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We have passed the 25% point of the NFL season, which means we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s examine the teams whose good vibes have evaporated after Week 5. Note that these aren’t necessarily the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are mostly 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 fit every criteria for despair. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard winning field goal 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 much less competitive than the final score indicates. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 unit with no forced turnovers in professional football annals. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties, turnovers, poor offensive line play, ineffective short-yardage play and uninspired coaching. Amazingly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that didn't suffice this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of 14 years is the longest in the NFL. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could last a long time.

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

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Sure, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 scoreline – the worst home loss in franchise history – is shameful and even a player of Jackson's caliber isn’t going to tip the scales if his defense, which to be fair has been plagued by health issues, is awful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a big day for the Texans' passer, the Browns' star, and company.

However, Jackson is expected back in the near future, they play in a relatively weak division and their upcoming slate is soft, so there's still a chance. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have performed regardless of Jackson, the hope-o-meter is close to empty.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This situation stems from one moment: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the second week. A trio of games without Burrow has resulted in a trio of defeats. It’s difficult to watch two top pass-catchers, Cincinnati's WR1 and Tee Higgins, making plays with nothing to show for it. Chase grabbed two huge touchdowns and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to an elite squad, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offense did most of the damage once the result was beyond doubt. Simultaneously, Burrow’s replacement, the backup passer, while impressive in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three interceptions on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No team in football depends so much on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will note the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow comes back the following campaign, if he can stay fit. But just five games into this season, the season looks practically done 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 few good things in a weird new era of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis was more proof of the ill-fated union of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, topping the NFL this season with nine picks. His two interceptions in the latest contest resulted in Indianapolis TDs. Nobody knows what Plan B 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.

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Yes, they’re the current title holders. And yes, they have lost just twice in 22 outings. But amid the star receiver and DeVonta Smith being disgruntled with their situations, fan complaints about their sluggish offense and the local doubt about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. True, Sunday’s collapse was alarming: the Eagles squandered a significant margin to Denver in the last quarter thanks to five penalties, an attack that vanished, and a D that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the subject to debated officiating and are equal with the best record in their league. What happened to the joy?

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 terrible, but their shameful 22-21 setback to the formerly victory-less Titans was incompetent. A turnover near the end zone from the ball carrier, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown too soon, followed by a botched interception that led to a Titans touchdown did Arizona in. You couldn't invent this setback if you attempted. Considering this, and their prior defeats, were on game-winning field goals, there is little celebration in Cardinals territory these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I don’t even know. I'm completely baffled. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I can't explain. It was crazy.”

Despair Index: 3/10 – Is Murray the long-term answer?

Player of the Week

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