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We have passed the quarter mark of the National Football League campaign, which indicates we have a solid understanding of the direction of most teams. So let’s examine the teams whose optimistic outlook have evaporated after the latest round of games. Remember these might not be the most terrible squads in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are awful but are largely playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the final score indicates. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their D, became the first 0-5 unit with zero takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with flags, giveaways, poor offensive line play, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Amazingly the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of over a decade is the longest in the NFL. And with a poorly-regarded owner 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 a 44-10 scoreline – the worst home loss in Ravens history – is humiliating and even a player of Jackson's caliber won't single-handedly change things if his defense, which to be fair has been plagued by health issues, is terrible. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for CJ Stroud, the Browns' star, and the rest.

Nevertheless, Jackson should be back in the next few weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their upcoming slate is favorable, so there's still a chance. But given how sloppy the Ravens have played regardless of Jackson, the confidence level is running on fumes.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This situation stems from one moment: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in Week 2. Three weeks without Burrow has led to multiple setbacks. It’s almost painful to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Ja’Marr Chase and the other starting receiver, making plays with little to celebrate. Chase hauled in a pair of big scores and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to a top franchise, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did most of the damage once the game was out of reach. Meanwhile, Burrow’s backup, Jake Browning, while impressive in the final period against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three turnovers on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No organization in football hinges on the fitness of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will note the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow returns next year, if he can avoid injury. But only five weeks into the present year, the campaign looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

Suffering Score: 6/10 – Bengals supporters are again pondering what might have been.

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Free Maxx Crosby, who is still a rare positive in a strange period of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was further evidence of the poor combination of the signal-caller and the head coach in the Nevada. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, leading the league this season with nine picks. His two picks in the latest contest led to Indianapolis scores. It's unclear what the backup plan is, but the primary strategy – being all in on Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the current title holders. And yes, they have lost just twice in 22 contests. But between AJ Brown and the other receiver expressing dissatisfaction with their positions, supporter grievances about their slow-moving attack and the local doubt about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s breakdown was concerning: the Eagles lost a two-score advantage to Denver in the last quarter thanks to five penalties, an offense that faded horribly, and a D that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. Nevertheless, they were on the subject to some controversial calls and are sharing the top mark in their league. What happened to the joy?

Misery rating: 3/10 - The vibes may be off but the Eagles will reach the postseason again.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than terrible, but their shameful 22-21 setback to the previously winless Titans was incompetent. A turnover near the end zone from the ball carrier, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown early, followed by a muffed pick that ended in a Titans touchdown cost Arizona the game. You couldn't invent this defeat if you wanted to. Considering this, and their earlier setbacks, were on clutch field goals, there is little celebration in Arizona these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I'm completely baffled. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I don’t know. It was unbelievable.”

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

MVP of the week

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, substituting for the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|