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We’re past the quarter mark of the National Football League campaign, which suggests we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s celebrate the teams whose optimistic outlook have vanished after the fifth week. Keep in mind these might not be the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are poor but are largely playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

New York Jets (0-5)

The only winless team in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the final score indicates. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defensive unit, became the initial winless squad with no takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with infractions, mistakes, subpar blocking, failed fourth-down attempts and poor sideline leadership. Incredibly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that didn't suffice this has been happening for a long time: their playoff drought of 14 years is the most extended in football. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could continue for years.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Sure, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 scoreline – the most lopsided home defeat in Ravens history – is embarrassing and even a star like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defensive unit, which admittedly has been plagued by health issues, is awful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a productive outing for the Texans' passer, the running back, and the rest.

However, Jackson will probably return in the coming weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their future games is manageable, so there's still a chance. But considering how messy the Ravens have performed with or without Jackson, the confidence level is running on fumes.

Misery rating: 6/10 - The Steelers probably won’t run away with the division.

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This situation stems from one moment: Burrow's year-ending ailment in Week 2. A trio of games without Burrow has resulted in three losses. It’s almost painful to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the talented wideout, performing well with little to celebrate. Chase caught two major TDs and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to one of the league’s best teams, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the bulk of the scoring once the game was out of reach. Meanwhile, Burrow’s replacement, Jake Browning, while promising in the last quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three interceptions on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No team in football relies so heavily on the fitness of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will point to the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow is back next year, if he can avoid injury. But only five weeks into the present year, the schedule looks practically done for Cincinnati.

Misery rating: 6/10 – Once again, Bengals fans are left to wonder at what could have been.

Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4

Free Maxx Crosby, who continues to be a rare positive in a weird new era of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis Colts was further evidence of the poor combination of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the Nevada. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, ranking first this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in the fifth game resulted in Indianapolis touchdowns. It's unclear what the alternative 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)

Indeed, they’re the defending champions. And of course, they have only been defeated twice in 22 outings. But between the star receiver and DeVonta Smith showing frustration with their roles, fan complaints about their slow-moving attack and the local doubt about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s meltdown was alarming: the Eagles blew a 14-point lead to Denver in the last quarter thanks to five penalties, an offense that faded horribly, and a Vic Fangio defense that was pummeled and outsmarted by Sean Payton. Crazier things have happened. However, they were on the receiving side of questionable rulings and are sharing the leading standing in their league. Where are the smiles?

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

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than miserable, but their shameful 22-21 defeat to the formerly victory-less Titans was incompetent. A fumble at the goal line from Emari Demercado, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown prematurely, followed by a botched interception that led to a Tennessee score did Arizona in. You couldn't imagine this defeat if you tried. Considering this, and their earlier setbacks, were on clutch field goals, there isn't much happiness in Arizona these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I don’t even know. I'm completely baffled. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I can't explain. It was insane.”

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

MVP of the week

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