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We’re past the 25% point of the National Football League campaign, which suggests we have a clear picture of the path of the majority of squads. So let’s examine the teams whose positive energy have evaporated after the fifth week. Remember these might not be the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are largely playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.

New York Jets (0-5)

The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their D, became the first 0-5 unit with no takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, mistakes, poor offensive line play, failed fourth-down attempts and lackluster 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 longest in the NFL. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Certainly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 blowout – the biggest home loss in franchise history – is shameful and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his D, which to be fair has been ravaged by injuries, is godawful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for CJ Stroud, the running back, and their teammates.

Nevertheless, Jackson will probably return in the coming weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their remaining schedule is favorable, so optimism remains. But given how sloppy the Ravens have executed regardless of Jackson, the confidence level is close to empty.

Suffering Score: 6/10 - The AFC North remains up for grabs.

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This situation stems from a single play: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the second week. Several weeks without Burrow has caused three losses. It’s difficult to watch two of the league’s best receivers, the star receiver and Tee Higgins, doing their thing with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed a pair of big scores and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to one of the league’s best teams, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the majority of their work once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s backup, Jake Browning, while notable in the last quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three picks on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No franchise in football depends so much on the well-being of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will note the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow is back next season, if he can stay fit. But merely a month into the current campaign, the schedule looks all but over for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who is still one of the few good things in a unusual time of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis Colts was further evidence of the ill-fated union of the signal-caller and the head coach in the Nevada. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, leading the league this season with nine interceptions. His two turnovers in the latest contest led to Indianapolis TDs. We’re not sure what the backup plan is, but the primary strategy – being relying entirely on Smith – is a very painful watch.

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

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Certainly, they’re the current title holders. And yes, they have lost just twice in 22 contests. But between the star receiver and DeVonta Smith being disgruntled with their positions, fan complaints about their underperforming O and the local doubt about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Indeed, Sunday’s breakdown was concerning: the Eagles blew a significant margin to Denver in the final period thanks to five penalties, an attack that vanished, and a Vic Fangio defense that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the end of questionable rulings and are equal with the leading standing in their conference. What happened to the joy?

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

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than awful, but their shameful 22-21 defeat to the formerly victory-less Titans was incompetent. A turnover near the end zone from the ball carrier, who assumed he had scored too soon, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that ended in a opposing TD did Arizona in. You couldn’t concoct this setback if you wanted to. Considering this, and their earlier setbacks, were on game-winning field goals, 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 truly don't understand. That's a textbook example of losing. I can't explain. It was insane.”

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

Player of the Week

Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. The ball carrier, substituting for the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|