generally playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the numbers imply. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their D, became the first 0-5 unit with no forced turnovers in league history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with flags, turnovers, subpar blocking, failed fourth-down attempts and poor sideline leadership. Amazingly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that didn't suffice this has been a recurring issue: their postseason absence of over a decade is the league's lengthiest. 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 (1-4)

Certainly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 scoreline – the biggest home loss in franchise history – is embarrassing and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defensive unit, which to be fair has been plagued by health issues, is godawful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for CJ Stroud, Nick Chubb, and the rest.

However, Jackson is expected back in the coming weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their remaining schedule is favorable, so all hope is not lost. But given how sloppy the Ravens have executed with or without Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.

Misery rating: 6/10 - The Steelers probably won’t run away with the division.

Bengals Fall to 2-3

This situation stems from a single play: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in Week 2. Three weeks without Burrow has caused multiple setbacks. It’s almost painful to watch a pair of elite wideouts, the star receiver and the other starting receiver, doing their thing with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed a pair of big scores and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to an elite squad, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the bulk of the scoring once the game was out of reach. Meanwhile, Burrow’s replacement, Jake Browning, while impressive in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three turnovers on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No organization in football depends so much on the well-being of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow returns next year, if he can remain healthy. But only five weeks into this season, the schedule looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4

Let Maxx Crosby go, who is still one of the few good things in a weird new era of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Colts was further evidence of the ill-fated union of Geno Smith and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, topping the NFL this season with nine turnovers. His two picks in the fifth game produced Indianapolis scores. Nobody knows what Plan B is, but Plan A – being relying entirely on Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the defending champions. And of course, they have lost just twice in 22 outings. But amid the wideout and DeVonta Smith expressing dissatisfaction with their roles, followers' criticism about their sluggish offense and the local doubt about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s meltdown was alarming: the Eagles blew a 14-point lead to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to five penalties, an attack that vanished, and a defensive scheme that was pummeled and outsmarted by Sean Payton. Crazier things have happened. Still, they were on the receiving side of debated officiating and are tied for the leading standing in their league. Why the long faces?

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

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than miserable, but their humiliating 22-21 loss to the previously winless Titans was incompetent. A goalline fumble from the running back, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown early, followed by a muffed pick that resulted in a opposing TD did Arizona in. You couldn't invent this defeat if you wanted to. Considering this, and their previous two losses, 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'm uncertain. I truly don't understand. That's Football Mistakes 101. I'm not sure. It was unbelievable.”

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

MVP of the week

Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. The running back, replacing the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|