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We have passed the quarter mark of the professional football season, which means we have a clear picture of the direction of the majority of squads. So let’s highlight the teams whose optimistic outlook have disappeared after the latest round of games. Remember these might not be the most terrible squads in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are largely playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their D, became the first 0-5 unit with no forced turnovers in NFL history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with flags, turnovers, poor offensive line play, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Somehow the Jets are declining each game. If that didn't suffice this has been going on for years: their postseason absence of over a decade is the most extended in football. And with a controversial franchise head 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 simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 scoreline – the most lopsided home defeat in franchise history – is shameful and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his defense, which in fairness has been ravaged by injuries, is awful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a productive outing for CJ Stroud, the running back, and the rest.

Nevertheless, Jackson will probably return in the coming weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their upcoming slate is soft, so all hope is not lost. But considering how messy the Ravens have played regardless of Jackson, the confidence level is close to empty.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

This situation stems from a single play: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the early season. A trio of games without Burrow has resulted in three losses. It’s hard to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Cincinnati's WR1 and Tee Higgins, performing well with nothing to show for it. Chase caught two major TDs and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to one of the league’s best teams, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did most of the damage once the outcome was decided. Simultaneously, Burrow’s backup, the substitute QB, while notable in the last quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three turnovers on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No organization in football hinges on the fitness of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will point to the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow returns next season, if he can remain healthy. But only five weeks into the current campaign, the campaign 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

Release Maxx Crosby, who is still a rare positive in a weird new era of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was further evidence of the poor combination of Geno Smith and the head coach in the desert. Smith has been a giveaway factory, topping the NFL this season with nine turnovers. His two interceptions in the latest contest led to Indianapolis TDs. It's unclear what the alternative is, but the current approach – being all in 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)

Indeed, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And of course, they have lost just twice in 22 outings. But amid the star receiver and the other receiver expressing dissatisfaction with their situations, followers' criticism about their underperforming O and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Indeed, Sunday’s meltdown was alarming: the Eagles squandered a significant margin to Denver in the final period thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a Vic Fangio defense that was beaten and outthought by the Broncos' coach. Stranger events have occurred. Still, they were on the end of some controversial calls and are tied for the leading standing in their conference. What happened to the joy?

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 loss to the formerly victory-less 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 fumbled Cardinals interception that ended in a opposing TD did Arizona in. You couldn't invent this loss if you attempted. Since this, and their previous two losses, were on last-second kicks, there is little celebration in Glendale these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm confused. I truly don't understand. That's Football Mistakes 101. I'm not sure. It was crazy.”

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

Player of the Week

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. The ball carrier, filling in for the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|