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We’re past the quarter mark of the National Football League campaign, which indicates we have a good idea of the path of the majority of squads. So let’s highlight the teams whose optimistic outlook have evaporated after the latest round of games. Keep in mind these aren’t necessarily the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are poor but are mostly playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the numbers imply. The Jets’ presumed asset, their D, became the first 0-5 unit with zero takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with infractions, giveaways, poor offensive line play, ineffective short-yardage play and uninspired coaching. Amazingly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that weren't sufficient this has been happening for a long time: their playoff drought of 14 seasons is the most extended in football. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could last a long time.

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

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Admittedly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 scoreline – the most lopsided home defeat in Ravens history – is shameful and even a player of Jackson's caliber won't single-handedly change things if his defensive unit, which admittedly has been ravaged by injuries, is terrible. Even worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a field day for Houston's QB, the running back, and company.

Nevertheless, Jackson will probably return in the near future, they play in a relatively weak division and their upcoming slate is manageable, so optimism remains. But considering how messy the Ravens have executed regardless of Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This situation stems from one incident: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the second week. Three weeks without Burrow has caused a trio of defeats. It’s difficult to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Cincinnati's WR1 and the talented wideout, making plays with nothing to show for it. Chase grabbed two huge touchdowns and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to an elite squad, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did the bulk of the scoring once the result was beyond doubt. At the same time, Burrow’s stand-in, the substitute QB, while notable in the last quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three turnovers on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No organization in football depends so much on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will point to the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow is back next season, if he can avoid injury. But just five games into the current campaign, the schedule 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 a rare positive in a weird new era of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis was further evidence of the poor combination of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the desert. Smith has been a giveaway factory, topping the NFL this season with nine picks. His two interceptions in Week 5 produced Indianapolis TDs. It's unclear what Plan B is, but the primary strategy – being relying entirely on Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And of course, they have lost just twice in 22 contests. But among AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith being disgruntled with their positions, fan complaints about their slow-moving attack and the city’s continued skepticism about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. True, Sunday’s breakdown was concerning: the Eagles squandered a 14-point lead to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a D that was dominated and outcoached by Sean Payton. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the subject to questionable rulings and are tied for the best record 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 mediocre rather than miserable, but their shameful 22-21 loss to the formerly victory-less Titans was poorly played. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who prematurely celebrated a long run too soon, followed by a botched interception that led to a opposing TD did Arizona in. You couldn't invent this defeat if you tried. Considering this, and their earlier setbacks, were on clutch field goals, there is little celebration in Arizona these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I don’t even know. I truly don't understand. That's Football Mistakes 101. I don’t know. It was insane.”

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

Top Performer

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