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We are beyond the first quarter of the NFL season, which indicates we have a solid understanding of the path of most teams. So let’s examine the teams whose optimistic outlook have disappeared after the fifth week. Keep in mind these are not exactly the most terrible squads in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are poor but are largely playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

New York Jets (0-5)

The only winless team in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the numbers imply. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 unit with zero takeaways in professional football annals. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with infractions, turnovers, subpar blocking, lack of fourth-down execution and lackluster coaching. Amazingly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that wasn’t enough this has been happening for a long time: their playoff-less streak of over a decade is the most extended in football. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could continue for years.

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

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Certainly, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But 44-10 – the worst home loss in team history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson can't overcome everything if his D, which admittedly has been blighted by injury, is godawful. Even worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for CJ Stroud, Nick Chubb, and the rest.

Nevertheless, Jackson should be back in the coming weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their remaining schedule is soft, so there's still a chance. But considering how messy the Ravens have executed with or without Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This one boils down to 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 a pair of elite wideouts, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, doing their thing with no positive results. Chase caught two major TDs and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to an elite squad, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the bulk of the scoring once the outcome was decided. Simultaneously, Burrow’s replacement, the backup passer, while impressive in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three turnovers on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No franchise in football hinges on the well-being of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will point to the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow comes back the following campaign, if he can stay fit. But just five games into this season, the campaign looks practically done for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Release Maxx Crosby, who continues to be one of the few good things in a unusual time of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Colts was another demonstration of the poor combination of the signal-caller and the head coach in the desert. Smith has been a turnover machine, ranking first this season with nine picks. His two picks in the latest contest produced Indianapolis touchdowns. We’re not sure what the alternative is, but the current approach – being all in on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the defending champions. And yes, they have only been defeated twice in 22 games. But between the star receiver and DeVonta Smith showing frustration with their positions, supporter grievances about their underperforming O and the local doubt about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Indeed, Sunday’s meltdown was concerning: the Eagles blew 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 pummeled and outsmarted by the opposing strategist. Crazier things have happened. However, they were on the subject to debated officiating and are tied for the top mark in their NFC. Why the long faces?

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 middle-of-the-road rather than terrible, but their shameful 22-21 loss to the until-then winless Titans was poorly played. A turnover near the end zone from Emari Demercado, who assumed he had scored prematurely, followed by a botched interception that led to a opposing TD sank the Cardinals. You couldn't imagine this loss if you tried. Considering this, and their previous two losses, were on last-second kicks, there can’t be much joy in Glendale these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm confused. I'm completely baffled. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I'm not sure. It was insane.”

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

Top Performer

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