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We’re past the quarter mark of the professional football season, which suggests we have a clear picture of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s celebrate the teams whose optimistic outlook have disappeared after the latest round of games. Note that 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 expected) 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 check all the misery boxes. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been routs 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 no takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with infractions, giveaways, poor offensive line play, lack of fourth-down execution and poor sideline leadership. Somehow the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that weren't sufficient this has been a recurring issue: their playoff-less streak of 14 seasons is the longest in the NFL. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Sure, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 scoreline – the worst home loss in Ravens history – is embarrassing and even a talent like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defensive unit, which in fairness has been plagued by health issues, is awful. Even worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a productive outing for CJ Stroud, Nick Chubb, and their teammates.

Still, Jackson should be back in the near future, they play in a softer division and their upcoming slate is soft, so all hope is not lost. But considering how messy the Ravens have played with or sans Jackson, the optimism gauge is running on fumes.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

The issue here is one moment: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the second week. A trio of games without Burrow has led to a trio of defeats. It’s difficult to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Cincinnati's WR1 and Tee Higgins, performing well with no positive results. Chase caught a pair of big scores and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to an elite squad, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did most of the damage once the outcome was decided. At the same time, Burrow’s backup, the substitute QB, while promising in the final period against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three turnovers on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No organization in football hinges on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will note the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow is back next season, if he can avoid injury. But merely a month into the present year, the schedule looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Let Maxx Crosby go, who remains a rare positive in a strange period of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis was more proof of the poor combination of the quarterback and the head coach in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a giveaway factory, leading the league this season with nine turnovers. His two interceptions in Week 5 resulted in Indianapolis scores. It's unclear what Plan B is, but Plan A – being all in on Smith – is a very painful watch.

Misery rating: 7/10 – OC Chip Kelly needs to change course ASAP.

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the current title holders. And admittedly, they have only been defeated twice in 22 contests. But among the wideout and the pass-catcher showing frustration with their roles, supporter grievances about their sluggish offense and the local doubt about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Yes, Sunday’s collapse was alarming: the Eagles lost a two-score advantage to Denver in the final period thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a defensive scheme that was dominated and outcoached by Sean Payton. Stranger events have occurred. Still, they were on the subject to some controversial calls and are equal with the leading standing in their league. What happened to the joy?

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

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than terrible, but their embarrassing 22-21 defeat to the previously winless Titans was poorly played. A goalline fumble from the running back, who prematurely celebrated a long run too soon, followed by a botched interception that ended in a Titans touchdown sank the Cardinals. You couldn't invent this defeat if you wanted to. Since this, and their prior defeats, were on game-winning field goals, there can’t be much joy in Arizona these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” 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 crazy.”

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

MVP of the week

Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. The ball carrier, filling in for the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|