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We are beyond the quarter mark of the NFL season, which suggests we have a clear picture of the path of many franchises. So let’s celebrate the teams whose optimistic outlook have evaporated after the latest round of games. Keep in mind these might not be the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Titans and Cleveland 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 only winless team in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the final score indicates. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 team with no forced turnovers in NFL history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with infractions, giveaways, weak O-line performance, ineffective short-yardage play and uninspired coaching. Amazingly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that didn't suffice this has been going on for years: their playoff-less streak of 14 years is the longest in the NFL. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could last a long time.

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

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Admittedly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But 44-10 – the worst home loss in Ravens history – is embarrassing and even a star like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defensive unit, which in fairness has been blighted by injury, is godawful. Even worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a productive outing for the Texans' passer, the running back, and the rest.

Still, Jackson will probably return in the near future, they play in a less competitive division and their upcoming slate is favorable, so all hope is not lost. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have played with or sans Jackson, the confidence level is running on fumes.

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

Bengals Fall to 2-3

This one boils down to one moment: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in Week 2. Three weeks without Burrow has caused a trio of defeats. It’s hard to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and the talented wideout, performing well with nothing to show for it. Chase grabbed two huge touchdowns and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to an elite squad, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s O did the majority of their work once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s backup, Jake Browning, while notable in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three turnovers on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No team in football relies so heavily on the well-being of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow returns next season, if he can avoid injury. But merely a month into the present year, the schedule looks all but over for Cincinnati.

Misery rating: 6/10 – Once again, Bengals fans are left to wonder at what could have been.

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Let Maxx Crosby go, who continues to be a rare positive in a weird new era of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis was more proof of the poor combination of the signal-caller and the head coach in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a turnover machine, topping the NFL this season with nine turnovers. His two interceptions in the latest contest led to Indianapolis TDs. We’re not sure what the backup plan is, but the primary strategy – being all in on Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the current title holders. And of course, they have only been defeated twice in 22 contests. But between the star receiver and the other receiver expressing dissatisfaction with their positions, supporter grievances about their slow-moving attack and the city’s continued skepticism about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s breakdown was alarming: the Eagles lost a two-score advantage to Denver in the final period thanks to five penalties, an offense that faded horribly, and a defensive scheme that was beaten and outthought by the Broncos' coach. Stranger events have occurred. Nevertheless, they were on the end of some controversial calls and are sharing the leading standing in their NFC. Where are the smiles?

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

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than awful, but their humiliating 22-21 defeat to the previously winless Titans was badly executed. A fumble at the goal line from Emari Demercado, who assumed he had scored prematurely, followed by a botched interception that resulted in a Titans touchdown cost Arizona the game. You couldn't invent this loss if you attempted. Considering this, and their previous two losses, were on game-winning field goals, there can’t be much joy in Glendale these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm confused. I'm completely baffled. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I'm not sure. It was crazy.”

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

Player of the Week

Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. Dowdle, substituting for the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|