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We’re past the first quarter of the NFL season, which indicates we have a good idea of the path of most teams. So let’s highlight the teams whose optimistic outlook have evaporated after the latest round of games. Keep in mind these might not be the most terrible squads in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are terrible but are largely playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defense, became the first 0-5 unit with no forced turnovers in NFL history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with penalties, giveaways, weak O-line performance, failed fourth-down attempts and uninspired coaching. Amazingly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that wasn’t enough this has been going on for years: their postseason absence of 14 seasons is the league's lengthiest. 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?

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Sure, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 scoreline – the most lopsided home defeat in team history – is humiliating and even a player of Jackson's caliber can't overcome everything if his D, which in fairness has been plagued by health issues, is godawful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a field day for CJ Stroud, the running back, and their teammates.

Nevertheless, Jackson will probably return in the next few weeks, they play in a softer division and their upcoming slate is soft, so there's still a chance. But considering how messy the Ravens have performed regardless of Jackson, the hope-o-meter is close to empty.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

The issue here is a single play: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the second week. Three weeks without Burrow has led to multiple setbacks. It’s hard to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Ja’Marr Chase and the other starting receiver, making plays with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed a pair of big scores and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to an elite squad, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did the bulk of the scoring once the game was out of reach. At the same time, Burrow’s replacement, the backup passer, while promising in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No team in football hinges on the health of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will point to the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow returns next season, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into the present year, the campaign looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Free Maxx Crosby, who is still one of the few good things in a weird new era of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts was further evidence of the ill-fated union of Geno Smith and the head coach in the desert. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, ranking first this season with nine interceptions. His two picks in Week 5 produced Indianapolis scores. It's unclear what the backup plan is, but the primary strategy – being relying entirely on Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And admittedly, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 games. But between the star receiver and the pass-catcher expressing dissatisfaction with their positions, followers' criticism about their slow-moving attack and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Yes, Sunday’s breakdown was worrisome: the Eagles blew a two-score advantage to Denver in the final period thanks to five penalties, an O that disappeared, and a Vic Fangio defense that was dominated and outcoached by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. Nevertheless, they were on the end of questionable rulings 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.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than miserable, but their embarrassing 22-21 setback to the formerly victory-less Titans was incompetent. A turnover near the end zone from the ball carrier, who assumed he had scored early, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that led to a Titans touchdown cost Arizona the game. You couldn’t concoct this setback if you attempted. Since this, and their earlier setbacks, were on last-second kicks, there isn't much happiness in Arizona these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I don’t even know. I truly don't understand. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I'm not sure. It was crazy.”

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

Top Performer

Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. The running back, replacing the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|