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We’re past the first quarter of the professional football season, which indicates we have a solid understanding of the path of the majority of squads. So let’s highlight the teams whose optimistic outlook have disappeared after the latest round of games. Remember these might not be the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are awful but are mostly playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

New York Jets (0-5)

The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the score suggests. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defensive unit, became the initial winless squad with no forced turnovers in NFL history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, mistakes, weak O-line performance, lack of fourth-down execution and lackluster coaching. Somehow the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that weren't sufficient this has been a recurring issue: their playoff-less streak of 14 seasons is the longest in the NFL. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could continue for years.

Despair Index: 9/10 – What is Aaron Glenn's future?

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Admittedly, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 blowout – the most lopsided home defeat in franchise history – is humiliating and even a star like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defensive unit, which in fairness has been blighted by injury, is godawful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for the Texans' passer, the Browns' star, and company.

Nevertheless, Jackson will probably return in the near future, they play in a less competitive division and their remaining schedule is soft, so all hope is not lost. But given how sloppy the Ravens have performed with or without Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

This situation stems from one incident: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in Week 2. Three weeks without Burrow has led to a trio of defeats. It’s hard to watch two top pass-catchers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, making plays with nothing to show for it. Chase hauled in a pair of big scores and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to a top franchise, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the majority of their work once the game was out of reach. At the same time, Burrow’s replacement, Jake Browning, while notable in the last quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three turnovers on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No franchise in football hinges on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will note the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow is back next year, if he can avoid injury. But just five games into the current campaign, the season looks practically done for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Free Maxx Crosby, who is still one of the only bright spots in a strange period of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Colts was another demonstration of the poor combination of the quarterback and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a turnover machine, topping the NFL this season with nine picks. His two turnovers in the fifth game resulted in Indianapolis scores. Nobody knows what Plan B is, but Plan A – being all in on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

Suffering Score: 7/10 – Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must adjust quickly.

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the defending champions. And yes, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 outings. But between AJ Brown and the other receiver expressing dissatisfaction with their situations, supporter grievances about their slow-moving attack and the city’s continued skepticism about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. True, Sunday’s meltdown was worrisome: the Eagles blew a significant margin to Denver in the last quarter thanks to several infractions, an O that disappeared, and a defensive scheme that was dominated and outcoached by the opposing strategist. More surprising outcomes exist. Nevertheless, they were on the subject to debated officiating and are sharing the top mark in their conference. Why the long faces?

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 mediocre rather than terrible, but their shameful 22-21 loss to the formerly victory-less Titans was poorly played. A goalline fumble from the running back, who prematurely celebrated a long run too soon, followed by a botched interception that ended in a Titans touchdown sank the Cardinals. You couldn’t concoct this defeat if you tried. Considering this, and their earlier setbacks, were on game-winning field goals, there is little celebration in Glendale these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm confused. I really don’t even know. That's a textbook example of losing. I can't explain. It was insane.”

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

Player of the Week

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. The ball carrier, substituting for the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|