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

New York Jets (0-5)

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard game-winner 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 numbers imply. The Jets’ supposed strength, their D, became the first 0-5 unit with no forced turnovers in league history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with infractions, turnovers, weak O-line performance, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Somehow the Jets are declining each game. If that wasn’t enough this has been a recurring issue: their postseason absence of 14 seasons is the longest in the NFL. And with one of the worst owners 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 tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 scoreline – the biggest home loss in team history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his defensive unit, 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 productive outing for CJ Stroud, the Browns' star, and company.

However, Jackson will probably return in the next few weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their remaining schedule is manageable, so optimism remains. But given how sloppy the Ravens have played with or without Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This one boils down to a single play: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the second week. Several weeks without Burrow has led to 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 caught two huge touchdowns and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to a top franchise, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the majority of their work once the outcome was decided. Simultaneously, Burrow’s stand-in, the substitute QB, while impressive in the last quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three interceptions on Sunday doomed the Bengals.

No franchise in football hinges on the well-being of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will note the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow is back next year, if he can stay fit. But merely a month into the current campaign, the season 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

Free Maxx Crosby, who is still a rare positive in a strange period of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis was more proof of the ill-fated union of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the desert. Smith has been a giveaway factory, topping the NFL this season with nine picks. His two turnovers in the latest contest led to Indianapolis touchdowns. We’re not sure what the alternative is, but Plan A – being fully committed to Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

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

Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And admittedly, they have lost just twice in 22 outings. But amid the wideout and DeVonta Smith being disgruntled with their positions, fan complaints about their underperforming O and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s collapse was worrisome: the Eagles blew a 14-point lead to Denver in the final period thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a Vic Fangio defense that was dominated and outcoached by Sean Payton. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the end of some controversial calls and are sharing the best record in their league. What happened to the joy?

Misery rating: 3/10 - The vibes may be off but the Eagles will reach the postseason again.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than miserable, but their shameful 22-21 setback to the previously winless 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 Tennessee score did Arizona in. You couldn’t concoct this setback if you tried. Since this, and their earlier setbacks, were on last-second kicks, there can’t be much joy in Arizona these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I truly don't understand. That's Football Mistakes 101. I'm not sure. It was insane.”

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

Top Performer

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