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We have passed the quarter mark of the National Football League campaign, which means we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of the majority of squads. So let’s examine the teams whose good vibes have disappeared after Week 5. Keep in mind these might not be the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are awful but are largely playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

New York Jets (0-5)

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. 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 one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the numbers imply. The Jets’ presumed asset, their D, became the first 0-5 team with zero takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, giveaways, subpar blocking, failed fourth-down attempts and uninspired coaching. Amazingly the Jets are declining each game. If that didn't suffice this has been a recurring issue: their playoff-less streak of over a decade is the most extended in football. 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 (1-4)

Certainly, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 scoreline – the biggest home loss in franchise history – is shameful and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defense, which to be fair has been plagued by health issues, is godawful. Even worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a productive outing for CJ Stroud, the Browns' star, and the rest.

Nevertheless, Jackson will probably return in the next few weeks, they play in a softer division and their remaining schedule is manageable, so there's still a chance. But given how sloppy the Ravens have performed with or sans Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

This one boils down to a single play: Burrow's year-ending ailment in Week 2. Three weeks without Burrow has resulted in a trio of defeats. It’s almost painful to watch two top pass-catchers, the star receiver and the talented wideout, performing well with no positive results. Chase grabbed two huge touchdowns and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to a top franchise, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did most of the damage once the game was out of reach. Meanwhile, Burrow’s replacement, the backup passer, while impressive in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three picks on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No organization in football depends so much on the health of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will point to the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow comes back the following campaign, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into the present year, the schedule looks all but over for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Release Maxx Crosby, who remains one of the only bright spots in a weird new era of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts was further evidence of the ill-fated union of the signal-caller and the head coach in the Nevada. Smith has been a turnover machine, topping the NFL this season with nine interceptions. His two turnovers in Week 5 led to Indianapolis scores. It's unclear what Plan B is, but the primary strategy – being fully committed to Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the defending champions. And admittedly, they have lost just twice in 22 outings. But among the star receiver and the other receiver expressing dissatisfaction with their positions, followers' criticism about their slow-moving attack and the local doubt about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were winless. True, Sunday’s breakdown was alarming: the Eagles lost a 14-point lead to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a D that was dominated and outcoached by the Broncos' coach. Crazier things have happened. However, they were on the receiving side of some controversial calls and are sharing the leading standing 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 poorly played. A turnover near the end zone from the running back, who assumed he had scored early, followed by a botched interception that resulted in a opposing TD did Arizona in. You couldn't invent this setback if you attempted. Given that this, and their previous two losses, 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 quarterback said after the game. “I'm confused. I really don’t even know. 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?

Top Performer

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. The ball carrier, substituting for the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|