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We have passed the quarter mark of the professional football season, which suggests we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s celebrate the teams whose good vibes have vanished after Week 5. Remember these are not exactly the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are terrible but are generally playing as expected) 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 epitomize football suffering. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in Week 1. 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’ presumed asset, their defense, became the first 0-5 unit with zero takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, turnovers, subpar blocking, failed fourth-down attempts and lackluster coaching. Incredibly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that wasn’t enough this has been happening for a long time: their playoff drought of 14 years is the longest in the NFL. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Certainly, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 blowout – the biggest home loss in team history – is shameful and even a star like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his D, which in fairness has been blighted by injury, is terrible. Even worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a big day for Houston's QB, the running back, and their teammates.

Still, Jackson should be back in the coming weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their upcoming slate is favorable, so there's still a chance. But considering how messy the Ravens have executed regardless of Jackson, the confidence level is close to empty.

Misery rating: 6/10 - The Steelers probably won’t run away with the division.

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

The issue here is one incident: Burrow's year-ending ailment in Week 2. Three weeks without Burrow has caused a trio of defeats. It’s hard to watch two top pass-catchers, the star receiver and the talented wideout, doing their thing with nothing to show for it. Chase grabbed a pair of big scores and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to a top franchise, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the bulk of the scoring once the result was beyond doubt. Simultaneously, Burrow’s backup, the backup passer, while impressive in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No organization in football hinges on the well-being of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will point to the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow returns next year, if he can stay fit. But only five weeks into the present year, the season looks all but over for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Free Maxx Crosby, who is still one of the only bright spots in a weird new era of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis Colts was further evidence of the disastrous pairing of the quarterback and the sideline leader in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, ranking first this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in Week 5 resulted in Indianapolis TDs. We’re not sure what Plan B is, but Plan A – being fully committed to Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the current title holders. And admittedly, they have only been defeated twice in 22 contests. But amid the star receiver and the other receiver showing frustration with their positions, supporter grievances about their slow-moving attack and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Yes, Sunday’s meltdown was alarming: the Eagles blew a significant margin to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to several infractions, an attack that vanished, and a Vic Fangio defense that was beaten and outthought by the opposing strategist. Crazier things have happened. Still, they were on the receiving side of questionable rulings and are tied for the leading standing in their conference. Where are the smiles?

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

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than miserable, but their embarrassing 22-21 defeat to the formerly victory-less Titans was badly executed. A turnover near the end zone from Emari Demercado, who assumed he had scored early, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that resulted in a Titans touchdown sank the Cardinals. You couldn't invent this setback if you wanted to. Since this, and their earlier setbacks, were on last-second kicks, there isn't much happiness in Arizona these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm confused. I really don’t even know. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I don’t know. It was crazy.”

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

MVP of the week

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