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We’re past the 25% point of the NFL season, which indicates we have a solid understanding of the path of most teams. So let’s examine the teams whose positive energy have vanished after the latest round of games. Remember these aren’t necessarily the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are awful but are generally playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

New York Jets (0-5)

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the numbers imply. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defense, became the initial winless squad with no forced turnovers in league history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with infractions, turnovers, poor offensive line play, failed fourth-down attempts and uninspired coaching. Amazingly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that didn't suffice this has been happening for a long time: their playoff drought of 14 years is the league's lengthiest. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could persist indefinitely.

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

Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4

Sure, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 scoreline – the biggest home loss in franchise history – is embarrassing and even a star like Jackson can't overcome everything if his D, which in fairness has been plagued by health issues, is terrible. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a field day for CJ Stroud, the running back, and company.

Nevertheless, Jackson is expected back in the coming weeks, they play in a softer division and their upcoming slate is manageable, so all hope is not lost. But given how sloppy the Ravens have executed with or without Jackson, the optimism gauge is nearly depleted.

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

Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3

This situation stems from one moment: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the second week. Several weeks without Burrow has caused multiple setbacks. It’s almost painful to watch a pair of elite wideouts, the star receiver and the other starting receiver, doing their thing with nothing to show for it. Chase grabbed two major TDs and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to one of the league’s best teams, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s O did most of the damage once the game was out of reach. At the same time, Burrow’s stand-in, Jake Browning, while notable in the final period against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three picks on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No team in football relies so heavily on the health of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will highlight 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 this season, the campaign looks practically done for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Release Maxx Crosby, who remains one of the few good things in a strange period of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Colts was another demonstration of the poor combination of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the Nevada. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, ranking first this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in the fifth game produced Indianapolis TDs. It's unclear what Plan B is, but the current approach – being relying entirely on Smith – is a very painful watch.

Despair Index: 7/10 – Chip Kelly's offense requires immediate changes.

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the defending champions. And yes, they have lost just twice in 22 outings. But between the star receiver and the pass-catcher being disgruntled with their positions, supporter grievances about their underperforming O and the city’s continued skepticism about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Indeed, Sunday’s breakdown was worrisome: the Eagles blew a significant margin to Denver in the last quarter thanks to five penalties, an offense that faded horribly, and a defensive scheme that was pummeled and outsmarted by the opposing strategist. More surprising outcomes exist. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of questionable rulings and are tied for the leading standing in their conference. Why the long faces?

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 mediocre rather than miserable, but their humiliating 22-21 loss to the until-then winless Titans was poorly played. A turnover near the end zone from Emari Demercado, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown early, followed by a botched interception that led to a Tennessee score sank the Cardinals. You couldn't imagine this loss if you wanted to. Given that this, and their earlier setbacks, were on clutch field goals, there can’t be much joy in Arizona these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” Kyler Murray 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.”

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

Player of the Week

Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. Dowdle, substituting for the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|