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We’re past the quarter mark of the NFL season, which means we have a good idea of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s examine the teams whose good vibes have evaporated after Week 5. Note that these aren’t necessarily the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are awful but are largely playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the final score indicates. The Jets’ presumed asset, their D, became the first 0-5 team with zero takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with infractions, giveaways, subpar blocking, lack of fourth-down execution and uninspired coaching. Somehow the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been a recurring issue: their postseason absence of 14 seasons is the league's lengthiest. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could continue for years.

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

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Admittedly, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 scoreline – the worst home loss in franchise history – is embarrassing and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defense, which in fairness has been ravaged by injuries, is awful. Even worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for CJ Stroud, the Browns' star, and their teammates.

Nevertheless, Jackson will probably return in the near future, they play in a softer division and their upcoming slate is soft, so there's still a chance. But given how sloppy the Ravens have performed with or without Jackson, the optimism gauge is running on fumes.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This one boils down to a single play: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the second week. Several weeks without Burrow has resulted in three losses. It’s difficult to watch two top pass-catchers, Cincinnati's WR1 and Tee Higgins, making plays with no positive results. Chase hauled in two major TDs and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to a top franchise, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the bulk of the scoring once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s backup, the substitute QB, while promising in the last quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No franchise in football hinges on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will point to the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow comes back next season, if he can stay fit. But just five games into the present year, the season looks practically done for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Release Maxx Crosby, who is still one of the few good things in a unusual time of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was more proof of the disastrous pairing of the quarterback and the sideline leader in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, ranking first this season with nine interceptions. His two picks in Week 5 led to Indianapolis scores. It's unclear what the alternative is, but the current approach – being relying entirely on Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And yes, they have lost just twice in 22 outings. But among the star receiver and the other receiver showing frustration with their positions, followers' criticism 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 collapse was alarming: the Eagles lost a 14-point lead to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to five penalties, an attack that vanished, and a Vic Fangio defense that was beaten and outthought by the opposing strategist. Stranger events have occurred. However, they were on the end of debated officiating and are equal with the leading standing in their league. 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 average rather than miserable, but their embarrassing 22-21 loss to the formerly victory-less Titans was poorly played. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who prematurely celebrated a long run too soon, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that led to a opposing TD did Arizona in. You couldn’t concoct this loss if you attempted. Given that this, and their earlier setbacks, were on last-second kicks, there is little celebration in Arizona these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I'm completely baffled. That's Football Mistakes 101. I don’t know. It was insane.”

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

Player of the Week

Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. The ball carrier, filling in for the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|