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We are beyond the first quarter of the National Football League campaign, which means we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of most teams. So let’s highlight the teams whose good vibes 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 Cleveland Browns, for example, are awful but are largely playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

New York Jets (0-5)

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their D, became the first 0-5 unit with no takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with infractions, mistakes, poor offensive line play, ineffective short-yardage play and uninspired coaching. Amazingly the Jets are declining each game. If that wasn’t enough this has been happening for a long time: their playoff-less streak of 14 seasons is the league's lengthiest. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could last a long time.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Admittedly, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 scoreline – the worst home loss in Ravens history – is humiliating and even a star like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his defensive unit, which in fairness has been plagued by health issues, is terrible. Even worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a big day for the Texans' passer, the Browns' star, and their teammates.

Nevertheless, Jackson will probably return in the coming weeks, they play in a softer division and their upcoming slate is soft, so optimism remains. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have executed regardless of Jackson, the optimism gauge is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

The issue here is one moment: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the second week. A trio of games without Burrow has resulted in multiple setbacks. It’s difficult to watch two top pass-catchers, the star receiver and the talented wideout, doing their thing with no positive results. Chase hauled in 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 game was out of reach. At the same time, Burrow’s stand-in, the backup passer, while impressive in the final period against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three interceptions on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No organization in football hinges on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow is back the following campaign, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into the present year, the campaign looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Let Maxx Crosby go, who continues to be one of the few good things in a weird new era of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis was another demonstration of the poor combination of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a turnover machine, leading the league this season with nine interceptions. His two interceptions in the latest contest resulted in Indianapolis touchdowns. We’re not sure what Plan B is, but Plan A – being relying entirely on Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And admittedly, they have lost just twice in 22 games. But amid the star receiver and the other receiver being disgruntled with their roles, supporter grievances about their slow-moving attack and the local doubt about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s breakdown was alarming: the Eagles squandered a 14-point lead to Denver in the last quarter thanks to several infractions, an attack that vanished, and a defensive scheme that was dominated and outcoached by the Broncos' coach. Crazier things have happened. Still, they were on the receiving side of some controversial calls and are equal with the best record in their NFC. 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 defeat to the until-then winless Titans was poorly played. A turnover near the end zone from the running back, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown too soon, followed by a botched interception that resulted in a Tennessee score cost Arizona the game. You couldn’t concoct this defeat if you tried. Considering this, and their earlier setbacks, were on game-winning field goals, there can’t be much joy in Cardinals territory these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I don’t even know. I truly don't understand. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I'm not sure. It was crazy.”

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

Player of the Week

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. The running back, substituting for the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|