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We’re past the first quarter of the National Football League campaign, which suggests we have a clear picture of the direction of the majority of squads. So let’s celebrate the teams whose good vibes have disappeared after Week 5. Keep in mind these are not exactly the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are awful but are mostly playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the final score indicates. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 team with no takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with infractions, giveaways, poor offensive line play, failed fourth-down attempts and lackluster coaching. Somehow the Jets are declining each game. If that didn't suffice this has been a recurring issue: their postseason absence of 14 years is the league's lengthiest. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Sure, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 blowout – the most lopsided home defeat in Ravens history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defense, which to be fair has been ravaged by injuries, is awful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a field day for CJ Stroud, the Browns' star, and their teammates.

Nevertheless, Jackson will probably return in the near future, they play in a relatively weak division and their future games is favorable, so there's still a chance. But given how sloppy the Ravens have performed regardless of Jackson, the confidence level is running on fumes.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

The issue here is one incident: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in Week 2. Several weeks without Burrow has caused three losses. It’s hard to watch a pair of elite wideouts, the star receiver and the other starting receiver, performing well with little to celebrate. Chase caught two major TDs and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to an elite squad, the Detroit. 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 often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No team in football depends so much on the health of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will note the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow is back the following campaign, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into the current campaign, the campaign looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who is still one of the only bright spots in a unusual time of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Colts was further evidence of the poor combination of the quarterback and the sideline leader in the desert. Smith has been a giveaway factory, topping the NFL this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in the fifth game led to Indianapolis touchdowns. We’re not sure what Plan B is, but the current approach – being fully committed to 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)

Certainly, they’re the current title holders. And admittedly, they have lost just twice in 22 contests. But between AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith showing frustration with their positions, supporter grievances about their underperforming O and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Yes, Sunday’s collapse was worrisome: the Eagles lost a 14-point lead to Denver in the last quarter thanks to multiple flags, an O that disappeared, and a Vic Fangio defense that was pummeled and outsmarted by Sean Payton. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of questionable rulings and are tied for the best record in their NFC. Where are the smiles?

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

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than awful, but their embarrassing 22-21 setback to the formerly victory-less Titans was badly executed. A goalline fumble from the running back, who prematurely celebrated a long run prematurely, followed by a muffed pick that resulted in a Titans touchdown cost Arizona the game. You couldn't invent this defeat if you tried. Given that this, and their previous two losses, were on last-second kicks, there is little celebration in Arizona these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm confused. I really don’t even know. That's Football Mistakes 101. I'm not sure. It was crazy.”

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

Top Performer

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. The ball carrier, replacing the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|