Jets, Baltimore Ravens … Philadelphia Eagles? What squad is most miserable after the first five weeks of the NFL season?

We’re past the 25% point of the professional football season, which indicates we have a clear picture of the direction of the majority of squads. So let’s highlight the teams whose optimistic outlook have evaporated after the fifth week. Remember these might not be the most terrible squads 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 sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 unit with no forced turnovers in NFL history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, giveaways, subpar blocking, lack of fourth-down execution and lackluster coaching. Amazingly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that didn't suffice this has been going on for years: their playoff-less streak of 14 years is the most extended in football. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could continue for years.

Despair Index: 9/10 – What is Aaron Glenn's future?

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Certainly, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 blowout – the most lopsided home defeat in franchise history – is embarrassing and even a talent like Jackson can't overcome everything if his D, which admittedly has been plagued by health issues, is terrible. Even worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a big day for CJ Stroud, the running back, and the rest.

Still, Jackson should be back in the near future, they play in a less competitive division and their remaining schedule is soft, so optimism remains. But given how sloppy the Ravens have played with or sans Jackson, the hope-o-meter is close to empty.

Despair Index: 6/10 - The division is still within reach.

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This situation stems from one moment: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in Week 2. Several weeks without Burrow has caused multiple setbacks. It’s almost painful to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Cincinnati's WR1 and Tee Higgins, performing well with no positive results. Chase grabbed a pair of big scores and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to an elite squad, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did most of the damage once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s replacement, Jake Browning, while impressive in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No team in football relies so heavily on the fitness of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will point to the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow returns next season, if he can stay fit. But only five weeks into the present year, the season looks all but over for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Release Maxx Crosby, who continues to be a rare positive in a unusual time of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was another demonstration of the disastrous pairing of Geno Smith and the head coach in the desert. Smith has been a turnover machine, topping the NFL this season with nine picks. His two picks in the latest contest resulted in Indianapolis TDs. It's unclear what the alternative is, but the current approach – being relying entirely on Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

Suffering Score: 7/10 – Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must adjust quickly.

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the current title holders. And yes, they have only been defeated twice in 22 contests. But amid the star receiver and the pass-catcher showing frustration with their positions, followers' criticism about their slow-moving attack and the local doubt about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Indeed, Sunday’s collapse was worrisome: the Eagles squandered a two-score advantage to Denver in the final period thanks to multiple flags, an O that disappeared, and a defensive scheme that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. Stranger events have occurred. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of debated officiating and are tied for the best record in their NFC. 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 middle-of-the-road rather than awful, but their embarrassing 22-21 loss to the formerly victory-less Titans was poorly played. A fumble at the goal line from the running back, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown prematurely, followed by a muffed pick that led to a Titans touchdown cost Arizona the game. You couldn’t concoct this defeat if you attempted. Since this, and their earlier setbacks, were on game-winning field goals, there can’t be much joy in Glendale these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I truly don't understand. That's a textbook example of losing. I'm not sure. It was unbelievable.”

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

Player of the Week

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