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We are beyond the first quarter of the National Football League campaign, which means we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of most teams. So let’s examine the teams whose positive energy have vanished after Week 5. Keep in mind these are not exactly the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are awful but are mostly playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

New York Jets (0-5)

The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defense, became the first 0-5 unit with no forced turnovers in professional football annals. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with penalties, giveaways, subpar blocking, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Somehow the Jets are declining each game. If that wasn’t enough this has been happening for a long time: their postseason absence of over a decade is the most extended in football. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could last a long time.

Suffering Score: 9/10 – Is Aaron Glenn's job safe?

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Certainly, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 scoreline – the worst home loss in team history – is shameful and even a player of Jackson's caliber isn’t going to tip the scales if his defensive unit, which in fairness has been ravaged by injuries, is terrible. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a big day for Houston's QB, Nick Chubb, and the rest.

Nevertheless, Jackson is expected back in the coming weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their remaining schedule is manageable, so all hope is not lost. But given how sloppy the Ravens have performed regardless of Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

The issue here is one moment: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in Week 2. A trio of games without Burrow has caused three losses. It’s difficult to watch two top pass-catchers, the star receiver and the talented wideout, performing well with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed two huge touchdowns and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to one of the league’s best teams, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the majority of their work once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s replacement, the backup passer, while impressive in the last quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three interceptions on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No franchise in football depends so much on the health of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will point to the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow returns next season, if he can stay fit. But only five weeks into the present year, the schedule looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Free Maxx Crosby, who continues to be one of the only bright spots in a unusual time of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Colts was another demonstration of the disastrous pairing of the quarterback and the head coach in the Nevada. Smith has been a giveaway factory, ranking first this season with nine picks. His two interceptions in Week 5 led to Indianapolis touchdowns. Nobody knows what the alternative is, but the primary strategy – being relying entirely on Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the defending champions. And admittedly, they have only been defeated twice in 22 outings. But among the star receiver and DeVonta Smith expressing dissatisfaction with their positions, followers' criticism about their sluggish offense and the local doubt about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. True, Sunday’s meltdown was concerning: the Eagles lost a significant margin to Denver in the final period thanks to multiple flags, an offense that faded horribly, and a D that was pummeled and outsmarted by the opposing strategist. Crazier things have happened. However, they were on the end of some controversial calls and are sharing the top mark in their league. What happened to the joy?

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 middle-of-the-road rather than awful, but their embarrassing 22-21 loss to the formerly victory-less Titans was badly executed. 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 resulted in a Tennessee score sank the Cardinals. You couldn’t concoct this setback if you tried. Since this, and their previous two losses, were on last-second kicks, there can’t be much joy in Arizona these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I'm completely baffled. That's Football Mistakes 101. I don’t know. It was crazy.”

Misery rating: 3/10 – Is Kyler Murray still the future?

Top Performer

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