New York Jets, Ravens … Eagles? What squad is most miserable after five weeks of the campaign?

We are beyond the quarter mark of the professional football season, which suggests we have a clear picture of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s celebrate the teams whose good vibes have evaporated after Week 5. Note that these might not be the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are poor but are largely playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

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 hitting a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the first game. 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’ supposed strength, their defense, became the first 0-5 unit with no takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with infractions, turnovers, subpar blocking, lack of fourth-down execution and lackluster coaching. Incredibly the Jets are declining each game. If that didn't suffice this has been happening for a long time: their playoff-less streak of 14 seasons is the league's lengthiest. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could continue for years.

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

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Certainly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 scoreline – the worst home loss in Ravens history – is humiliating and even a star like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defensive unit, which in fairness has been blighted by injury, is awful. Even worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a field day for Houston's QB, the Browns' star, and company.

Still, Jackson is expected back in the next few weeks, they play in a softer division and their future games is favorable, so there's still a chance. But based on how error-prone 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 situation stems from one incident: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the early season. Several weeks without Burrow has resulted in three losses. It’s hard to watch a pair of elite wideouts, the star receiver and the other starting receiver, making plays with no positive results. Chase hauled in two huge touchdowns and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to an elite squad, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did most of the damage once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s replacement, the backup passer, while promising in the final period against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No franchise in football depends so much on the health of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow returns next season, if he can stay fit. But just five games into the current campaign, the season looks all but over for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4

Free Maxx Crosby, who continues to be a rare positive in a unusual time of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis Colts was further evidence of the disastrous pairing of Geno Smith and the sideline leader in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a giveaway factory, topping the NFL this season with nine turnovers. His two interceptions in the latest contest led to Indianapolis touchdowns. It's unclear what the backup plan is, but Plan A – being relying entirely on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the defending champions. And yes, they have lost just twice in 22 outings. But between AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith showing frustration with their positions, supporter grievances about their underperforming O and the city’s continued skepticism about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Indeed, Sunday’s meltdown was alarming: the Eagles lost a two-score advantage to Denver in the final period thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a defensive scheme that was dominated and outcoached by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. Still, they were on the receiving side of questionable rulings and are sharing the best record 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 middle-of-the-road rather than awful, but their humiliating 22-21 defeat to the until-then winless Titans was poorly played. A goalline fumble from Emari Demercado, who assumed he had scored early, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that led to a Titans touchdown cost Arizona the game. You couldn't invent this setback if you attempted. Since this, and their earlier setbacks, were on last-second kicks, there is little celebration in Cardinals territory these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I really don’t even know. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I can't explain. It was unbelievable.”

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

MVP of the week

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, replacing the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|