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We have passed the quarter mark of the professional football season, which means we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of the majority of squads. So let’s highlight the teams whose positive energy have disappeared after the latest round of games. Keep in mind these are not exactly the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are terrible but are generally playing as anticipated) 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 fit every criteria for despair. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the numbers imply. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defense, became the first 0-5 team with no takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with flags, giveaways, weak O-line performance, failed fourth-down attempts and poor sideline leadership. Somehow the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been going on for years: their postseason absence of 14 years is the most extended in football. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could continue for years.

Misery rating: 9/10 – How long is Aaron Glenn’s leash?

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Certainly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. 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 in fairness has been plagued by health issues, is awful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a big day for Houston's QB, the running back, and their teammates.

Still, Jackson will probably return in the near future, they play in a softer division and their remaining schedule is favorable, so there's still a chance. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have performed with or sans Jackson, the hope-o-meter is close to empty.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

This one boils down to a single play: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the early season. Several weeks without Burrow has led to three losses. It’s hard to watch two top pass-catchers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, doing their thing with little to celebrate. Chase hauled in two major TDs and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to an elite squad, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offense did most of the damage once the game was out of reach. Simultaneously, Burrow’s replacement, the substitute QB, while promising in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three turnovers on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No organization in football depends so much on the well-being of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will note the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow is back the following campaign, if he can remain healthy. But just five games into the current campaign, 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 is still one of the only bright spots in a strange period of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis was more proof of the poor combination of Geno Smith and the sideline leader in the desert. Smith has been a giveaway factory, ranking first this season with nine interceptions. His two interceptions in the fifth game led to Indianapolis scores. Nobody knows what Plan B is, but the current approach – 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 suffered merely two losses in 22 games. But between AJ Brown and the other receiver being disgruntled with their roles, supporter grievances about their sluggish offense and the city’s continued skepticism about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Yes, Sunday’s meltdown was worrisome: the Eagles squandered a 14-point lead to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to multiple flags, an attack that vanished, and a Vic Fangio defense that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. Stranger events have occurred. Still, they were on the end of some controversial calls and are equal with the top mark in their NFC. What happened to the joy?

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

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than miserable, but their humiliating 22-21 defeat to the until-then winless Titans was incompetent. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who prematurely celebrated a long run too soon, followed by a muffed pick that ended in a opposing TD cost Arizona the game. You couldn’t concoct this loss if you attempted. Considering this, and their previous two losses, were on game-winning field goals, there can’t be much joy in Glendale these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm confused. I'm completely baffled. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I don’t know. It was insane.”

Despair Index: 3/10 – Is Murray the long-term answer?

Player of the Week

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