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We are beyond the first quarter of the NFL season, which indicates we have a clear picture of the direction of most teams. So let’s celebrate the teams whose positive energy have evaporated after the latest round of games. Note that these are not exactly the worst teams in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are terrible but are generally playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been crushing setbacks, 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 beating to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the score suggests. The Jets’ supposed strength, their D, became the initial winless squad with no takeaways in professional football annals. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with flags, turnovers, weak O-line performance, lack of fourth-down execution and poor sideline leadership. Somehow the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that didn't suffice this has been happening for a long time: their playoff drought of 14 seasons is the longest in the NFL. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could continue for years.

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

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Admittedly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But 44-10 – the worst home loss in franchise history – is embarrassing and even a star like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defense, which in fairness has been ravaged by injuries, is terrible. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a field day for CJ Stroud, Nick Chubb, and the rest.

However, Jackson will probably return in the next few weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their remaining schedule is soft, so there's still a chance. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have performed with or sans Jackson, the hope-o-meter is close to empty.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This situation stems from one incident: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the second week. Three weeks without Burrow has caused multiple setbacks. It’s difficult to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Cincinnati's WR1 and Tee Higgins, performing well with little to celebrate. Chase hauled in a pair of big scores and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to one of the league’s best teams, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offense did the bulk of the scoring once the game was out of reach. Meanwhile, Burrow’s stand-in, Jake Browning, while impressive in the last quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three picks on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No team in football relies so heavily on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will point to the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow comes back the following campaign, if he can stay fit. But merely a month into the current campaign, the season looks practically done for Cincinnati.

Suffering Score: 6/10 – Bengals supporters are again pondering what might have been.

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Release Maxx Crosby, who is still one of the only bright spots in a weird new era of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis Colts was another demonstration of the ill-fated union of Geno Smith and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a giveaway factory, leading the league this season with nine picks. His two interceptions in the latest contest resulted in Indianapolis TDs. We’re not sure what Plan B is, but Plan A – being fully committed to Smith – is a very painful watch.

Suffering Score: 7/10 – Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must adjust quickly.

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the current title holders. And yes, they have lost just twice in 22 games. But among the wideout and the other receiver showing frustration with their positions, supporter grievances about their sluggish offense and the local doubt about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Indeed, Sunday’s collapse was worrisome: the Eagles blew a two-score advantage to Denver in the last quarter thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a defensive scheme that was dominated and outcoached by the opposing strategist. More surprising outcomes exist. Nevertheless, they were on the subject to debated officiating and are equal with the leading standing in their league. What happened to the joy?

Suffering Score: 3/10 - The atmosphere might be negative but Philadelphia will make the playoffs.

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are mediocre rather than terrible, but their embarrassing 22-21 loss to the formerly victory-less Titans was badly executed. A turnover near the end zone from the running back, who assumed he had scored too soon, followed by a botched interception that ended in a Tennessee score sank the Cardinals. You couldn't imagine this setback if you wanted to. Since this, and their prior defeats, were on game-winning field goals, there isn't much happiness in Cardinals territory these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm confused. I'm completely baffled. That's Football Mistakes 101. I don’t know. It was crazy.”

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

MVP of the week

Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. The ball carrier, replacing the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|