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We’re past the quarter mark of the professional football season, which means we have a good idea of the trajectory of the majority of squads. So let’s highlight the teams whose positive energy have vanished after the latest round of games. Keep in mind these aren’t necessarily the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are terrible but are largely playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

Jets Remain at 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 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the numbers imply. The Jets’ presumed asset, their D, became the first 0-5 team with zero takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with penalties, turnovers, subpar blocking, lack of fourth-down execution and lackluster coaching. Somehow the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been going on for years: their playoff-less streak of over a decade is the league's lengthiest. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Admittedly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But 44-10 – the most lopsided home defeat in Ravens history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his D, which admittedly has been blighted by injury, is terrible. Even worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a field day for the Texans' passer, the Browns' star, and company.

However, Jackson will probably return in the near future, they play in a softer division and their future games is favorable, so optimism remains. But considering how messy the Ravens have performed with or without Jackson, the hope-o-meter is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This one boils down to one moment: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the second week. Three weeks without Burrow has led to three losses. It’s almost painful to watch two top pass-catchers, the star receiver and the other starting receiver, doing their thing with no positive results. Chase grabbed two major TDs and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to an elite squad, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did most of the damage once the outcome was decided. At the same time, Burrow’s backup, the backup passer, while impressive in the final period against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three picks on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No franchise in football depends so much 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 team when Burrow returns the following campaign, if he can stay fit. But just five games into the current campaign, the season looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4

Free Maxx Crosby, who continues to be one of the only bright spots in a unusual time of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis Colts was further evidence of the disastrous pairing of Geno Smith and the head coach in the desert. Smith has been a turnover machine, leading the league this season with nine turnovers. His two interceptions in the fifth game led to Indianapolis TDs. We’re not sure what the alternative 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)

Yes, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And of course, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 outings. But between the star receiver and the other receiver being disgruntled with their situations, fan complaints about their sluggish offense and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Indeed, Sunday’s breakdown was worrisome: the Eagles lost a 14-point lead to Denver in the final period thanks to five penalties, an attack that vanished, and a Vic Fangio defense that was dominated and outcoached by the Broncos' coach. Stranger events have occurred. Nevertheless, they were on the end of some controversial calls and are equal with 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.

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than terrible, but their embarrassing 22-21 loss to the previously winless Titans was incompetent. A goalline fumble from the running back, who prematurely celebrated a long run prematurely, followed by a muffed pick that led to a opposing TD did Arizona in. You couldn't imagine this setback if you wanted to. Since this, and their prior defeats, were on game-winning field goals, there is little celebration in Arizona these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm confused. I'm completely baffled. That's a textbook example of losing. I can't explain. It was insane.”

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

MVP of the week

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