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We’re past the quarter mark of the National Football League campaign, which suggests we have a good idea of the path of most teams. So let’s examine the teams whose optimistic outlook have evaporated after Week 5. Remember these might not be the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are generally playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

New York Jets (0-5)

The only winless team in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been one-sided contests 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 takeaways in professional football annals. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with infractions, mistakes, subpar blocking, lack of fourth-down execution and poor sideline leadership. Somehow the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that wasn’t enough this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of over a decade is the most extended in football. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could continue for years.

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

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Certainly, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 blowout – the biggest home loss in franchise history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defensive unit, which to be fair has been ravaged by injuries, is terrible. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a field day for CJ Stroud, the Browns' star, and their teammates.

Nevertheless, Jackson will probably return in the next few weeks, they play in a softer division and their upcoming slate is manageable, so optimism remains. But given how sloppy the Ravens have played regardless of Jackson, the hope-o-meter is running on fumes.

Suffering Score: 6/10 - The AFC North remains up for grabs.

Bengals Fall to 2-3

The issue here is one moment: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the early season. Several weeks without Burrow has led to multiple setbacks. It’s almost painful to watch two top pass-catchers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the other starting receiver, performing well with nothing to show for it. Chase hauled in two huge touchdowns and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to an elite squad, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did most of the damage once the outcome was decided. Meanwhile, Burrow’s backup, the substitute QB, while notable in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No franchise in football hinges on the well-being of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will point to the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow returns the following campaign, if he can remain healthy. But only five weeks into the current campaign, the campaign looks practically done for Cincinnati.

Despair Index: 6/10 – Cincinnati fans are left imagining alternate realities.

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Let Maxx Crosby go, who is still one of the only bright spots in a strange period of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was another demonstration of the poor combination of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the desert. Smith has been a turnover machine, ranking first this season with nine interceptions. His two turnovers in the fifth game produced Indianapolis scores. It's unclear what the backup plan is, but the current approach – being fully committed to Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And admittedly, they have only been defeated twice in 22 outings. But amid the star receiver and the pass-catcher expressing dissatisfaction with their situations, supporter grievances about their slow-moving attack and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Indeed, Sunday’s collapse was worrisome: the Eagles lost a 14-point lead to Denver in the final period thanks to several infractions, an O that disappeared, and a Vic Fangio defense that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. Stranger events have occurred. Still, they were on the end of some controversial calls and are equal with the top mark in their conference. Where are the smiles?

Suffering Score: 3/10 - The atmosphere might be negative but Philadelphia will make the playoffs.

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 badly executed. A goalline fumble from the running back, who assumed he had scored early, followed by a muffed pick that resulted in a opposing TD sank the Cardinals. You couldn't invent this setback if you tried. Given that 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,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I don’t even know. I truly don't understand. That's a textbook example of losing. I can't explain. It was crazy.”

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

MVP of the week

Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. The running back, replacing the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|