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We’re past the first quarter of the NFL season, which suggests we have a good idea of the path of many franchises. So let’s highlight the teams whose optimistic outlook have disappeared after the latest round of games. Keep in mind these aren’t necessarily the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are poor but are mostly playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

Jets Remain 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 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the final score indicates. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defense, became the first 0-5 team with no takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with flags, turnovers, poor offensive line play, lack of fourth-down execution and poor sideline leadership. Incredibly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that weren't sufficient this has been a recurring issue: their postseason absence of 14 years is the league's lengthiest. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

Misery rating: 9/10 – How long is Aaron Glenn’s leash?

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Sure, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But 44-10 – the biggest home loss in franchise history – is shameful and even a talent like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defensive unit, which admittedly has been ravaged by injuries, is awful. Even worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a field day for the Texans' passer, Nick Chubb, and company.

However, Jackson will probably return in the coming weeks, they play in a softer division and their future games is soft, so all hope is not lost. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have executed with or sans Jackson, the optimism gauge is close to empty.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This situation stems from a single play: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in Week 2. A trio of games without Burrow has resulted in a trio of defeats. It’s difficult to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the talented wideout, doing their thing with nothing to show for it. Chase grabbed a pair of big scores and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to a top franchise, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s O did the majority of their work once the outcome was decided. Simultaneously, Burrow’s stand-in, Jake Browning, while promising in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three interceptions on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No organization in football hinges 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 is back next year, if he can avoid injury. But only five weeks into the present year, the season looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Free Maxx Crosby, who remains a rare positive in a strange period of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts was another demonstration of the poor combination of the quarterback and Pete Carroll in the desert. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, topping the NFL this season with nine interceptions. His two picks in Week 5 produced Indianapolis TDs. We’re not sure what the alternative is, but the primary strategy – being all in on Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And of course, they have only been defeated twice in 22 contests. But amid the star receiver and the other receiver being disgruntled with their situations, fan complaints about their sluggish offense and the city’s continued skepticism about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. True, Sunday’s meltdown was concerning: the Eagles squandered a significant margin to Denver in the last quarter thanks to multiple flags, an attack that vanished, and a defensive scheme that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of debated officiating and are sharing the leading standing in their league. Where are the smiles?

Misery rating: 3/10 - The vibes may be off but the Eagles will reach the postseason again.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than terrible, but their shameful 22-21 defeat to the previously winless 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 ended in a opposing TD cost Arizona the game. You couldn't imagine this defeat if you attempted. Since this, and their previous two losses, were on last-second kicks, there isn't much happiness in Glendale these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm confused. I'm completely baffled. That's a textbook example of losing. I'm not sure. It was unbelievable.”

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

MVP of the week

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, substituting for the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|