New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens … Philadelphia Eagles? Who is most miserable after Week 5 of the season?

We have passed the first quarter of the professional football season, which suggests we have a good idea of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s highlight the teams whose optimistic outlook have vanished after the latest round of games. Note that these aren’t necessarily the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are terrible but are largely playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell drilling 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 much less competitive than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defensive unit, became the initial winless squad with no forced turnovers in NFL history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with infractions, turnovers, weak O-line performance, lack of fourth-down execution and uninspired coaching. Somehow the Jets are declining each game. If that didn't suffice this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of 14 years is the longest in the NFL. And with a poorly-regarded owner 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 Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 scoreline – the most lopsided home defeat in franchise history – is humiliating and even a player of Jackson's caliber can't overcome everything if his D, which in fairness has been plagued by health issues, is terrible. Even worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a field day for Houston's QB, the running back, and their teammates.

Still, Jackson will probably return in the coming weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their future games is manageable, so optimism remains. But given how sloppy the Ravens have performed with or without Jackson, the confidence level is close to empty.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This one boils down to one moment: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in Week 2. Several weeks without Burrow has caused a trio of defeats. It’s almost painful to watch two of the league’s best receivers, the star receiver and the other starting receiver, doing their thing with no positive results. Chase caught a pair of big scores and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to an elite squad, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s O did most of the damage once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s stand-in, the substitute QB, while impressive in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No team in football depends so much on the well-being of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow returns next season, if he can remain healthy. But just five games into the present year, the season looks practically done for Cincinnati.

Suffering Score: 6/10 – Bengals supporters are again pondering what might have been.

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Release Maxx Crosby, who is still a rare positive in a strange period of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis was further evidence of the ill-fated union of Geno Smith and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a giveaway factory, ranking first this season with nine interceptions. His two interceptions in Week 5 produced Indianapolis TDs. It's unclear what Plan B is, but the current approach – being relying entirely on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the defending champions. And admittedly, they have only been defeated twice in 22 games. But amid the wideout and DeVonta Smith being disgruntled with their situations, followers' criticism about their slow-moving attack and the local doubt about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. True, Sunday’s breakdown was worrisome: the Eagles lost a two-score advantage to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to five penalties, an O that disappeared, and a defensive scheme that was pummeled and outsmarted by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. Still, they were on the end of questionable rulings and are sharing the best record in their NFC. Where are the smiles?

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

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than awful, but their shameful 22-21 setback to the formerly victory-less Titans was incompetent. 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 Titans touchdown sank the Cardinals. You couldn’t concoct this defeat if you attempted. Since this, and their earlier setbacks, were on clutch field goals, there isn't much happiness in Arizona these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I'm completely baffled. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I don’t know. It was insane.”

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

Player of the Week

Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. Dowdle, replacing the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|