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We’re past the first quarter of the NFL season, which means we have a good idea of the direction of most teams. So let’s examine the teams whose optimistic outlook have disappeared after the latest round of games. Note that these aren’t necessarily the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are terrible but are mostly playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. 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 blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the numbers imply. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 team with no forced turnovers in league history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, mistakes, poor offensive line play, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Incredibly the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of over a decade is the longest in the NFL. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Admittedly, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 blowout – the biggest home loss in team history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defensive unit, which to be fair has been blighted by injury, is awful. Even worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a productive outing for CJ Stroud, the Browns' star, and the rest.

However, Jackson should be back in the near future, they play in a softer division and their upcoming slate is manageable, so there's still a chance. But considering how messy the Ravens have performed with or sans Jackson, the hope-o-meter is nearly depleted.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

This one boils down to a single play: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in Week 2. Three weeks without Burrow has caused three losses. It’s difficult to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Ja’Marr Chase and the talented wideout, making plays with no positive results. Chase caught two huge touchdowns and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to one of the league’s best teams, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did most of the damage once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s stand-in, the substitute QB, while promising in the last quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three interceptions on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No team in football relies so heavily on the health of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will point to the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow is back next year, if he can remain healthy. But only five weeks into this season, the schedule looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

Misery rating: 6/10 – Once again, Bengals fans are left to wonder at what could have been.

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Free Maxx Crosby, who remains one of the few good things in a unusual time of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was another demonstration of the ill-fated union of Geno Smith and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, ranking first this season with nine picks. His two picks in the latest contest produced Indianapolis TDs. It's unclear what Plan B is, but Plan A – being relying entirely on Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the current title holders. And of course, they have only been defeated twice in 22 outings. But among AJ Brown and the pass-catcher being disgruntled with their situations, fan complaints about their slow-moving attack and the city’s continued skepticism about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Yes, Sunday’s collapse was concerning: the Eagles lost a 14-point lead to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to several infractions, an attack that vanished, and a defensive scheme that was dominated and outcoached by the opposing strategist. Crazier things have happened. Still, they were on the subject to debated officiating and are equal with the leading standing in their conference. Why the long faces?

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

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than terrible, but their shameful 22-21 loss to the previously winless Titans was badly executed. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who prematurely celebrated a long run too soon, followed by a botched interception that led to a Tennessee score sank the Cardinals. You couldn't imagine this loss if you wanted to. Considering this, and their previous two losses, were on game-winning field goals, there isn't much happiness in Arizona these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I truly don't understand. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I can't explain. It was insane.”

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

MVP of the week

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