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We have passed the first quarter of the NFL season, which suggests we have a solid understanding of the direction of many franchises. So let’s celebrate the teams whose optimistic outlook have evaporated after the fifth week. Keep in mind these are not exactly the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are terrible but are generally playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their D, became the first 0-5 team with no takeaways in professional football annals. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with infractions, turnovers, weak O-line performance, lack of fourth-down execution and lackluster coaching. Amazingly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that wasn’t enough this has been going on for years: their playoff-less streak of 14 years is the most extended in football. 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 (1-4)

Admittedly, 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 team history – is shameful and even a player of Jackson's caliber isn’t going to tip the scales if his defense, which admittedly has been ravaged by injuries, is awful. Even worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a field day for the Texans' passer, the Browns' star, and their teammates.

Still, Jackson should be back in the next few weeks, they play in a softer division and their remaining schedule is favorable, so there's still a chance. But considering how messy the Ravens have performed regardless of Jackson, the hope-o-meter is running on fumes.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This situation stems from one incident: Burrow's year-ending ailment in Week 2. Three weeks without Burrow has led to multiple setbacks. It’s difficult to watch two top pass-catchers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the talented wideout, performing well with no positive results. Chase caught a pair of big scores and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to a top franchise, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the majority of their work once the outcome was decided. At the same time, Burrow’s backup, the substitute QB, while impressive in the final period against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three picks on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No team in football relies so heavily on the health of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will note the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow returns next year, if he can stay fit. But merely a month into this season, the schedule looks practically done for Cincinnati.

Misery rating: 6/10 – Once again, Bengals fans are left to wonder at what could have been.

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Free Maxx Crosby, who remains a rare positive in a weird new era of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis Colts was further evidence of the poor combination of the quarterback and the head coach in the Nevada. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, leading the league this season with nine interceptions. His two interceptions in Week 5 led to Indianapolis TDs. Nobody knows 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 outings. But among the wideout and DeVonta Smith expressing dissatisfaction with their positions, supporter grievances about their slow-moving attack and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s collapse was worrisome: the Eagles squandered a 14-point lead to Denver in the final period thanks to five penalties, an offense that faded horribly, and a defensive scheme that was beaten and outthought by the Broncos' coach. More surprising outcomes exist. However, they were on the end of questionable rulings and are equal with the top mark in their NFC. What happened to the joy?

Misery rating: 3/10 - The vibes may be off but the Eagles will reach the postseason again.

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than awful, but their shameful 22-21 loss to the previously winless Titans was poorly played. A fumble at the goal line from Emari Demercado, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown prematurely, followed by a muffed pick that ended in a Tennessee score sank the Cardinals. You couldn’t concoct this loss if you wanted to. Since this, and their previous two losses, were on last-second kicks, there isn't much happiness in Cardinals territory these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I truly don't understand. That's Football Mistakes 101. I'm not sure. It was unbelievable.”

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

Player of the Week

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