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We are beyond the quarter mark of the NFL season, which means we have a good idea of the direction of the majority of squads. So let’s highlight the teams whose good vibes have vanished after Week 5. Note that these might not be the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are poor but are generally playing as projected) 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 crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the numbers imply. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defense, became the first 0-5 unit with zero takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with infractions, mistakes, poor offensive line play, ineffective short-yardage play and lackluster coaching. Amazingly the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been happening for a long time: their postseason absence of over a decade is the league's lengthiest. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

Misery rating: 9/10 – How long is Aaron Glenn’s leash?

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 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 worst home loss in Ravens history – is shameful and even a talent like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his D, which in fairness has been blighted by injury, is godawful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for Houston's QB, Nick Chubb, and their teammates.

Still, Jackson should be back in the next few weeks, they play in a softer division and their remaining schedule is manageable, so optimism remains. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have performed with or sans Jackson, the optimism gauge is close to empty.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

This one boils down to one moment: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the second week. Several weeks without Burrow has led to multiple setbacks. It’s difficult to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and the talented wideout, making plays with no positive results. Chase hauled in two major TDs and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to an elite squad, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s O did the bulk of the scoring once the result was beyond doubt. Simultaneously, Burrow’s replacement, the backup passer, while promising in the last quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No organization in football relies so heavily on the fitness of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow returns next season, if he can avoid injury. But just five games into the present year, the campaign 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 only bright spots in a strange period of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis Colts was another demonstration of the ill-fated union of the quarterback and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, leading the league this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in Week 5 resulted in Indianapolis touchdowns. It's unclear what Plan B is, but the current approach – being relying entirely on Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the defending champions. And admittedly, they have lost just twice in 22 contests. But among the wideout and the other receiver showing frustration with their situations, fan complaints about their sluggish offense and the local doubt about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. True, Sunday’s collapse was alarming: the Eagles squandered a two-score advantage to Denver in the last quarter thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a Vic Fangio defense that was dominated and outcoached by Sean Payton. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of questionable rulings and are sharing the top mark in their conference. What happened to the joy?

Despair Index: 3/10 - Despite the mood, the Eagles are playoff-bound.

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than awful, but their humiliating 22-21 setback to the until-then winless Titans was incompetent. A fumble at the goal line from the running back, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown early, followed by a botched interception that ended in a Tennessee score did Arizona in. You couldn't invent this loss if you tried. Given that this, and their previous two losses, were on last-second kicks, there is little celebration in Glendale these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I'm completely baffled. That's a textbook example of losing. I can't explain. It was unbelievable.”

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

MVP of the week

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