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

We are beyond the quarter mark of the NFL season, which means we have a good idea of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s highlight the teams whose good vibes have evaporated after the latest round of games. Remember these aren’t necessarily the worst teams in the league (the 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 (0-5)

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell nailing 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 not nearly as close than the final score indicates. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defense, became the initial winless squad with no takeaways in professional football annals. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with flags, turnovers, weak O-line performance, lack of fourth-down execution and lackluster 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 most extended in football. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Certainly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 blowout – the most lopsided home defeat in Ravens history – is embarrassing and even a star like Jackson can't overcome everything if his D, which to be fair has been plagued by health issues, is awful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a field day for CJ Stroud, the Browns' star, and the rest.

Still, Jackson will probably return in the next few weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their future games is manageable, so optimism remains. But considering how messy the Ravens have performed with or without Jackson, the hope-o-meter is running on fumes.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This situation stems from one incident: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the early season. A trio of games without Burrow has caused three losses. It’s difficult to watch two top pass-catchers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the other starting receiver, performing well with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed a pair of big scores and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to one of the league’s best teams, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the majority of their work once the game was out of reach. Meanwhile, Burrow’s backup, the backup passer, while impressive in the final period against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three turnovers on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No franchise in football depends so much on the health 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 is back next year, if he can avoid injury. But only five weeks into the current campaign, the schedule looks essentially finished 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 one of the few good things in a strange period of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis Colts was more proof of the poor combination of Geno Smith and the sideline leader in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, topping the NFL this season with nine interceptions. His two turnovers in the fifth game led to Indianapolis TDs. Nobody knows what the alternative is, but Plan A – being all in on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And of course, they have lost just twice in 22 contests. But among the star receiver and the pass-catcher showing frustration with their roles, supporter grievances about their underperforming O and the local doubt about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were winless. True, Sunday’s breakdown was concerning: the Eagles blew a 14-point lead to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to five penalties, an offense that faded horribly, and a Vic Fangio defense that was beaten and outthought by the Broncos' coach. Stranger events have occurred. However, they were on the receiving side of some controversial calls and are tied for the top mark in their conference. What happened to the joy?

Despair Index: 3/10 - Despite the mood, the Eagles are playoff-bound.

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than miserable, but their embarrassing 22-21 setback to the until-then winless Titans was poorly played. A goalline fumble from Emari Demercado, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown too soon, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that ended in a Tennessee score did Arizona in. You couldn't imagine this loss if you tried. Considering this, and their earlier setbacks, were on last-second kicks, there can’t be much joy in Glendale these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm confused. I'm completely baffled. That's Football Mistakes 101. I don’t know. It was unbelievable.”

Suffering Score: 3/10 – Does Kyler Murray remain the franchise QB?