New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens … Philadelphia Eagles? Who is feeling the worst after the first five weeks of the NFL season?

We have passed the 25% point of the National Football League campaign, which means we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s examine the teams whose positive energy have evaporated after Week 5. Keep in mind these might not be 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 most disappointing.

New York Jets: Winless at 0-5

The only winless team in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a clutch 60-yard kick 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 far more lopsided than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defense, became the first 0-5 team with no takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with flags, mistakes, poor offensive line play, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Somehow the Jets are declining each game. If that wasn’t enough this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of 14 years is the most extended in football. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could continue for years.

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 Ravens history – is embarrassing and even a talent like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his D, which to be fair has been plagued by health issues, is awful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a big day for the Texans' passer, the running back, and company.

However, Jackson will probably return in the coming weeks, they play in a softer division and their remaining schedule is favorable, so there's still a chance. But considering how messy the Ravens have executed regardless of Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

The issue here is one moment: Burrow's year-ending ailment in Week 2. A trio of games without Burrow has resulted in a trio of defeats. It’s difficult to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Cincinnati's WR1 and the talented wideout, doing their thing with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed two major TDs and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to an elite squad, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the bulk of the scoring once the result was beyond doubt. At the same time, Burrow’s backup, Jake Browning, while impressive in the final period against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three turnovers on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No team in football depends so much on the health of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow comes back next season, if he can remain healthy. But just five games into the present year, the schedule looks practically done for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Release Maxx Crosby, who is still one of the few good things in a weird new era of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis Colts was more proof of the ill-fated union of the signal-caller and Pete Carroll in the desert. Smith has been a turnover machine, topping the NFL this season with nine interceptions. His two interceptions in Week 5 led to Indianapolis touchdowns. We’re not sure what the backup plan is, but the primary strategy – being fully committed to Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the current title holders. And admittedly, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 games. But between the wideout and DeVonta Smith showing frustration with their situations, fan complaints about their underperforming O and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s meltdown was alarming: the Eagles lost a significant margin to Denver in the final period thanks to several infractions, an attack that vanished, and a D that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. However, they were on the receiving side of some controversial calls and are sharing the top mark in their NFC. 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 average rather than terrible, but their humiliating 22-21 setback to the previously winless Titans was poorly played. A turnover near the end zone from the ball carrier, who assumed he had scored too soon, followed by a botched interception that led to a opposing TD sank the Cardinals. You couldn't invent this loss if you tried. Considering this, and their earlier setbacks, were on clutch field goals, there isn't much happiness in Cardinals territory these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I truly don't understand. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I'm not sure. It was unbelievable.”

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

MVP of the week

Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. Dowdle, filling in for the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|