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We are beyond the first quarter of the NFL season, which suggests we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of the majority of squads. So let’s examine the teams whose good vibes have disappeared after the latest round of games. Note that these are not exactly the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are awful but are mostly playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the numbers imply. The Jets’ supposed strength, their D, became the first 0-5 team with zero takeaways in professional football annals. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with flags, mistakes, subpar blocking, lack of fourth-down execution and poor sideline leadership. Somehow the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that didn't suffice this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of 14 seasons is the longest in the NFL. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could last a long time.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Sure, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 blowout – the most lopsided home defeat in franchise history – is humiliating and even a player of Jackson's caliber won't single-handedly change things if his defensive unit, which in fairness has been plagued by health issues, is awful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for Houston's QB, the running back, and company.

Still, Jackson is expected back in the coming weeks, they play in a softer division and their future games is soft, so there's still a chance. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have executed regardless of Jackson, the hope-o-meter is close to empty.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This situation stems from a single play: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the early season. A trio of games without Burrow has resulted in a trio of defeats. It’s difficult to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Cincinnati's WR1 and the talented wideout, performing well with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed a pair of big scores and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to one of the league’s best teams, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did the bulk of the scoring once the result was beyond doubt. At the same time, Burrow’s replacement, the backup passer, while impressive in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three turnovers on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No organization in football depends so much on the health of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will note the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow returns the following campaign, if he can remain healthy. But just five games into the present year, the schedule 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 continues to be one of the only bright spots in a strange period of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Colts was another demonstration of the ill-fated union of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the Nevada. Smith has been a turnover machine, topping the NFL this season with nine picks. His two picks in Week 5 led to Indianapolis scores. It's unclear what the backup plan is, but the current approach – being all in on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the defending champions. And of course, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 games. But among the wideout and the other receiver being disgruntled with their positions, fan complaints about their slow-moving attack and the local doubt about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Indeed, Sunday’s breakdown was alarming: the Eagles blew a two-score advantage to Denver in the final period thanks to five penalties, an offense that faded horribly, and a Vic Fangio defense that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of debated officiating and are sharing the leading standing 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.

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than awful, but their humiliating 22-21 loss to the until-then winless Titans was incompetent. A turnover near the end zone from the ball carrier, who assumed he had scored early, followed by a botched interception that led to a Titans touchdown cost Arizona the game. You couldn't imagine this defeat if you attempted. Given that this, and their prior defeats, were on game-winning field goals, there can’t be much joy in Cardinals territory these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm confused. I really don’t even know. That's Football Mistakes 101. I'm not sure. It was crazy.”

Misery rating: 3/10 – Is Kyler Murray still the future?

Top Performer

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