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We have passed the 25% point of the National Football League campaign, which indicates we have a solid understanding of the direction of many franchises. So let’s celebrate the teams whose optimistic outlook have vanished 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 terrible but are largely playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

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 nailing a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the final score indicates. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 unit with zero takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with infractions, mistakes, poor offensive line play, ineffective short-yardage play and uninspired coaching. Incredibly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that wasn’t enough this has been a recurring issue: their playoff-less streak of 14 seasons is the league's lengthiest. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could last a long time.

Misery rating: 9/10 – How long is Aaron Glenn’s leash?

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Certainly, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But 44-10 – the worst home loss in Ravens history – is shameful and even a star like Jackson can't overcome everything if his D, which in fairness has been blighted by injury, is godawful. Even worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a field day for Houston's QB, Nick Chubb, and the rest.

Still, Jackson should be back in the next few weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their upcoming slate is soft, so all hope is not lost. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have performed with or without Jackson, the confidence level is running on fumes.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This one boils down to one moment: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the second week. Three weeks without Burrow has resulted in multiple setbacks. It’s difficult to watch two of the league’s best receivers, the star receiver and the other starting receiver, doing their thing with no positive results. Chase grabbed two huge touchdowns and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to one of the league’s best teams, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the majority of their work once the game was out of reach. At the same time, Burrow’s replacement, the backup passer, while impressive in the last quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three turnovers on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No franchise in football relies so heavily on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will point to the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow returns next season, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into this season, the schedule looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who is still a rare positive in a weird new era of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Colts was another demonstration of the poor combination of Geno Smith and the sideline leader in the desert. Smith has been a giveaway factory, leading the league this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in the latest contest resulted in Indianapolis scores. It's unclear what the alternative is, but the current approach – being all in 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)

Yes, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And of course, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 outings. But among AJ Brown and the other receiver showing frustration with their situations, supporter grievances about their underperforming O and the city’s continued skepticism about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Yes, Sunday’s meltdown was concerning: the Eagles squandered a 14-point lead to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a D that was dominated and outcoached by the opposing strategist. Stranger events have occurred. However, they were on the subject to some controversial calls and are tied for the top mark in their conference. Where are the smiles?

Despair Index: 3/10 - Despite the mood, the Eagles are playoff-bound.

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are average rather than terrible, but their embarrassing 22-21 defeat to the until-then winless Titans was incompetent. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who assumed he had scored early, followed by a muffed pick that led to a opposing TD did Arizona in. You couldn’t concoct this setback if you tried. Considering this, and their earlier setbacks, were on game-winning field goals, there is little celebration in Arizona these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I'm completely baffled. That's a textbook example of losing. I can't explain. It was unbelievable.”

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

Top Performer

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